"HER & AI": Successful launch at the House of Digitalization Around 200 participants on site – great interest in AI expertise, exchange and networking

From left to right: Julia Eisner, State Secretary Alexander Pröll, Vera Sares

(May 8, 2026) – The focus was on questions currently on the minds of many companies, educational institutions, and organizations: How can AI be used effectively? What skills will be needed in the future? And how can we ensure that women actively participate in shaping the digital transformation? Julia Eisner from Women in AI Austria provided a keynote address on AI competence as a crucial factor for a sovereign and competitive future. The program was complemented by panel discussions on New Work, education, and governance and ethics.

"Our nationwide initiative 'She goes AI' sends a clear signal: Women are not only welcome in the field of digitalization – they are wanted and actively needed. AI is fundamentally changing our economy and our society – and this change requires the perspectives, skills, and ideas of women. Austria is consciously setting an example here: We are shaping the digital future together," said State Secretary for Digitalization Alexander Pröll.

Wolfgang Ecker, President of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKNÖ), also sees the successful launch as a strong signal for the region's economic standing: "Lower Austria's economy needs female employees and entrepreneurs who understand new technologies and can apply them in practice. Artificial intelligence is about building knowledge, reducing apprehension, and making concrete applications visible. The event has demonstrated the great interest in and demand for such programs."

From left to right: Petra Schinnerl, Martina Saller, Lukas Reutterer, Silke Jülich, Viktoria Zischka, Michaela Vorlaufer, Martina Spitaler, Veronika Geyer, Alexander Pröll, Julia Eisner, Vera Sares, Julia Kaufmann, Anna Kofler, Cornelia Ertl, Claus Zeppelzauer

In addition to the expert insights, the event was used extensively for exchange and networking. Following the program, numerous conversations and networking opportunities provided space to share experiences, make contacts, and discuss concrete next steps. The positive atmosphere demonstrated that "HER & AI" addresses a topic that directly concerns and resonates with many women.

"Last night impressively confirmed the need for formats that impart knowledge, inspire courage, and facilitate exchange on equal footing. With 'HER & AI,' we want to support women in actively and responsibly integrating artificial intelligence into their daily work," emphasized Lukas Reutterer and Claus Zeppelzauer, Managing Directors of the ecoplus House of Digitalization.

Special thanks go to the involved networks and partners who support the format and contribute their expertise: ACP, Women in Business, the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce, Women in AI Austria, Austria's Energy Power Women, Zukunft.Frauen Alumnae Club, Microsoft, and the startup agency RIZ. They make a significant contribution to making AI skills visible, accessible, and practical.

Due to the high level of interest, the initiative is being further expanded. The current training program from Microsoft and Founders, "AI Skills 4 Woman," is now available as an on-demand video series at www.virtuelleshaus.at. In addition, the workshop "GenAI in Everyday Business – A Workshop Exclusively for Women," as well as other awareness events, are being offered at the ecoplus technology park locations in cooperation with the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Further events are already being planned.

You can find more information about upcoming offerings and events on our website at www.virtuelleshaus.at.