AT&S and the Technical University of Leoben intensify technology partnership – innovation “Made in Styria”

Together, AT&S and the Technical University of Leoben (Montanuniversität, MUL) are developing cutting-edge solutions for the future of microelectronics, designed to make a global impact.

Leoben, July 22, 2025 – 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 develops and produces leading-edge interconnect technologies for key digital industries: mobile devices, automotive & aerospace, industrial, medical and high-performance computing for AI applications. With production sites in Austria (Leoben, Fehring), China (Shanghai, Chongqing), Malaysia (Kulim), India (Nanjangud) and a European competence center for R&D and IC substrate production in Leoben, AT&S is actively shaping the digital transformation – through forward-looking investments in research and development and the responsible use of resources. The company currently employs around 13,000 people.

Media download: In the AT&S media portal https://ats.canto.de/v/press you will find constantly updated picture material on AT&S.

Technical University of Leoben
Founded in 1840, the Technical University of Leoben (Montanuniversität, MUL) is an internationally recognized university for engineering and technology research in the field of “circular engineering” – the engineering and technical implementation of the circular economy: The Technical University of Leoben aims to develop innovative solutions to use materials such as plastics, metals and ceramics as well as various forms of energy more efficiently. Waste should be minimized and fed back into the material cycle, thereby reducing the impact on the climate and environment – for a sustainable, industrial future. The core areas of research services as well as the 13 Bachelor’s and 26 Master’s degree programs in teaching focus on the subject areas of “Resources”, “Processes” and “Materials”. A doctorate can also be obtained in each specialization. Due to the high quality of education, graduates are in demand worldwide and are well prepared for the challenges of the future.

With currently 3,000 students and around 1,200 employees, the Technical University of Leoben offers practice-oriented teaching and excellent basic research. Almost a third of the students are female and the proportion of international students is 27 percent from around 90 nations. The Technical University of Leoben thus combines mining tradition with modern values such as diversity, the advancement of women in STEM fields and internationalization.

Media contact:
Mag. Christine Adacker
Press Spokeswoman, Technical University of Leoben
Phone: +43 664 80898 7224
Mail: christine.adacker@unileoben.ac.at