HANNOVER MESSE: Where research and manufacturing meet
Technology transfer is essential for manufacturing companies to remain competitive, because research enables new digital tools, innovative materials and scalable production processes. HANNOVER MESSE brings theory and practice together, promoting cooperation between industry, science and politics.
HANNOVER MESSE runs from 20 to 24 April 2026. As the world’s leading trade fair for manufacturing, it presents all key technologies for industrial transformation – from automation and digitalization to energy systems and research and development. One of the three main exhibition clusters is “Research & Technology Transfer” in Hall 11, where institutions, universities, young companies, and entrepreneurs present their innovations, projects and prototypes for manufacturing now and in the future. The area features two focal points: “Research & Innovation Transfer” and “Startups”.
The focus is on the results of basic and applied industrial research as well as the transfer of market-ready technologies into industrial applications. Visitors discover pioneering developments in fields such as artificial intelligence, bionics, intelligent textiles, nanotechnology, new materials, and quantum technology. Visitors also benefit from direct synergies with topics such as additive manufacturing, renewable energy, green hydrogen, lightweight construction, and robotics. Exhibiting organizations include Bayern Innovativ, the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology, and the Technical University Berlin.
“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,” explains Iris Moser, project director of research and technology transfer at HANNOVER MESSE. “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.”
Startups: More than 200 young companies provide inspiration
Startups drive industry forward by quickly implementing innovations and introducing new technologies that encourage established companies to modernize. They promote competition, create jobs and have the potential to become market leaders. More than 200 young companies exhibit at HANNOVER MESSE’s Startup Area in Hall 11. Their offerings range from energy management and predictive maintenance software to an AI-controlled manufacturing platform and the world’s first reusable system for transporting small satellites into low Earth orbit. The program will also include pitches, masterclasses and networking events.
