​Practical knowledge and new ideas for the industry in the supporting program

​How can AI become more powerful and, at the same time, more energy-efficient? How is the electronics industry adapting to new cyber resilience requirements? And what is driving the All Electric Society forward? electronica 2026 provides answers to these questions not only in the exhibition area of its 18 exhibition halls, but also through its extensive supporting program. From November 10 to 13, the world’s leading trade fair for electronics will facilitate knowledge exchange and networking through practice-oriented forums, the new special area edge lab LIVE!, start-up and career formats, and the electronica Automotive Conference. At the same time, SEMICON Europa will offer a comprehensive overview of the entire value chain of the semiconductor industry across two and a half halls.

​“electronica 2026 is almost fully booked. Together with SEMICON Europa, we expect around 3,500 exhibitors. This demonstrates the importance of the trade fair and the immense innovative strength of the industry,” says Caroline Pannier, Exhibition Director of electronica. “At the same time, we want to offer our visitors more than just an overview of the latest products and solutions. That’s why there will once again be a very extensive supporting program that imparts knowledge, provides new inspiration, and leaves plenty of room for professional exchange.”

​The newly developed electronica Executive Event with CEO Roundtable will kick things off on the eve of the trade fair. This exclusive evening will bring together industry decision-makers to discuss strategic issues shaping the future.

​New: edge lab LIVE!

​The new special exhibition area, edge lab LIVE!, in Hall C5 (C5.100) demonstrates how edge computing is implemented in practice. There, visitors can experience how open-source and open-standard technologies are used in real-world applications. Curated sessions, presentations, hands-on workshops, and live demos provide practical knowledge for developers, system architects, and technical decision-makers. The program is complemented by a three-day technical conference and the electronica Edge Awards, which recognize innovative embedded, IoT, and edge AI solutions.

​Expert knowledge for practical application

​At the heart of the supporting program are the 15 electronica forums. Right in the respective exhibition areas, experts from companies such as Infineon, MPS, Phoenix Contact, Renesas, and Siemens share practical knowledge and discuss current developments. Topics range from automotive, cybersecurity, and embedded systems to IIoT and connectivity, as well as printed circuit boards, power electronics, components, and measurement and sensor technology. Also returning is the Women in Tech Forum, which focuses on diversity and inclusion in the electronics industry. New to the forum program are cross-industry sessions with the IFAT and IAA MOBILITY trade fairs (November 11, B4.445). These sessions highlight interdisciplinary best practices from the electronics, environmental technology, and automotive industries.

​Formats for start-ups and young talents

​electronica Fast Forward (B4.251), in collaboration with Elektor, demonstrates how new technologies are transforming into new business models. For the past ten years, this start-up platform has been bringing young electronics and deep-tech companies together with industry representatives and potential investors. Selected young companies get the chance to pitch their innovations and win the coveted Fast Forward Award. In the Career Area (C2.401), daily one-to-one counseling on job applications and career planning is available, along with a job board featuring industry insights and exclusive job openings. The Young Talents Days on November 12 and 13 offer high school and college students a special program featuring tours, workshops, and career counseling (free admission on November 13).

​Automotive Conference: electronics for tomorrow’s mobility

​As early as November 9—one day before the trade show begins—the electronica Automotive Conference at the ICM will bring together leading experts from the international automotive and electronics industries. The focus will be on electrification, software-based E/E architectures, autonomous driving, and the geopolitical implications of the semiconductor crisis. Experts from companies such as Airbus, Audi, Carizon, Holon, IMEC, Infineon, and JoysonPreh will provide insights into current developments and strategies in keynote speeches and a CTO roundtable.