The climate-friendly new building of the Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft is the new location for cutting-edge research in the field of IT security at TU Graz.
The Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft (BIG) and Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) have officially inaugurated the Cybersecurity Campus Graz on 7 April 2026, marking a major milestone in Europe’s cybersecurity research landscape. The opening ceremony, attended by Federal Minister for Women, Science, and Research Eva-Maria Holzleitner, highlights Austria’s growing commitment to strengthening digital security, innovation, and academic excellence.
The newly developed campus, located at TU Graz’s Inffeldgasse site, spans approximately 5,000 square metres and houses state-of-the-art offices and laboratories for the Institute of Information Security. In addition to academic facilities, the building accommodates TU Graz’s Buildings and Technical Support unit and the COMET research centre Battery4Life, with plans to welcome additional IT security and innovation-focused companies in the future. The project, led by BIG and designed by eep architekten ZT GmbH, was completed in just 18 months with an investment of around €25 million.
The initiative reflects the increasing importance of cybersecurity as a societal and economic priority. Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner emphasized that cybersecurity is no longer a niche concern but a critical issue impacting all sectors. She highlighted the role of the Cybersecurity Campus Graz in advancing cutting-edge research while supporting the broader Cyber Resilience Plan aimed at safeguarding academic and research institutions.
Architecturally, the campus stands out as one of TU Graz’s most energy-efficient research buildings. It features a sustainable design that incorporates geothermal energy, photovoltaics, green roofs, and natural shading solutions. Geothermal systems are expected to provide approximately 65% of the building’s cooling and 75% of its heating requirements. The structure’s distinctive wooden façade, made from local spruce, and its integration around a nearly century-old silver lime tree further enhance its environmental and aesthetic appeal. Additional infrastructure, including 100 covered bicycle parking spaces, supports sustainable mobility on campus.
The facility is designed to foster collaboration between academia and industry, creating a dynamic ecosystem for cybersecurity innovation. Christine Dornaus, Managing Director of BIG, noted that the campus provides an ideal environment for research and business to work together, addressing one of today’s most pressing challenges – data security.
TU Graz Rector Horst Bischof highlighted the institution’s global reputation in IT security and emphasized that the new campus will further anchor its leadership in the field. The initiative is expected to strengthen international competitiveness while supporting the development of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals through advanced education and research programs.
Regional leadership also underscored the broader strategic importance of the campus. Manuela Khom, Deputy Governor of Styria, described cybersecurity as a cornerstone of economic stability and digital sovereignty, noting that the campus reinforces the region’s position as a leading hub for research and innovation in Europe.
The Institute of Information Security at TU Graz, currently comprising around 80 researchers, focuses on critical areas such as cryptography, secure systems, and trustworthy artificial intelligence. Its global impact is reflected in major contributions like the discovery of the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities and the development of the ASCON encryption standard for lightweight cryptography, as well as multiple European Research Council (ERC) grants.
Looking ahead, TU Graz plans to expand its research capabilities further, including the launch of a new research group focused on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The university also continues to offer a broad range of IT-focused degree programs, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world cybersecurity challenges and fostering innovation through international competitions.
With the launch of the Cybersecurity Campus Graz, Austria is taking a significant step toward building a resilient, future-ready digital ecosystem. The campus not only strengthens research and education but also positions Graz as a key international hub for cybersecurity innovation and talent development.
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