That was the RISC Pioneers Day 2026
Under the motto “Your Code -Your Rules: Digital Independence as a Business Strategy”, around 100 experts from industry and research gathered at the JKU Linz University Center on March 5, 2026. The second RISC Pioneers Day impressively demonstrated how innovative prototypes can be turned into product-ready solutions that make companies independent and thus give them a decisive competitive advantage.
Digital sovereignty as a strategy: RISC Pioneers Day 2026 makes Upper Austria’s industry fit for the future
Linz/Hagenberg, March 9, 2026 – “Your Code, Your Rules” – this was the motto of this year’s RISC Pioneers Day organized by RISC Software GmbH. The event focused on the transformation from the initial innovative idea to a stable, productive software solution. The aim is to help companies not to stop at prototypes, but to gain long-term competitive advantages and independence through customized IT solutions.
Innovations with grip: from BMW to light metal
Gerald Steinbichler and Niklas Berberich from BMW Motoren GmbH kicked off the event. Under the title “Local for Global”, they showed how innovations developed at the Steyr plant are setting global standards. David Blacher from LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen, who presented digital assistance systems for continuous aluminium casting, made it clear that digitalization must support people.
A technical highlight was the presentation by Peter Stadelmeyer and Alexander Leutgeb (RISC Software GmbH) on digital twins in machine tool manufacturing. They showed how virtual production enables real increases in efficiency.
“Today, it is no longer enough just to be innovative. We have to create solutions that stand up to the rigors of everyday production. Only those who are in control of their own digital strategy – i.e. who live ‘Your Code, Your Rules’ – remain independent and capable of acting,” emphasized Wolfgang Freiseisen, Managing Director of RISC Software GmbH.
Strategic foresight and top performance
In the second block, Severin Rumplmayr (DONAUSÄGE RUMPLMAYR GmbH) and Wolfgang Weidinger (Doka Österreich GmbH) provided practical insights. While Rumplmayr emphasized the advantages of having your own rules in sales planning, Weidinger showed how a modular architecture ensures digital independence even after 35 years of software history.
Rally driver and vice state champion Michael Lengauer offered an inspiring conclusion. He built a bridge from the race track to IT.
Knowledge transfer in the RISC AI ACADEMY
The RISC AI ACADEMY workshops on topics such as Large Language Models (LLM), Agentic AI and Computer Vision were already fully booked in the morning. This underlines the high demand for practical AI knowledge in the domestic economy. If you want to find out more about artificial intelligence, the “AI Innovators Bootcamp” between May 4-6 is the place to be. For more information, visit https://www.risc-software.at/risc-ai-academy/
“Today has proven that digital sovereignty is the key to the future of the location. We support our partners in transforming innovations into real, measurable added value,” summarized Bernhard Freudenthaler, Chief Sales Officer of RISC Software GmbH.
The day ended with intensive networking and exchange at the Uni-Center of the JKU Linz.
Photo gallery
All images (C) RISC Software GmbH
Agenda
RISC AI ACADEMY
| Start | End | Track 1 | Track 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | 10:45 | LLM | Large Language Models (BOOKED OUT!) | CVI | Computer Vision in the Industry (BOOKED OUT!) |
| 10:45 | 11:00 | Break | Break |
| 11:00 | 11:45 | AGT | Agentic AI (BOOKED OUT!) | TRD | Trends & Roadmap (BOOKED OUT!) |
RISC Pioneers Day
| Start | End | Agenda |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 | 13:15 | Get Together RISC Pioneers Day |
| 13:15 | 13:30 | Opening and words of welcome |
| 13:30 | 14:00 | Block 1 | Innovations at BMW Group Plant Steyr – Local for Global, Gerald Steinbichler and Niklas Berberich, BMW Motoren GmbH |
| 14:00 | 14:30 | Block 1 | Digital assistance for continuous aluminum casting – focusing on people, David Blacher, LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen GmbH |
| 14:30 | 15:00 | Block 1 | Virtual Production – Real Advantages. Digital Twins in Machine Tool Manufacturing, Peter Stadelmeyer and Alexander Leutgeb, RISC Software GmbH |
| 15:00 | 15:30 | Coffee break (Festsaal B) |
| 15:30 | 16:00 | Block 2 | Your Code → Your Rules in sales and production planning, Severin Rumplmayr, DONAUSÄGE RUMPLMAYR GmbH |
| 16:00 | 16:30 | Block 2 | 35 years of software rethought: How a modular architecture creates digital independence, Wolfgang Weidinger, Doka Österreich GmbH |
| 16:30 | 17:00 | Block 2 | Passion meets performance – How motivation, goals and digitalization accelerate success in motorsport, Michael Lengauer, rally driver, current vice state champion and 2-time January rally winner |
| 17:00 | 17:15 | Summary |
| 17:15 | 19:30 | Networking over snacks and drinks |
