IESTA - INSTITUT FUR INNOVATIVE ENERGIE -STOFFAUSTAUSCHSYSTEME

Their core work

IESTA is a Graz-based research SME specializing in automotive acoustics, vehicle electrification, and human-machine interaction for automated driving systems. Their work spans virtual acoustic testing and sound synthesis, electric powertrain components (in-wheel motors, e-axles), and driver-automation interface design. They contribute applied research and engineering expertise to large European transport and mobility consortia, bridging the gap between acoustic simulation, vehicle integration, and user-centered automation design.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

IESTA's early H2020 work (2017-2019) centered on electric vehicle hardware — hybrid vehicle efficiency (ADVICE) and in-wheel motor/e-axle architectures (SYS2WHEEL). From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward the software and human side of transport: automated driving interfaces (HADRIAN), shared mobility ecosystems (SHOW), and virtual acoustic environments (VRACE). This evolution suggests a move from physical powertrain engineering toward user experience, simulation, and intelligent transport systems.

IESTA is moving from vehicle hardware toward user-centered automation and virtual simulation — expect future work at the intersection of acoustic design, driver experience, and autonomous mobility.

How they like to work

IESTA has never coordinated an H2020 project, consistently joining as a participant or third party in large consortia. With 146 unique partners across 18 countries from just 5 projects, they operate in very large multi-partner initiatives (averaging ~30 partners per consortium). This profile indicates a specialist contributor that brings focused technical capabilities to broad European flagship projects rather than leading or shaping the research agenda.

Despite only 5 projects, IESTA has built an extensive network of 146 unique partners across 18 countries, a result of participating in large-scale Innovation Actions and Research & Innovation Actions. Their geographic reach is thoroughly European with no apparent concentration in a single region beyond their Austrian base.

What sets them apart

IESTA sits at an unusual intersection of acoustics engineering and automotive automation — a combination rarely found in a single SME. Their dual expertise in virtual sound environments (from VRACE) and driver-automation interaction (from HADRIAN/SHOW) makes them a distinctive partner for projects exploring how sound, feedback, and human perception shape the autonomous driving experience. As a research-active Austrian SME, they offer agility and deep specialization without the overhead of a large institution.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SHOW
  Largest funding (EUR 285,625) and most recent project, addressing shared automated mobility across multiple European cities with a broad scope covering equity, accessibility, and MaaS.
• VRACE
  A Marie Curie training network on virtual reality audio — an unusual topic for a transport-focused institute, revealing a distinctive acoustics and simulation capability.
• HADRIAN
  Directly addresses the critical challenge of human-automation interaction in driving, positioning IESTA at the core of automated vehicle user experience research.