SLAS Europe 2026 Unveils Twelve High-Growth Startups Selected for Prestigious Vienna Innovation Program

Meet the 12 startups selected for the SLAS Europe 2026 Innovation AveNEW program in Vienna, featuring top-tier laboratory automation and life sciences technology.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 4:46 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS)

A Strategic Launchpad for Life Science Innovators

The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) has officially identified the twelve startup companies that will comprise the Innovation AveNEW cohort for the upcoming Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition. Scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, from May 19-21, this program serves as a critical bridge between emerging technology developers and the international scientific community. By providing a dedicated space on the exhibition floor, SLAS ensures that these nascent firms can engage directly with high-level decision-makers and purchasing influencers hailing from more than 40 different countries. This localized focus within the broader exhibition is designed to accelerate the commercial trajectory of companies specializing in laboratory automation and screening technologies.

Financial and Professional Support for Emerging Ventures

To lower the barriers to entry for early-stage companies, SLAS provides a robust package of financial and professional incentives for the selected participants. The Society covers all exhibition fees, as well as travel and lodging expenses for a company representative, allowing startups to focus their limited capital on research and development. Beyond the physical exhibition space, the program includes access to tailored business consulting and mentorship, alongside exclusive promotional windows. According to SLAS representatives, the initiative also extends into the academic realm, as cohort members are invited to submit scientific manuscripts to the society's peer-reviewed, Gold open-access journals, SLAS Discovery and SLAS Technology, ensuring their innovations are documented within the permanent scientific record.

Rigorous Evaluation of Technical and Commercial Merit

The selection process for Innovation AveNEW is governed by a panel of experts who evaluate applicants based on a strict set of criteria centered on technical merit and commercial feasibility. Beyond the core science, the panel scrutinizes the strength of the management team, the clarity of the company’s vision, and the potential impact of their technology on the field of laboratory automation. This vetting process ensures that only those with a compelling market opportunity and scalable technology reach the exhibition floor. According to the Society, this high standard of entry maintains the...