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3D Drucker — © Christian Vorhofer / Westend61

Austria's Love of Inventing and Tinkering

Most people are aware that the Sacher torte comes from Vienna. But there are many more important inventions from Austria that have conquered the world.

Did you know that ….

After a few prototypes which had already been in existence in the early 19th century, he built various wooden typewriter models from 1864 onwards. The inventor had been working on the development of a typewriter for several years. With the fifth model, he then wrote the first real letter which has survived to this day.

...the Tyrolean Peter Mitterhofer had a lasting influence on computer keyboards with his invention?

Inventiveness

This thirst for invention is still present in Austrians today. As patent figures show, Austrians are particularly active in researching and developing future technologies such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing and robotics. Patent applications for their industrial application have more than tripled since 2010. In some areas, including energy-saving technologies, data management and robotics, patent applications from Austria have increased sixfold since 2010.

A total of 2,272 inventions were registered with the Austrian Patent Office in 2025. The number one federal state is still Upper Austria - with 496 inventions. Second and third place go to Styria and Vienna. An inventor is most likely to be found in Vorarlberg - it ranks first in terms of the number of inventions per inhabitant. The largest patent applicant at the Austrian Patent Office is the company AVL List with 179 registered inventions, followed by Julius Blum with 105 and Siemens Mobility Austria with 32 invention applications each.