Leoben – Two innovation powerhouses from Styria are joining forces: AT&S AG, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of IC substrates and high-end printed circuit boards, and Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria’s premier technical university for mineral resources, materials science, and sustainability, are deepening their long-standing partnership. Their shared goal is to develop next-generation solutions for the future of microelectronics – with a clear focus on sustainability, resource efficiency, and advanced materials.
AT&S and Montanuniversität have already collaborated successfully in the past. Now, in response to global challenges – from digital transformation and climate protection to securing technological sovereignty – they’re taking their partnership to the next level.
Next-level innovation
“We are facing major social and technological challenges. These can only be tackled through close cooperation between academia and industry,” says Peter Moser, Rector of Montanuniversität Leoben. “As a university dedicated to innovation, we see it as our responsibility to drive forward pioneering projects together with partners like AT&S.” AT&S CEO Michael Mertin adds: “Strong partnerships between tech companies and universities or research institutions are key to driving innovation. While academic institutions contribute deep expertise, creative approaches and fundamental research, we as a company offer practical insights, resources, and access to global markets. Together, this results in forward-looking projects, next-level innovation, and a fruitful exchange that not only promotes knowledge transfer but also makes a significant contribution to the economy, science, and society.”
The partnership will focus on research fields such as new materials for microelectronics, sustainable production processes, and efficient resource use in PCB manufacturing. Both sides benefit: the university contributes scientific excellence and creative problem-solving approaches, while AT&S brings industrial implementation expertise and global market experience.
“AT&S is one of the most exciting tech companies in the world, and we are proud to be driving innovation together, from Styria to the global stage,” says Moser. This expanded partnership is not only a win for research and industry, it also sends a strong message about Austria’s position as a hub for innovation. It drives regional growth, creates highly qualified jobs, and establishes Leoben as a hotspot for cutting-edge technological research.
AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft – Advanced Technologies & Solutions
AT&S is a leading global manufacturer of high-end IC substrates and printed circuit boards. AT&S industrializes leading-edge technologies for its core business segments Mobile Devices & Substrates, Automotive & Aerospace, Industrial and Medical and high-performance computing for VR and AI applications. AT&S has a global presence with production sites in Austria (Leoben, Fehring) as well as plants in India (Nanjangud) and China (Shanghai, Chongqing). In Malaysia (Kulim) a new high-end production site for IC substrates has been established, with high volume manufacturing starting in early 2025. In Leoben, AT&S built Europe’s first Competence Center for R&D and IC Substrate Production, which was opened in June 2025. Both sites started production in the financial year 2024/25. The company employs around 13,000 people worldwide. For further information please visit www.ats.net
Media contact
Gerald Reischl, Vice President Corporate Communications
Tel: +43 3842 200 4252; Mobile: +43 664 8859 2452; g.reischl(at)ats.net
AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft
Fabriksgasse 13
8700 Leoben / Austria
Media contact:
Mag. Christine Adacker
Press Spokeswoman, Technical University of Leoben
Phone: +43 664 80898 7224
Mail: christine.adacker@unileoben.ac.at
