21.09.2026

BioPower from Krumbach, together with Terra Flow Systems, is the "digi4Wirtschaft" Project of the Year 2026.

Funding program showcases digitalization – BioPower wins public vote – media campaign to continue. Tulln, September 21, 2026: The "digi4Wirtschaft" project of the year 2026 has been determined: BioPower GmbH won the public vote with its project at the Retz site. BioPower secured first place, garnering 29.6 percent of the votes cast. J. u. A. Frischeis from Stockerau followed in second place with 24.6 percent, while HAAS Garten-, Dach- und Landschaftsbau from Aschbach-Markt took third place with 17 percent. Throughout the summer, interested parties were able to vote for their favorite among twelve featured digitalization projects at www.abstimmungdigi4wirtschaft.at.

From left to right: WKNÖ President Wolfgang Ecker, Robert Schweizer (Managing Director of BioPower GmbH), Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner

The twelve projects up for selection originated from the *digi4Wirtschaft* funding initiative—a joint effort by the State of Lower Austria and the Lower Austrian Economic Chamber—which supported them in implementing their digitalization plans. To showcase concrete examples from the initiative, the projects were subsequently presented in a media campaign conducted in partnership with the *Haus der Digitalisierung* (House of Digitalization).

"Digitalization is successful when it creates tangible added value for a business. The winning project by BioPower impressively demonstrates how digital technologies help use resources more efficiently while simultaneously developing sustainable solutions for the future. It is precisely this innovative spirit that we aim to support and highlight through *digi4Wirtschaft*," emphasizes Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.

When energy is generated from organic waste

Digitalization within the biogas sector is a key focus for Austria’s largest biogas producer, BioPower GmbH, based in Krumbach. The company produces biogas from organic waste, renewable raw materials, and organic residues at three sites in northern Lower Austria. At the Retz facility, for instance, up to 50 sensors continuously collect data throughout the entire production process.

The resulting information is processed using a custom-developed ERP system—technology that is now being further developed by the spin-off company Terra Flow Systems GmbH. The software was designed specifically for biogas and biomethane plants, as well as facilities utilizing cascading use models. It analyzes factors such as raw material input volumes, process parameters, and the quality of the gas produced; it continuously evaluates operational data to derive concrete recommendations for more efficient and stable plant operation.

This enables BioPower to plan raw material composition with greater precision, automate workflows, and continuously optimize the production process. At the same time, it generates transparent and reliable data that serves as a crucial foundation for audits and certifications. The digital solution from Terra Flow Systems also supports the next stage of development: in the future, the biogas produced will be upgraded to biomethane and fed directly into the existing gas grid.

"We are delighted to have been named the 'digi4Wirtschaft' Project of the Year. Digitalization gives us the opportunity to understand and manage our processes much more precisely. By using continuously collected data, we can utilize raw materials more efficiently, specifically optimize gas quality, and simultaneously lay the groundwork for future biomethane injection. This award is a wonderful validation for our team and the path we have chosen," says Robert Schweizer, Managing Director of BioPower GmbH.

digi4Wirtschaft supports digital transformation

Through the "digi4Wirtschaft" funding initiative, the State of Lower Austria and the Lower Austrian Economic Chamber support local businesses in implementing concrete digitalization projects.

"digi4Wirtschaft has demonstrated that specific operational challenges can give rise to innovative projects that boost efficiency, competitiveness, and future-readiness. Many companies already have concrete ideas on how to leverage digitalization for their operations. We are happy to support them—from the initial concept to market implementation—through our TIP (Technology and Innovation Partners) network. The winning project, BioPower, is just one of many excellent examples of the enormous potential that exists in Lower Austria. The projects showcased here clearly illustrate how deeply digitalization has taken root across the Lower Austrian business landscape," explains Wolfgang Ecker, President of the Lower Austrian Economic Chamber.

Media campaign continues with twelve additional projects

Building on this funding initiative, the State of Lower Austria and the Lower Austrian Economic Chamber—in collaboration with the "Haus der Digitalisierung" (House of Digitalization)—launched an accompanying media campaign to showcase the companies and their digital solutions through media features and video profiles.

This media campaign will continue in the coming months, highlighting further funded projects. Once again, the focus is on concrete applications from Lower Austrian companies and the benefits that digitalization, data, and artificial intelligence deliver in day-to-day business operations.

This latest round highlights specific examples from the funding initiative and showcases digitalization solutions implemented by Lower Austrian businesses.

Further information is available at www.digi4wirtschaft.at and www.virtuelleshaus.at.