InnoTrans 2026 is expanding its innovation program with a new highlight: With the international hackathon “AI on Track”, the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology will bring together developers, startups, and industrial companies for the first time in a compact format from September 23 to 25, 2026, to solve concrete challenges in the mobility industry using digital tools and artificial intelligence.

As main sponsors, Alstom, Wabtec, and Siemens Mobility are supporting the new format and contributing their own practical challenges. Around 60 to 80 hackers from around the world are expected to work on innovative solutions during the trade fair at the “Großer Stern” location on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

“Rail generates data at scale – value emerges when this data drives better decisions and more reliable train operations,” says Henri Badaro, Vice President Data & AI at Alstom. “Drawing on deep rail know how across trains, signalling and infrastructure, we turn data into concrete actions that improve punctuality, availability and energy efficiency. The InnoTrans hackathon ‘AI on Track’ builds directly on this approach, combining fresh perspectives with proven operational expertise to accelerate practical, data driven solutions. I am looking forward to the exchange with rail enthusiastic hackers – this is exactly the curiosity and mindset our industry needs.”

“As urbanization and global transportation demand accelerate, transport operators are challenged to deliver more capacity, higher reliability, and better passenger experience, all while optimizing lifecycle costs”, says Devina Pasta, CEO of Siemens Mobility Software: “Data and AI are the driving forces behind meeting these needs. AI-driven solutions for disruption management, train planning systems, revenue management and many more will play a key role in the future success of the public transport industry. On this transformation journey, we need spaces for innovative experimentation, which is why we are pleased to support the InnoTrans Hackathon as a sponsor. The event brings together young talents, start-ups, and industry to jointly develop new ideas! For Siemens Mobility, this exchange is an exciting source of inspiration and an opportunity to share our deep experience.”

“Wabtec is calling for the development of innovative AI solutions that meet ethical standards and operate efficiently”, says Paolo Pagliero, Group Vice president engineering Wabtec Transit: “The InnoTrans Hackathon “AI On Track” focuses on real-world challenges in passenger transport – from data-protection-compliant training methods to energy-efficient comfort systems. Wabtec’s goal for this event is to promote forward-thinking ideas and drive sustainable change.”

“The hackathon underscores InnoTrans’ role as a key international platform for future mobility trends,” says Kerstin Schulz, Director of InnoTrans: “It specifically expands our program with an interactive innovation format. By focusing on artificial intelligence, we are reflecting the noticeably growing relevance of this topic for our exhibitors. We are very grateful to have secured three industry heavyweights – Alstom, Siemens Mobility, and Wabtec – as main sponsors, all of whom have been integral parts of InnoTrans for many years.”

Participants benefit from a particularly inspiring work environment. In 2024, InnoTrans attracted 2,946 exhibitors from around the world and nearly 170,000 trade visitors as well as decision-makers from politics and business.

A specially established exemption allows the teams to work at the exhibition grounds until 11 p.m. on Wednesday (September 23) and Thursday (September 24) – as the only visitor group. The hackathon begins one day after the official opening of InnoTrans and concludes with the awards ceremony on the final day of the event (September 25).

A jury of industry experts will award the winning teams prize money of up to 5,000 euros. “We are looking forward to exciting days filled with creativity and international flair,” says Director Schulz. “With InnoTrans, we want to be not only hosts but also a platform for exchange and innovation. The launch of the ‘AI on Track’ hackathon is therefore a logical next step.”

InnoTrans is the leading international trade fair for transport technology, held every two years in Berlin. The five segments of InnoTrans comprise Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction. InnoTrans is organised by Messe Berlin. The 15th InnoTrans will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Messe Berlin is organising InnoTrans Asia specifically for the Asian market from 7 to 9 September 2027 at the Singapore EXPO grounds. For more information, visit www.innotrans.de and www.innotrans-asia.com and Linkedin.

Berlin has been a trade fair venue for over 200 years, and for many decades one of the most important worldwide. As the trade fair company owned by the capital, every year Messe Berlin conceives, markets and organises hundreds of live events. It aims to be an outstanding host for visitors to every event, to give individuals an optimum boost for their business and ensure fair conditions for everyone. This approach is reflected in the company’s slogan ‘Messe Berlin – Hosting the World’.

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