Technology Transfer and High-Tech Solutions: Fraunhofer at Hannover Messe 2026

At the heart of its exhibition, Fraunhofer will explore the question of how data, artificial intelligence and new materials can be used to not only make industrial systems more efficient but, in particular, more robust and flexible. The exhibits will paint a clear picture of how resilience is now the result of smart interaction between data ecosystems, automated processes and sustainable technologies.

Visitors to the joint Fraunhofer booth (Booth D33, Hall 11) can find out how the latest scientific findings are combined with innovative technology solutions to cater to industrial needs. A wide range of projects will also illustrate Fraunhofer's strong interdisciplinary approach, these range from virtual AI avatars in the metaverse and strategic production planning via battery recycling and recovery of critical raw materials all the way to high-performance electronic systems.

In view of the Hannover Messe 2026 partner country, the Fraunhofer Liaison Office in Brazil will present successful international cooperation projects and highlighting the role that global innovation networks play in connection with the industrial transformation.

Innovative contributions to the hydrogen economy will be another focus area: at the Hydrogen Island (Wasserstoff-Insel, Booth E9-E11, Hall 11), the Fraunhofer institutes will present technologies along the entire value chain-from generation, storage and transport to industrial applications.

As part of the current commemorative year under the auspices of UNESCO, marking the 200thanniversary of Joseph von Fraunhofer's death, Fraunhofer will highlight the core of its mission with its exhibits: research at the highest level that is consistently translated into practice-oriented industrial applications.

Highlight exhibits

Collaborative Powerwall and virtual AI avatars
What is industrial collaboration going to look like in the future, and what role is the metaverse going to play? Researchers will show new forms and potential in engineering, service development and human-technology interaction, using immersive visualizations, AI avatars and digital twins.

High-performance packaging technology
With a demonstrator, researchers will present innovative APECS pilot line solutions for chip integration, cooling and reliable packaging. This will enable developers and manufacturers to produce cost-efficient and high-performance electronics that are space saving as well as in alignment with the EU chips act.

Customized and bio-based fertilizers
Overfertilization in agriculture can have a negative impact on plants, the soil and drinking water. An alternative fertilizer should be fully biodegradable and only supply plants with the nutrients they actually need, thus preventing overfertilization. At Hannover Messe, researchers will present the results of experimental trials with these self-fertilizing plants.

Battery recycling and recovery of critical raw materials
The battery recycling industry and water treatment companies can benefit from a newly developed, chemical-free electrochemical process that allows for efficient recovery of critical raw materials. The method can be used at room temperature and ambient pressure, allowing for a significant reduction in investment and operating costs.

Strategic production planning based on mathematics
Improved-decision making is not a product of chance but something that can be calculated and used as a competitive advantage. Stakeholders from the areas of production and logistics can use mathematics-based optimization to reliably deal with complex multi-dimensional challenges in production planning, reduce costs, increase throughput and ensure compliance with delivery dates.

Secure unlearning for distributed AI models
What happens if a stakeholder decides to pull out of a decentralized AI ecosystem and their data must be removed from the system? In cooperation with Fujitsu, Fraunhofer will demonstrate at the trade show how secure unlearning can be realized without any significant losses in precision. This technology enables operators of data spaces, such as Manufacturing-X, to use distributed AI models and control data ownership while ensuring compliance with the GDPR.

Conversion of biogenic residues into fuels and intermediate chemical products
TCR® technology (Thermo-Catalytic Reforming) converts biogenic residues into three valuable and storable products for the energy, chemicals, agricultural and waste management sectors simultaneously: synthesis gas, bio-oil and bio-coal. As a result, it promotes the circular economy and independence from fossil fuels.

Smart data pipelines as a trustworthy basis for AI applications
The presented smart data pipelines provide a trustworthy basis for AI applications in data-driven companies and organizations by ensuring a transparent process for collecting data in a quality-controlled manner, as well as for secure exchange and transparent AI training.

Lignew wood foam
Lignew is a fully eco-friendly, recyclable wood foam that does not contain any synthetic binding agents. It is suitable for use in the construction, furniture and packaging industries as well as for lightweight construction and allows for innovative, resource efficient and sustainable applications.

Fraunhofer at Hannover Messe 2026

The highlight exhibits will be presented at the joint booth alongside many other exhibits. Fraunhofer experts will be available throughout the trade show to answer any questions and discuss the projects' background. Please visit the event website for further information.

A press tour will be held at the joint Fraunhofer booth (Hall 11, Booth D33) from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon on April 20, 2026. To register, contact [email protected].