World premieres and fresh knowledge: Highlights of InnoTrans 2026

In its anniversary year, InnoTrans will be more varied than ever, with a wide range of topics. What do a battery-hydrogen fuel cell locomotive; an AI algorithm for timetables and an anti-graffiti film have in common? They were among the 226 world premieres at InnoTrans 2024. Trade visitors can once again look forward to numerous innovations in 2026 - live at the exhibitors’ stands and in advance online.

In March, Messe Berlin will team up with the DVV Media Group to contact all exhibitors to provide them with the opportunity to submit their world premieres from the five trade fair segments Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction. These premieres will be available at www. innotrans.de/en in the World Innovation Guide; via InnoTrans Plus as well as in the app. At InnoTrans 2026, stands with world firsts will be highlighted by a specific label. There will be 90-minute World Innovation Tours several times a day to guide trade visitors to these exhibition stands.

A stage for AI solutions

In an increasingly digitalised mobility industry, topics such as artificial intelligence; data protection and automation have become indispensable. Since 2024, InnoTrans has taken this into account with a dedicated exhibition area. Due tohigh demand, the AI Mobility Lab in the Public Transport segment will be featured again in Hall 7.1a in 2026. It will give visibility to companies specialising in AIbased mobility solutions, cybersecurity, data protection and robotics. There will be a specialised stage programme with presentations at the AI Mobility Corner. Topic-specific tours, so-called AI Tours, will take visitors directly to exhibitors from these subject areas.

The Mobility+ exhibition area encourages a networked approach to mobility as a whole. This is where trade visitors can meet providers of complementary mobility services from the fields of shared mobility and mobility apps. Round tables and presentations will take place on the Mobility+ Corner stage, providing guests with first-hand information on industry news, new trends and products.

The InnoTrans Hackathon – AI on Track will bring developers together with startups and industry leaders to develop practical AI solutions for current challenges in the mobility industry. It is still possible for companies to take part in the event as sponsors. More information about the event and sponsorship can be found under Hackathon.

New impetus for your career

Trainees, university graduates and young professionals will have the opportunity to come into direct contact with HR managers on the InnoTrans Campus. The Recruiting Lab with its own area will be at the centre. Companies will present themselves to potential applicants on the Talent Stage. The Eurailpress Career Boost on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 will turn the tables: international talents will present themselves to HR managers in 90-second pitches. Another campus event will be the University Day on Friday, 25 September 2026, where industry-related degree programmes from universities and academies will open up current case studies and research projects for discussion. The Career Tour will also take place several times a day. These guided tours will bring participants into direct contact with companies which promote young talent. The companies are identified on the hall plans, at InnoTrans Plus and at the stands with a Career Point. Finally, there will be a job wall showing vacancies at a glance.

Solutions for service and cleaning

Travellers should feel completely at ease on board trains and buses. Firstly, the vehicles should be clean and last but not least, a cup of coffee should be served at the passengers’ seats. On 23 September 2026 InnoTrans will bring the cleaning and mobility industries together at the Mobility Cleaning Circle. The special exhibition area Travel Catering & Comfort Services (TCCS) will showcase everything to do with galleys, restaurant cars and amenities. On the same day the Hospitality Forum, organised by the International Rail Catering Group (IRCG), will again take place.

InnoTrans Convention: Highcalibre exchange of expertise

The future of mobility will be the focus of the InnoTrans Convention. International decision-makers will come together in panel discussions and expert talks. The German Railway Industry Association (VDB); the German Transport Forum (DVF); the European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE); the German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI) and the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) will be holding daily dialogue forums at palais.Berlin. Trade visitors can also look forward to topic-specific events, including the International Design Forum (IDZ); the International Bus Forum (DVF); the International Tunnel Forum (STUVA); the DB Innovation Forum and the Public Transport Forum.

The turn of railway influencers

They share their enthusiasm for railways on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Railway influencers will come together at InnoTrans 2026 for the second edition of the Railway Influencer Festival on Friday, 25 September 2026. Content creators will receive awards in the categories Best InnoTrans Video; Best Mobility Channel and, for the first time, Best Urban Mobility Video. Exhibitors can also receive an award for the Best Brand Video. Interested parties can apply until 31 June 2026.

30 years of InnoTrans

InnoTrans will celebrate its 30th anniversary with reviews and highlights from three decades of trade fair history. If you want to be there live, you should make a note of March 2026, when the ticket shop will open (see page 12).