Amstetten pulls the plug: Future Academy before the end!

Amstetten pulls the plug: Future Academy before the end!

In the Mostviertel region, there is a significant development: The city of Amstetten has decided to end the club membership at the “Future Academy”. The local council unanimously voted for this step, which City Councilor Doris Koch (VP) justified with the numerous changes within the innovation network. "Net for Future", which was launched seven years ago, combines the "Future Academy Mostviertel" and "Pfi - platform for innovation" and is involved in Amstetten and Waidhofen with around 10.04 percent. Managing Director Wolfgang Komatz did not see the exit of Amstettens as a setback, but the path leads to an uncertain future for the network, which sees itself as a national forum for promoting innovation and specialists.

The background is delicate: At the beginning of June, a renovation procedure for self -administration for the "Net for Future GmbH" at the St. Pölten regional court has been struggling with considerable financial difficulties. These result from pandeme -related loans and defaults that strain the health insurers. Now there are liabilities of around 250,000 euros. In addition to the challenge, about ten network partners were affected.

new perspectives in crisis management

Nevertheless, hope remains. And for good reasons: Despite the tense financial situation, the offer continues to be promoted by young talents. Every year, the initiatives reach over 5000 children and adolescents, especially at the Beta Campus in Waidhofen, where exciting training in the areas of digitization, sustainability and innovation are offered. Wolfgang Komatz emphasizes that the renovation is a necessary step towards long -term securing the network, even if the location in St. Pölten is to be closed at the end of June.

The two mayors, Christian Haberhauer from Amstetten and Werner Krammer from Waidhofen, are optimistic that the network can continue to play an important role in promoting innovation and talents. Both have already transferred more than 24,000 euros to the network in 2023, whereby similar support is planned for 2024.

What's next?

The first assembly of creditors is scheduled for July 29, and the renovation plans provide a repayment of only 30 percent of the open claims. Despite the challenging situation, 70 companies have already changed to a new roof, which indicates that the cooperation in the region will continue to be estimated, despite all the hurdles.

The network has set itself the goal of inspiring young people in natural sciences, technology and business with innovative initiatives. In order to achieve this, the already established formats and offers such as "Future Talents", "Future Skills" and "Future Solutions" remain. So what is on the table is more than just a reorganization - it is the chance to be grown to future challenges.

The next few months will be crucial to see how the fate of "Net for Future GmbH" will develop. With innovation and commitment, the network could perhaps emerge more than many think.

Information about the funding opportunities for networks can be found in detail on zim.de .