Hannover. The word "startup" is frequently associated with founders in the IT industry. Visitors at HANNOVER MESSE, however, encounter other examples: a conveyor-chain cleaner that can be used without interrupting plant operations; a solar-powered water purifier; an electric scooter with portable batteries; and wind turbine rotors made of thermoplastic. These combinations of engineering and IT demonstrate the spirit of innovation in the manufacturing industry.

"Demand for founders in the industrial field is strong, but the challenges are different than those in the IT sector," explains Sonia Wedell-Castellano, project director at Deutsche Messe. "Their products are often based on devices or machinery, which means development requires significantly more time and money. Our offer for startups at HANNOVER MESSE takes into consideration the requirements of these innovators."

Young Tech Enterprises in Hall 3 is the hub of startup activity at HANNOVER MESSE: founders and young companies meet startup networks, accelerators and economic development organizations as well as large companies and investors. The program features an exhibition area as well as a forum, pitching and matchmaking events, and workshops. Participants also profit from the synergies of Research & Technology in Hall 2 plus access to the thousands of exhibitors and investors at HANNOVER MESSE. Young Tech Enterprises showcased 116 companies from 12 countries in 2016.

The competition "Startup Pitches @ Young Tech Enterprises" is all about brevity: each challenger has only a few minutes to convince the audience of his product’s advantages. Altogether 32 exhibitors compete for prize money of 5,000 euros as well as new supporters and investors. Berlin-based FDX Fluid Dynamix GmbH won in 2016 with its OsciJet nozzles, which mix gases and liquids without moving parts.

In addition to Young Tech Enterprises, HANNOVER MESSE offers startups further tailored participation options. Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) sponsors the program "Young Innovative Companies", which features group exhibits for startups in three sectors at HANNOVER MESSE: Digital Factory, Energy and Industrial Automation. A participation package includes a turnkey exhibit as well as central administration and a shared meeting lounge. BMWi assumes up to 60 percent of participation costs. Approximately 40 companies took advantage of the offer in 2016.

Furthermore, HANNOVER MESSE welcomes roughly 50 startups at group exhibits sponsored by government institutions or other organizers as well as 30 startups that participate in the fair as individual exhibitors.