Although VIG companies do not perform any research activities within the meaning of Section 243 (3) Z2 UGB, they contribute their expertise to the development of insurance-specific software models. VIG Holding and – for projects – the VIG companies cooperate with Digital Impact Labs Leipzig, Plug and Play and VENPACE, a Germany-based start-up initiative (Investment and Corporate Building) financed jointly with other insurers, in order to identify technological developments in the market more quickly and internalise them if necessary. viesure was also founded as an internal “innovation hub” focusing mainly on Austria for this purpose. Since 2022, an investment has been made in the APEX Deep Tech Fund, which focuses on tech start-ups and supports VIG in identifying and researching innovations at an early stage in order to use these for the business model to the benefit of the customers – for example with applications such as sensors and satellite technology for the early detection of potential forest fires. VIG Group also carries out indirect research activities through its participation both in xista science ventures for strengthening basic research in Austria and also invlOS to support research in the “biotech” field and the fight against cancer. In addition, there is a multi-year cooperation agreement with the IE School of Science & Technology in Madrid for the research of technical topics within the scope of our business model.