On August 1, 2025, Florian Brunner took over the management of 42 Vienna GmbH. Most recently, the experienced business IT specialist was responsible for building up the new 42 location in Wels.
42 Vienna is part of the global 42 network with over 50 locations on five continents-from Paris to São Paulo to Tokyo-and trains the IT specialists of tomorrow with an innovative peer-to-peer learning concept. The 42 network promotes global cooperation, continuous know-how transfer and the further development of the curricula along current technology and labor market trends.
“Despite economic uncertainties, the need for highly qualified IT specialists is unbroken. 42 offers training that promotes talents, strengthens the regional economy and contributes to the digital transformation of Austria”
, Florian Brunner explains. “The demands on employees: In addition to technical skills, in addition to technical skills, communication skills, teamwork, critical thinking and willingness to learn are increasingly increasing this change – creative minds with ethical judgment and system understanding are required. This is where the strength of 42 is the strength of the digital creators and digital transformation experts that not only serve tools, but also Designing digital change.
Brunner previously worked for Raiffeisenlandesbank Upper Austria and the Upper Austria Theater und Orchester GmbH in managerial functions – especially in the areas of sustainability, digitization and strategic development. The graduate of the JKU Linz and the Limak Austrian Business School brings more than 15 years of experience at the interface of education, economy and innovation. Since the beginning of 2024, it has been a significant impact on the transformation of 42 Vienna for an Austria -wide educational offer.
Andreas Gschwenter, CIO of Raiffeisen Bank International AG and chairman of the sponsoring association 42 Austria, also emphasized:
“42 Austria is a trendsetter for peer-topper formation in the IT area. In a constantly changing environment, we have to strengthen our skills for continuous learning and promote our curiosity. We put great expectations in this cooperation. be.”
A central milestone is the new campus 42 Wels, which is to start with the support of leading partners and sponsors such as Fronius, Pierer Innovation, the Raiffeisenlandesbank Upper Austria, the state of Upper Austria, the city of Wels and the Upper Austria industrial association. The implementation is currently being done intensively, discussions with other companies take place in parallel. In 2026, the first selection rounds (piscines) will start so that the first students on the campus in Wels will be welcomed in autumn 2026 at the latest. This expands 42 Austria into a nationwide present competence center for digital excellence.
Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß, CEO of Fronius International GmbH and chairman of the sponsoring association 42 Austria, underlines the importance of the project for industry:
“We see the concept of 42 as an opportunity- for all those who would rather acquire their specialist knowledge through team and project work than through classic frontal lessons. 42 Austria offers a practical training, the graduates of which we need in industry so urgently- and that is why we are proud to be a partner since its foundation and are now significantly at the start of a second location in Wels.”
The digital transformation no longer only affects the tech industry, but penetrates all economic and social areas. 42 Austria therefore sees itself not only as a talent smithy, but as an educational platform for digital thinking and acting in a rapidly changing world.
The aim is to establish 42 as an Austria-wide center for modern IT training. The peer-to-peer approach promotes the skills that the working world of tomorrow demands. 42 Austria, with the Vienna location and future location Wels, not only creates careers, but also actively participates in the design of digital society.