The Global Shift Institute, based in Vienna, Austria, is an independent platform for new ideas, informed debate, and forward-looking policy thinking.
It brings together perspectives from across sectors and disciplines to address the key challenges shaping Europe's future. The Institute is led by global entrepreneur and former Chancellor (Prime Minister) of Austria, Sebastian Kurz, together with a team of experienced professionals.
Building on his experience as global entrepreneur and former Chancellor (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Austria, Sebastian Kurz is setting the vision and strategy of the Global Shift Institute.
Born in 1986, he started his political career at an early age in the youth organization of the Conservative party in Austria.
In 2011 he entered the federal government as State Secretary for Integration. In 2013 he became the youngest foreign minister of the Republic of Austria at the age of 27. In 2017 he took over the Austrian People's Party, won the national election, and became the youngest Federal Chancellor in the country's history and also the youngest Prime Minister in the world at this time. In 2019 he was reelected for a second term as Federal Chancellor.
In December 2021, Sebastian Kurz left politics and is now working globally as an entrepreneur, investor and advisor.
In 2023 he co-founded DREAM, a company that leverages AI to serve and protect nations and large enterprises. In 2025 the company raised $100M at a $1.1B valuation from Bain Capital and other investors, enabling the company to expand globally and enhance its cutting-edge AI solutions.
The Global Shift Institute is supported by an international team of highly skilled experts.