- WSA Global Congress 2026 brings global digital impact innovators to ViennaUP festival
- The event gathers 200+ participants from 60+ countries focused on social-impact technology
- The Congress’ programme highlights ethical AI, digital sovereignty, and UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Deeply-rooted local projects showcase their innovation competing globally with measurable social impact
The WSA Global Congress 2026 is set to bring the global community of digital changemakers to Vienna from May 20th to 22nd, as part of the wider ViennaUP festival. Under the theme ‘Scaling Digital Solutions: For People & Planet,’ the Congress will gather more than 200 participants from over 60 countries to explore how technology can deliver measurable social impact while strengthening digital sovereignty.
Hosted by the City of Vienna and organized by the Internationales Centrum für Neue Medien (ICNM) and the World Summit Awards (WSA), the event will take place at Palais Wertheim and the Jugendstiltheater. It marks a significant return of the Congress to Vienna, reinforcing the city’s role as a global hub for innovation that combines technological progress with social responsibility.
A Global Platform for Impact-Driven Innovation
The WSA Global Congress focuses on digital solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unlike traditional tech conferences, it emphasizes real-world applications and measurable outcomes. The 40 selected WSA winning projects presented at the event are not concepts, but proven implementations from across the globe, addressing challenges in healthcare, education, sustainability, and inclusion.
The Congress also highlights the growing importance of digital sovereignty, addressing how regions can reduce reliance on dominant global platforms while fostering open, ethical, and human-centered digital ecosystems.
Local Innovation on the Global Stage
A key highlight of the 2026 edition is the recognition of two Austrian projects among the world’s top digital social-impact solutions:
- Robin Powerhood enables households to share excess solar energy within communities, making renewable energy more accessible and equitable
- Meanwhile, mytalents.ai supports companies in integrating artificial intelligence into everyday workflows through practical, GDPR-compliant training solutions.
These projects demonstrate how local innovation can compete globally while contributing to broader societal goals. Their presence at the congress underlines Europe’s ability to develop alternatives to platform-driven digital dominance.
High-Level Discussions and Global Perspectives
The programme features a series of keynote sessions, panels, and interactive formats designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. Topics include: ethical AI, impact investing, and the role of digital technologies in achieving sustainability goals.
International speakers from across policy, industry, and civil society will contribute to the discussions, offering diverse perspectives on the future of digital transformation. Their contributions reflect the congress’s multi-stakeholder approach, bringing together startups, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and global organizations.
Vienna as a Meeting Point for Digital Transformation
Vienna’s selection as host city highlights its longstanding commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and international dialogue. The city has positioned itself as a place where digital transformation is approached holistically, integrating technological advancement with ethical considerations and social cohesion.
By hosting the WSA Global Congress within the ViennaUP framework, Vienna strengthens its role as a connector of global innovation ecosystems. The event not only showcases international solutions but also creates opportunities to integrate global insights into the local startup and innovation landscape.
Driving a Human-Centered Digital Future
At its core, the WSA Global Congress 2026 seeks to answer a fundamental question: how can digital technologies be shaped to serve people and society, rather than narrow commercial interests?
Through its focus on impact, collaboration, and real-world solutions, the congress offers a platform for advancing a more inclusive and sustainable digital future. For participants, it provides both inspiration and actionable insights into how innovation can address global challenges while remaining grounded in human values.
In a Nutshell
- Date: May 20–22nd, 2026
- Place: Palais Wertheim + Jugendstiltheater, Vienna, Austria
- More information: on the Congress’ official website
- Tickets for Day 1 and Day 2 here, tickets for Day 3 here, use promo code WSAFRIEND for 40% off
Kostiantyn is a freelance writer from Crimea but based in Lviv. He loves writing about IT and high tech because those topics are always upbeat and he’s an inherent optimist!
