Austrian Innovations at EXPO 2025 in Osaka!

Already making travel plans for summer or autumn? Is Japan high on your bucket list? Then 2025 might be the perfect time to make that dream come true! During the warm season, Japan will host this year’s edition of the world-famous, digital and interactive exhibition known as the EXPO — an event that takes place every few years in a different country.

The theme of the 2025 World Expo is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” — showcasing innovative ideas and solutions that positively shape a responsible, sustainable future for our economy, environment, and society. Austria is presenting a wide range of groundbreaking projects in its very own pavilion.

Inside the Austrian Pavilion

OTOPLAN: software for pre-interventional otological planning prior to cochlear implantation ©MED-EL

More than 150 projects were submitted across ten categories — only just over half made it through the selection process. Many of the chosen projects focus on green technologies, tourism, and healthcare. Notably, three projects from Vienna’s universities will present exciting advancements in health and life sciences.

MED-EL, a global pioneer in cochlear implants, middle ear implants, and bone conduction systems, will proudly represent Austria at EXPO 2025. Among the showcased innovations are the latest developments in robotic-assisted surgery — HEARO, OTOARM, and OTODRIVE — as well as the groundbreaking OTOPLAN software for planning cochlear and BONEBRIDGE implantations. These presentations also provide a glimpse into current trends and future products in the field.

Courage and Openness to Innovation

All submitted projects were carefully evaluated by an expert jury from the worlds of business, science, and research. Key criteria included originality, creativity, long-term impact, social benefit, and contribution to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The final selection offers a snapshot of Austria’s impressive capacity for innovation.

Minister of Economics Martin Kocher at the presentation of the wooden sculpture for the Austrian Pavilion ©Expo Office of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce/APA-Photoservice/Ben Leitner

MED-EL presents its contributions in the “Space of Ideas” through a video feature. A special highlight took place on June 29: a panel discussion with Japanese experts on hearing health in Japan, followed by a small concert by MED-EL users.

“Austria is a land of ideas and a hub of innovation that actively shapes progress,” said Minister of Economy Martin Kocher at the project presentation in December 2024. “Proof of this includes Austria’s sixth-place ranking in EU innovation, its leading position in patent applications, and a research investment rate of 3.34%.”

WKÖ President Harald Mahrer also emphasized, “Innovation means driving change through new ideas and techniques. This requires courage and an openness to new things.” The success story of cochlear implants is a prime example of exactly that.

From the World Exhibition to Today’s EXPO

The World Exhibition tradition dates back to 1851, when London’s Hyde Park hosted the very first Great Exhibition — a showcase of technical and artistic achievements from around the world. Since then, this concept of international exhibitions — now called EXPO — has been repeated every one to three years under the name Exposition Universelle Internationale.

The 1873 Vienna World’s Fair left its mark with the famous rotunda in the Prater, which unfortunately burned down in 1937. Meanwhile, the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World Expo in Paris, still stands as one of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions.

A planned EXPO in Vienna and Budapest for 1995 was ultimately canceled following a negative referendum. Since 1928, the Bureau International des Expositions has been the official authority overseeing EXPO events, which typically run for three to six months.

The next World Expo will take place in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Austria’s contribution aims to serve as a platform for dialogue, showcasing the diversity and achievements of Austrian business and society. The project is financed 75% by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy and 25% by the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The next host countries will be Serbia in 2027 and Saudi Arabia in 2030.