EMO organizer VDW, in conjunction with VDMA Startup-Machine Services, is now once again sending out invitations to startups all over the world to come to EMO, the world’s leading trade fair for production technology, in Hanover. From 22 to 26 September 2025, young companies will have an unrivalled opportunity to network with established suppliers from the industry and to showcase their innovations. “Startups will continue to gain in importance in the metalworking sector and will be important drivers for the industry,” says Stephanie Simon, VDW organizer of the Startup Area@EMO Hannover 2025. “They bring a breath of fresh air to the industry and strengthen companies’ innovative power and competitiveness. This is particularly attractive for SMEs because many smaller companies don’t have enough resources to conduct systematic research and development themselves,” Simon continues.
Juliane Salten of VDMA Startup-Machine Services adds: “We are seeing growing numbers of startups that are developing innovative solutions for the engineering sector, particularly in the areas of Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and automation. These startups are making a major contribution to the digitalization and modernization of the industry. Key application areas include manufacturing and industry, software and internet services as well as hardware and IT devices.”
VDW supporting international pioneers at EMO
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) is supporting the Startup Area at EMO by providing funding for the Young Innovators program. The Ministry is contributing 60 percent of the total costs for stand rental and construction. The aim of the program is to provide the best possible support for the marketing of innovative products, processes and services, not least with the goal of opening up export markets. The VDW is offering similar support to international startups which take part.
The Startup Area also features various networking activities aimed at promoting dialogue between young companies and established providers. These include daily matchmaking sessions with potential customers, presentations at the central EMO Forum, the big Startup Night on the second day of the event and tours of the Startup Area.
More than 60 companies from 15 countries took part in the Startup Area at EMO Hannover 2023. They showcased products and solutions in the fields of digital production, software for production, assembly and handling, as well as machines, tools and testing systems. Those who took part in EMO 2023 were full of enthusiasm. As Vincent Gerretz, Managing Director of Aachen-based company gemineers, developers of software for data-driven quality assurance, points out: “The EMO Startup Area offered us an exceptional platform where we could present our innovations to an international specialist audience and make valuable contacts in the industry. We are looking forward to being part of this great community again at the upcoming EMO.” Arne Mücke, Managing Director of software provider Tetralytix in Hanover, agrees: “EMO is a unique platform which allows us to target our sector efficiently. The VDW’s Startup Area provides an ideal opportunity to showcase our innovations simply and effectively and to make valuable contacts.”
