AI Austria is an independent, open, and non-profit think tank and network organisation for artificial intelligence in Austria. We create a platform for exchange, coordination, and collaboration across research, business, education, public institutions, and civil society.
Our goal is to strengthen the responsible, effective, and future-oriented use of AI in Austria. We want to help position Austria as a visible and competitive AI location in Europe by connecting people, supporting initiatives, and contributing to informed public and policy debate.
Our mission
We promote AI as a force for innovation, competitiveness, education, and social progress. At the same time, we encourage a transparent and critical discussion about the risks, limits, and responsibilities that come with AI. Our guiding principle is simple: AI should serve people, responsibly and transparently, and create value for society and the economy.
What independence means
AI Austria acts without party-political alignment and without representing the interests of a single company or institution.
Our role is to connect perspectives, surface relevant issues, and strengthen the Austrian AI ecosystem as a whole.
No single-company or party-political agenda
We work to strengthen the wider Austria AI ecosystem
How we work
We build communities, support knowledge exchange, highlight opportunities, convene stakeholders, and develop initiatives that make AI in Austria easier to discover, understand, and engage with.
Governance
AI Austria is led by its board, supported by an expert network and numerous volunteers across Austria. Together, they shape the organisation’s strategic direction, communities, and initiatives.
Chairperson
Clemens is founder and initiator of AI Austria, CEO of enliteAI, and host of the Wasner + Steinschaden - Der KI-Podcast. He publishes the Austrian AI Landscape and has been driving ecosystem and policy initiatives at the national and EU levels for many years (EAIF, former Vice President of Adra).
Secretary
Matthias is a leading automation expert and Head of Automation at i5invest. He combines software engineering, project management, and international business development. With 15 years of experience in Europe and Korea, he drives generative AI and cross-industry innovation. His global network connects investors, founders, and researchers, translating technological visions into scalable economic impact.
Vice-Chair
Stefan is the founder and initiator of AI Austria, as well as the co-founder and CEO of Otera. As Vice Chair, he remains committed to the founding vision of advancing AI as a unifying force between business, research, and society. His experience with the AI transformation of global corporations shapes his work to strengthen the Austrian and European AI ecosystems.
Research & Industry Lead
Catherine originally hails from the field of theoretical physics, specifically quantum computing and quantum simulation. After completing her Ph.D., she shifted her focus to AI. She currently works as a research scientist at Fraunhofer Austria, where she focuses on industrial applications of reinforcement learning and represents AI Austria at the European AI Forum.
Chief Science Officer
Andreas holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics and is Head of Computer Vision & AI at JOANNEUM RESEARCH. He bridges the gaps between science, politics, and industry and has expertise ranging from deep reinforcement learning to applied AI. He is also an international keynote speaker, consultant, and educator, and is committed to innovation-driven applications that make a real impact.
Head of Partnerships & GenAI
Ruben is founder and CEO of Klartext AI, an innovative AI service provider based in Vienna. After years of research on generative AI at the Fraunhofer Austria Institute, he is regarded as one of Austria’s leading voices in GenAI. He represents AI Austria on the European AI Forum, hosts the AI Austria Podcast, and oversees industry partnerships.
Treasurer & AI Literacy
Patrick Ratheiser is the Treasurer and co-editor of the AI Literacy Landscape Austria at AI Austria. As the founder of the AI pioneer Leftshift One, a university lecturer, and an AI keynote speaker, he promotes AI literacy as a key competency for business and society.
Members & Supporters
AI Austria is supported by a broad network of members, contributors, advisors, and supporters from across the Austrian AI ecosystem.
Membership
We welcome people and organizations who want to strengthen AI in Austria through exchange, collaboration, and responsible innovation.