A new stage of the Montalcini Global Biotech Tour took place yesterday in Vienna, within the framework of BIO-Europe 2025. The initiative is promoted by the Working Group for the Internationalisation of the Italian Biotechnology Sector, established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. The event in Austria was organised in partnership with the Embassy of Italy in Vienna and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA).
Following previous stops in San Francisco, Doha, Basel and Boston, the Vienna stage of the Montalcini Tour reaffirms Italy’s determination to consolidate its presence in the main international hubs devoted to science and biotechnology, while showcasing national excellence in research and innovation. Through the Montalcini Global Biotech Tour, MAECI, the Embassy, and ITA accompany Italian biotech companies participating in BIO-Europe Vienna, helping them to increase their international visibility and expand their opportunities for growth in global markets.
The Viennese event, entitled “Italian Biotech: Overview and collaborations with Austria”, featured contributions from Giovanni Pugliese, Ambassador of Italy to Austria; Sergio Strozzi, Counsellor at the Embassy and Head of Innovation, Technology and Startups at MAECI; Marica Nobile (Federchimica Assobiotech); Erica Rurali (Monzino Cardiology Hospital); and Klaus Weinberger (Health Hub Tirol).
In his remarks, Ambassador Pugliese noted that “the remarkable growth of the biotechnology sector in Italy is a source of great satisfaction, and that cooperation with Austria offers a concrete opportunity to further enhance national expertise and strengthen synergies with a highly advanced innovation ecosystem”. Counsellor Strozzi added that “Italy ranks fourth worldwide in terms of patents and is the second-largest pharmaceutical producer in Europe, with 52 research institutes and hospitals and 50 universities offering programmes in the life sciences”.
