Launch of New AI RealLab at USTP

With a new research focus, the Province of Lower Austria’s strengthens the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in its realm. Having been awarded provincial funding in the amount of approximately 600,000 euros – out of a total project volume of 1.2 million euros – the new AI RealLab at USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten plays a major role in this initiative. The lab was opened on Friday by Provincial Science Councillor and Deputy Provincial Governor Stephan Pernkopf together with USTP representatives.

USTP’s AI RealLab is home to the university’s most powerful AI applications. It combines infrastructure, expertise, and simulations – with the goal of shaping the future of AI together. As an open space of encounter, it strengthens the dialogue between science, business, and the wider public. It is a place designed for students, lecturers, and business partners to jointly develop innovative AI solutions – supported through professional infrastructure and an open space for exchange and inspiration.

New Laboratory: A Showcase and Driving Force for Innovation and Education in Lower Austria

“Today artificial intelligence is everywhere. It makes our lives easier – on our mobile phone, through GPS, or in medicine – but it also brings risks. We cannot choose whether or not AI is surrounding us. But we can choose how we apply, research, and develop it”, says Deputy Provincial Governor Stephan Pernkopf. According to him, AI must be designed to serve the people and be used responsibly. “We, the Province of Lower Austria, invest 6.35 million euros in an extensive AI research focus. This involves 20 study programmes dealing with AI, two endowed professorships on the topics of health and agriculture, and new research funding.” With an investment volume of 1.2 million euros, the AI RealLab in St. Pölten is at the heart of the initiative. The new lab is deemed a unique “showcase” revealing the risks and possibilities of AI and a “driver for innovation and education in Lower Austria”.

“Developing and testing AI methods in simulated real-life scenarios requires a flexible, high-performance, and scalable infrastructure. In addition, the increasing integration of AI technologies into work processes and everyday life requires the active involvement of users in the development process, in order to holistically test use cases and ensure a high level of acceptance”, says Marlies Temper, Academic Director of the bachelor degree programme Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and the master degree programme Data Intelligence at USTP.

RealLab for the Entire AI Life Cycle

The new AI RealLab provides a flexible infrastructure that supports the entire life cycle of AI development – from research and teaching to practical application. By offering dedicated spaces, services, and technical infrastructure, the facility enables the rapid and efficient development of AI applications as well as the execution of comprehensive tests which are also performed together with citizens who do not possess extensive IT expertise.

Thanks to the AI RealLab, USTP is able to sustainably strengthen research, development, and teaching in the field of artificial intelligence – thereby driving AI innovation in Lower Austria.

“The new AI RealLab is not only intended for our research and teaching activities. It is also meant to be an open space for citizens and businesses alike, making AI tangible and accessible,” says Temper.

Strength in AI Research

“Artificial intelligence is gaining increasing relevance and application in research, business, and society. This requires higher education institutions to efficiently integrate these forward-looking technologies into both teaching and research, and to support businesses and society in the application of AI. With the support of the Province of Lower Austria, we have created a key piece of infrastructure with the new AI RealLab. With this cutting-edge technology, we are at the forefront in the field of artificial intelligence,” says USTP CEO Johann Haag.

USTP is a strong research partner in the field of artificial intelligence and plays a significant role in shaping the development of AI topics and applications in Austria.

Currently, USTP is involved in 154 third-party funded projects, 25 of which are related to AI or machine learning. The revenues generated from these AI-related projects amount to just over 7.5 million euros. At present, more than 60 researchers at USTP are working on AI projects.

USTP is also in the process of establishing a large-scale computing and storage infrastructure which is likewise funded by the Province of Lower Austria.

Flagship projects in AI research at USTP focus, among other things, on

• training AI systems,
• developing trustworthy AI,
• applying AI in climate change adaptation and agriculture, and
• developing smart cities in Lower Austria.

USTP is also involved in leading nationwide Austrian networks for AI research. A central pillar in this context is USTP’s Center for Artificial Intelligence. A strong focus on AI is also planned at the European Campus Hainburg which is currently under development. USTP plays a leading role in establishing the campus – and another AI RealLab on site.

Center for Artificial Intelligence

Since 2023, USTP has been pooling its strengths in the field of artificial intelligence within the Center for Artificial Intelligence. This interdisciplinary collaboration makes it possible to develop unique solutions to key societal challenges as well as innovative applications for companies.

At the Center, researchers work on a broad range of topics, such as fake news detectors, tools for severe weather forecasting, or the application of AI in the healthcare sector for more accurate diagnoses as a basis for improved therapies.

Recognitions and Awards

The quality of this research is also reflected in the recognitions and awards received. Researchers of USTP have been honoured for their work in the field of AI with, among others, the Lower Austria Science Award 2025, the “Digital Humanism in Practice” Award 2026, and in previous years the Lower Austrian Innovation Award and the eAward. The award-winning projects include initiatives that improve gait analysis to support people, for example those suffering from knee osteoarthritis, or that help young people deal with hate speech and misinformation on social media.

Studying AI and Corporate Trainings

Two degree programmes at USTP are specifically dedicated to artificial intelligence:

• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (BA)
  
• Data Intelligence (MA)

In addition, many other degree programmes provide training in the application of AI and its methods or have integrated these aspects into their curricula, including:

• Creative Computing (BA)
• IT Security (BA)
• Cyber Security and Resilience (MA)
• Digital Innovation & Research (MA)
• Information Security (MA)
• Digital Healthcare (MA)

Beyond academic degree programmes, USTP also offers initial and continuing education opportunities in AI and digitalisation for companies, for example through the Lower Austrian House of Digitalisation or the Digital Innovation Hub Ost.

Further Information:

• AI RealLab
• Center for Artificial Intelligence at USTP
• Press release of the province of Lower Austria on the opening of the AI RealLab (in German)

For more information on studying and research in the field of AI at USTP, please refer to ustp.at and research.ustp.at.