Final report

electronica 2026 with new records and strong impetus for the future of the entire industry

November 13, 2026

New records: 3,512 exhibitors, over 86,000 visitors
Strong international presence
AI as the key topic and driver of the All Electric Society

Four days full of forward-looking innovations, in-depth discussions, and fresh impetus: The international electronics industry gathered at electronica 2026 in Munich from November 10 to 13. All in all, 3,512 exhibitors, 74 percent of them from abroad, showcased their latest products and solutions. There were over 86,000 visitors, with an international share of 54 percent. The key topic at the world’s leading trade fair was Artificial Intelligence. Held in parallel, SEMICON Europa presented innovations from semiconductor manufacturing.

Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München, draws a very positive conclusion: “The new records for exhibitor and visitor numbers speak for themselves. With an exceptionally high international presence, electronica is once again underscoring its status as a world-leading trade fair and THE meeting place for the electronics industry. Together with SEMICON Europa, which looks back on a ten-year partnership with Messe München, electronica reinforced Munich’s position as an international hub for technology and innovation.”

There are also positive signs coming from the German electronics industry. According to the German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI), new orders rose from January through September by almost 13 percent. However, that alone is not enough to give the all-clear for the business location, according to ZVEI President Daniel Hager. He emphasizes: “The framework conditions must improve so that concrete projects and investments can lead to greater value creation here. Industrial AI and microelectronics are just two of the fields offering considerable opportunities that we now need to resolutely tackle. electronica 2026 was a sort of starting signal for that.”

electronica spirit in the exhibition halls

There was a strong sense of optimism at the trade fair. “I was impressed by the energy and atmosphere in the halls,” says Exhibition Director Caroline Pannier. “You could feel the passion for pioneering technologies everywhere; there were lively discussions and people working on new ideas. It’s no coincidence that our exhibitors have called electronica the trade fair of opportunities. It’s this spirit that makes electronica unique.”

Philip Harting, Chairman of the electronica Advisory Board and CEO of the HARTING Technology Group, also underlines the importance of this personal exchange for the future of the industry: “electronica stands for what drives our industry: technological progress, global connectivity, and a boundless passion for new technologies. It impressively demonstrates how important personal exchange, strong partnerships, and shared visions are for the future of electronics. We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2028!“

Focus on AI and future technologies

One topic that defined electronica 2026 like no other was Artificial Intelligence. Exhibitors showcased specific applications from smart sensors to connected systems and automated production. Other key topics were cyber resilience and energy-efficient technologies as key drivers of the All Electric Society. The supporting program also addressed these topics, for example in the electronica forums. The new special area edge lab LIVE! drew large crowds, allowing visitors to experience how edge computing is put into practice through actual applications and workshops. Startup formats gave young companies a stage for their innovations. The Young Talents Days were aimed at the next generation of industry professionals, with tours and workshops.

High-profile kickoff with leading figures from business and politics

Important momentum for the industry was already provided on the day before the trade fair. At the electronica Automotive Conference, experts discussed trends and developments in automotive electronics. In the evening, leading figures from business and politics gathered at the electronica Executive Event. Top representatives from Infineon, NXP, and STMicroelectronics discussed Europe’s role in the global semiconductor market, the opportunities presented by Physical AI and Edge AI, as well as necessary investments and improved framework conditions. Siemens provided the user’s perspective in a keynote. The new electronica Opening Dialog continued the debate on Europe’s technological competitiveness on the first day of the trade fair.

SEMICON Europa as a strong partner

SEMICON Europa was held in parallel in two and a half halls. It complemented what was on offer at electronica with technologies and solutions for semiconductor manufacturing. “SEMICON Europa brought together leading representatives from the entire global semiconductor supply chain to help shape the next era of the European semiconductor industry. This year, we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of our strategic partnership with Messe München,” says Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe. “The launch of the NextSEMI ARENA, the hackathon, the expanded exhibition area, and the record visitor numbers in the sold-out exhibition halls turned it into an outstanding event.”

electronica 2026 in figures

3,512 exhibitors traveled from 60 countries and regions, with 74 percent of them from abroad. The top ten exhibiting countries were (in this order): Germany, China, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), the United States, France, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Italy, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region), the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

There were over 86,000 visitors from 107 countries and regions, with an international share of 54 percent. The top ten exhibitor countries were (in this order): Germany, Italy, China, France, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Austria, the United States, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Spain.