Research and technology transfer take centre stage as global manufacturing leaders prepare for HANNOVER MESSE 2026.
HANNOVER MESSE has reaffirmed its role as a central platform for industrial innovation, announcing details of its 2026 edition and emphasising the critical function of technology transfer in securing the competitiveness of manufacturing businesses.
Set to take place from 20 to 24 April 2026 in Hannover (Germany), the world’s leading manufacturing trade fair will once again unite industry, science and policy makers to drive progress in automation, digitalisation, energy systems and advanced manufacturing technologies.
A key feature of the event will be the “Research & Technology Transfer” cluster in Hall 11, where universities, research institutions, startups and entrepreneurs will unveil next-generation technologies, prototypes and industrial solutions. The area will cover two main themes – “Research & Innovation Transfer” and “Startups” – highlighting breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, bionics, nanotechnology, new materials, intelligent textiles and other advanced fields. Exhibitors include major German research organisations such as Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI).
“Advances such as artificial intelligence, collaborative robots and extremely resilient, ultra-lightweight materials highlight the importance of research and development in manufacturing. Such technologies enable efficient, precise and energy-saving processes in factories and plants. HANNOVER MESSE showcases these and many other technological breakthroughs. Visitors learn how to integrate new and further-stage developments into the adjacent exhibition areas ‘Automation & Digitalization’ and ‘Energy & Industrial Infrastructure’. Hall 11 is the ideal location for representatives from established companies, associations, political organizations, media outlets, and investment firms to discover new, market-ready research and potential partners,” has stated Iris Moser, project director of research and technology transfer at HANNOVER MESSE.
More than 200 startups will feature in Hall 11’s dedicated Startup Area, presenting solutions ranging from predictive maintenance and energy management software to AI-enabled production platforms and reusable satellite-launch systems. Alongside the exhibition stands, the programme will include pitching sessions, masterclasses and networking opportunities designed to accelerate collaboration and commercialisation.
HANNOVER MESSE expects more than 4,000 exhibitors from across electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, digital industries and the energy sector. With artificial intelligence running as a theme throughout all areas, the 2026 event will again stress sustainable and competitive industrial development. Brazil will serve as partner country for the upcoming edition.