From Research to Production
Industrial innovation rarely happens overnight.
The Austrian PHÖNIX Startup Award honors companies that successfully translate scientific research into marketable solutions. In 2026, Moldsonics received the award in the spin-off category.
The origins of this development date back to 2009, when Dr. Bernhard Praher began his initial research. In 2021, Moldsonics GmbH was finally founded by DI Dr. Bernhard Praher and Dr. Thomas Mitterlehner and DI Dr. Klaus Straka .
The journey from research to industrial application took many years and numerous iterations.
© Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH/APA Photo ServiceProduction Reality
Translating research into production is a challenging process.
Production facilities operate around the clock. Processes vary. Stability is crucial.
What works in the lab must prove itself in real-world operations—during tool changes, material variations, and shift work.
From concept to production solution
The industrialization of a technology takes place in many stages.
The first working version took over a year to develop. This was followed by numerous iterations, tests, and adjustments until a stable production solution was achieved.
This part of the innovation process often goes unnoticed.
What's changing with Moldsonics
Today, Moldsonics focuses on three key production areas:
- Wear Monitoring inExtrusion Processes
- Accurate cooling time determinationin plastic injection molding
- Reduced heating time in silicone and rubber processing
The goal is always the same: Save seconds. Prevent downtime. Avoid scrap.
The PHÖNIX Award recognizes companies that have successfully bridged the gap between research and industrial application.
For Moldsonics, the award marks an important milestone—and at the same time underscores the company’s clear focus on the areas of production where the greatest impact can be made today.
© Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH/APA Photo ServiceThe Austrian Startup Award PHÖNIX is awarded on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy, and Tourism and the Federal Ministry for Women, Science, and Research . The award is organized by the Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws) in cooperation with the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).