ACHTORAGE Court criticizes ZAT GmbH: Malfunctions and missing goals!

ACHTORAGE Court criticizes ZAT GmbH: Malfunctions and missing goals!

in Leoben moves something in the funding landscape for innovative companies! On July 18, 2025, the performance of the Center for Applied Technology Leoben GmbH (ZAT GmbH) was taken under a close look at a report by the Court of Justice. ZAT GmbH, which has been active by the Montan University and the municipality of Leoben since its foundation in 1999, has set itself the goal of supporting innovative projects and companies in developing new products and services.

The funding focuses in particular on start-up companies. In order to receive support, the funded companies must convince a jury and sign a funding contract. ZAT GmbH not only offers grants and interest -free loans, but also workshops and individual coaching during the funding phase. A real advantage for everyone who wants to start entrepreneurial independence!

numbers and facts about ZAT GmbH

Despite the ambitious destinations, ZAT GmbH also had to accept setbacks. The Court of Auditors found that the goals were only partially achieved or were not at all ambitious enough. In addition, there is a defective report and documentation of the results. For example, essential key figures, such as the number of jobs created, are missing. All of this raises questions about the economic and financial Situation. The financing is largely carried out by public funds, whereby the shareholders invest 120,000 euros annually in ZAT GmbH.

But what does it look financially? Between 2019 and 2023 there were annual shortfalls, with the largest 2023 cost 401,000 euros. That was more than the annual grants of the shareholders. In order to counteract this, the Court of Auditors recommends the identification of savings potential and the development of realistic and ambitious corporate goals.

recommendations for the future

to have ZAT GmbH work more effectively, a complete and understandable project documentation is necessary. It is also advisable to introduce a meaningful reporting system. These findings are the product of a comprehensive review that the Court of Auditors carried out in the period from October to December 2024, whereby the fiscal years 2019 to 2024 focused on.

ZAT GmbH still remains an important component in the Austrian innovation system. As a rule, institutions such as the ZAT are to be further strengthened by awarding the "recognized innovation center" of the BVIZ (Federal Association of Innovation Centers). Innovationszentren.de reports that over 30 member centers have already been audited and awarded with a quality predicate. This could also affect ZAT GmbH, because the recognition of such centers brings not only prestige, but also additional support in working with ministries.

Overall, it remains exciting to see how ZAT GmbH and the entire innovation landscape in Leoben will develop. After all, entrepreneurial initiatives and innovative ideas are the key to a dynamic and sustainable business location. The ZAT GmbH is available for further information.