The AI on Track hackathon will take place for the first time as part of InnoTrans 2026, scheduled from 23rd to 25th
September at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds (Germany).
InnoTrans 2026, the world’s premier trade fair for transport technology, is proud to introduce its latest innovation initiative: the AI on Track hackathon. The event brings together developers, startups, and industry leaders to tackle real-world mobility challenges through artificial intelligence and digital tools.
The initiative is backed by industry giants Alstom, Wabtec, and Siemens Mobility, who serve as main sponsors and are contributing concrete, practical industry challenges for participants to solve. The event will host 60 to 80 global participants at the Großer Stern venue on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, offering them a unique platform to showcase their expertise and compete for substantial prizes.
Accelerating practical, data-driven solutions
“Rail generates data at scale – value emerges when this data drives better decisions and more reliable train operations. Drawing on deep rail know-how across trains, signalling and infrastructure, we turn data into concrete actions that improve punctuality, availability and energy efficiency. The InnoTrans hackathon ‘AI on Track’ builds directly on this approach, combining fresh perspectives with proven operational expertise to accelerate practical, data driven solutions. I am looking forward to the exchange with rail enthusiastic hackers – this is exactly the curiosity and mindset our industry needs,” has stated Henri Badaro, Vice-President Data & AI at Alstom.
“As urbanisation and global transportation demand accelerate, transport operators are challenged to deliver more capacity, higher reliability, and better passenger experience, all while optimizing lifecycle costs. Data and AI are the driving forces behind meeting these needs. AI-driven solutions for disruption management, train planning systems, revenue management and many more will play a key role in the future success of the public transport industry. On this transformation journey, we need spaces for innovative experimentation, which is why we are pleased to support the InnoTrans Hackathon as a sponsor. The event brings together young talents, start-ups, and industry to jointly develop new ideas! For Siemens Mobility, this exchange is an exciting source of inspiration and an opportunity to share our deep experience,” has commented Devina Pasta, CEO of Siemens Mobility Software.
“Wabtec is calling for the development of innovative AI solutions that meet ethical standards and operate efficiently. The InnoTrans Hackathon “AI On Track” focuses on real-world challenges in passenger transport – from data-protection-compliant training methods to energy-efficient comfort systems. Wabtec’s goal for this event is to promote forward-thinking ideas and drive sustainable change,” has added Paolo Pagliero, Group Vice-President engineering Wabtec Transit.
Exemption for the AI On Track Hackathon during InnoTrans
“The hackathon underscores InnoTrans’ role as a key international platform for future mobility trends. It specifically expands our program with an interactive innovation format. By focusing on artificial intelligence, we are reflecting the noticeably growing relevance of this topic for our exhibitors. We are very grateful to have secured three industry heavyweights – Alstom, Siemens Mobility, and Wabtec – as main sponsors, all of whom have been integral parts of InnoTrans for many years,” has said Kerstin Schulz, Director of InnoTrans.
Participants in the AI on Track hackathon will operate in one of the most dynamic environments in the transport industry. Building on the massive success of InnoTrans 2024, which drew nearly 170,000 trade visitors and 2,946 global exhibitors, this event places hackers at the very heart of international business and political decision-making. To ensure deep focus and productivity, participants are granted exclusive access to the exhibition grounds. Thanks to a special exemption, hackathon teams are the only visitor group permitted to remain on-site until 11:00 p.m. on both Wednesday, September 23, and Thursday, September 24. The event kicks off immediately following the official trade fair opening and will culminate in a high-profile awards ceremony on the final day, September 25, 2026.
“We are looking forward to exciting days filled with creativity and international flair. With InnoTrans, we want to be not only hosts but also a platform for exchange and innovation. The launch of the ‘AI on Track’ hackathon is therefore a logical next step,” has concluded Director Schulz.