29.07.2024

Innovation for the little ones

xista startups exhibit at the Vienna Technical Museum As part of the "Innovation Corner" exhibition series, the xista startups Syntropic Medical and VALANX Biotech are presenting their technologies at the Vienna Technical Museum. This exciting exhibition runs until December 2024 and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the future of medical technology firsthand.

Xista*

In tune with the times: Technical innovation for everyone

In a constantly changing world, new ideas and technological breakthroughs are crucial. The "Innovation Corner" exhibition format at the Vienna Technical Museum offers Austrian startups and innovative companies a platform to present their pioneering technologies.

Two startups from the xista innovation ecosystem, which is part of the Institute of Science and Technology (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg, were invited to participate. Their innovative approaches to treating depression and producing protein-based medications, along with eight other projects from the fields of medical technology and life sciences, will be on display at the Vienna Technical Museum until December.

New approaches to treating mental illness

In Europe, approximately 90 million people suffer from depression, a condition that places a significant burden on both those affected and society. Standard treatment usually involves antidepressants, but 50% of patients relapse or do not benefit from the medication at all.

Syntropic's eyeglass-like technology, on display at the museum, is based on light signals that send Morse code-like signals to the brain to form new connections between neurons. This process, known as neural plasticity, supports brain healing and addresses the root causes of psychiatric disorders such as depression. This innovation could offer a non-invasive, side-effect-free alternative to standard drug therapy in the future.

Xista*

Producing Medicines Easily and Safely

Proteins are the workhorses of biology and play a crucial role in all processes of the human body, from nutrient transport to disease control. In modern medicine, proteins are used, for example, to increase the retention time of chemical substances in the body or to transport active ingredients to diseased tissue.

The challenge lies in designing the connection between protein and drug – also known as conjugation – in a targeted and specific manner. At the museum, VALANX Biotech uses a video game to demonstrate this complex process and its innovation. By making small changes to the protein composition, the startup can standardize the previously almost uncontrollable conjugation process and thus enable controllable, reproducible production of protein-based medicines.

Xista*

Promoting Innovation in Austria

Innovation not only strengthens the economy, but also improves the quality of life for all of us and contributes to tackling global challenges. Factors such as accessible technology transfer and the provision of financial resources and infrastructure, as enabled by the xista ecosystem, promote innovation and support new ideas and technological breakthroughs. Early intervention through youth education, a strong research culture, and its communication in formats such as the "Innovation Corner" at the Vienna Technical Museum continue to contribute to Austria's culture of innovation.

Visit the exhibition at the Vienna Technical Museum and discover how Austrian startups are shaping the future of medical technology and thus making a significant contribution to solving global health problems.