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SPECIAL EVENTS AND AREAS
W3+ FAIR JENA 2026

Plan your visit now to one of Thuringia’s largest technology trade fairs

The latest programme for the W3+ Fair Jena 2026 will be available shortly!

23 + 24 September | Sparkassen-Arena Jena

Wednesday, 23 September 2026

Official opening

with guests from politics & business | Hall 2

International B2B Matchmaking Event

For companies from Thuringia
powered by Innovativ Thuringia

Führung
für Studierende

powered by EPIC

Thursday, 24 September 2026

C-Level Breakfast

on invitation only - powered by EPIC
1st floor, VIP-Catering

Topic block
Digitization & Photonics

powered by de:hub Jena
Hall 2

Open International Matchmaking

for ALL exhibitors and visitors

Theme block: Defense and security

Lectures & Guided Tour & Get-Together - powered by OptecBB

Guided Tour "Optics & Photonics from Thuringia"

powered by ThZM (fully booked)

Microelectronics workshop

Support and promotion of the Initial Circle of Thuringian Microelectronics by LEG Thüringen

Special Areas

Campus Area

Leading universities show examples of their current research work
Hall 3 + Lobby

Joint stand Thuringia

Meet
Thuringian companies
Hall 1

Jobwall

powered by EPIC
Hall 1, Stand S3a

en-tech.stage

Stage of the free accompanying conference | Hall 2

Visitor catering

Catering & networking during the W3+ Fair

Start-up Area

powered by Jena digital und de:hub
Hall 3

Attend as a Visitor

Get your ticket for W3+ Fair Jena 2026 today.

Special Events - Wednesday, 24. September 2025

Official Opening

23 September 2026 | 9.45 AM | en-tech.stage in Hall 2

  • 9.45 – 10.30 AM Official Opening of the W3+ Fair Jena 2026
  • 10.30 – 11.15 AM Economic and Press Guided Tour
W3_Jena2025_Eroeffnung
Eröffnung der W3+ Fair Jena
Eröffnung der W3+ Fair Jena

International Matchmaking Events - powered by LEG and EEN Thuringia

23 September 2026 | 1:00-2:00 PM |
Seminar room 1st floor – for companies from Thuringia only and international delegations from Poland and France

23 September 2026 | 2:00-4:00 PM 
Seminar room 1st floor – open for all exhibitors and visitors from Thuringia and international guests

The International Matchmaking Platform from LEG Thuringia and EEN brings together companies, R&D institutions, and all stakeholders interested in international business, technology, or research collaborations.

LEG_Thueringen_Logo_2025

Theme block aerospace - powered by Fraunhofer IOF

24 September 2025 | 1.15 – 4.30 PM 

Guided tour, lectures and a Get-Together

Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge topic of aerospace in Thuringia at the W3+ Fair Jena 2025, presented by Fraunhofer IOF. With this thematic block, the institute offers you a comprehensive overview of modern aerospace solutions and committed companies in the region. Learn more about current technologies and requirements for this user sector.

Content of the event:

    • 1.00 – 2.00 PM: Guided tour “Aerospace”
    • 2.30 – 4.00 PM: lectures “Aerospace – Mission and Technology”
  • from 4 PM: Get-Together at the Visitor Catering Area in Hall 3

Participation in the themed block is free of charge. Unfortunately, registration for the tour is no longer possible.

Guided tour for students - powered by EPIC

23 September 2026 | 2.30 PM | EPIC, Stand S3 in Hall 1

The European Industry Consortium EPIC offers students the opportunity to meet companies from the field of photonics during a guided tour. Here you can learn everything you need to know about your career opportunities in this cutting-edge technology sector first-hand.

A total of 6-7 companies will be visited. The tour will be conducted in English. Admission to the trade fair and participation in the tour are free of charge for students.

Special Events - Thursday, 24 September 2026

C-Level Breakfast powered by EPIC

 24 September 2026 | 8.30 AM | VIP area 1st floor

The EPIC VIP breakfast at the W3+ Fair has a long tradition: EPIC member companies meet with invited guests from the region to network.

Participation in this event is limited to 1 person per company and is only possible after confirmation.

Workshop: Support and promotion of the Thuringian Microelectronics Initial Circle

September 25, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | | Seminar room, 1st floor

Semiconductor technology is a decisive factor for digitalization and innovation, with increasing importance for technological sovereignty. The EU and Germany are promoting this through initiatives such as the EU Chips Act and the IPCEI Microelectronics to strengthen strategic capacities and autonomy. Thuringia, with its strong tradition in microsystems technology and a thriving photonic industry, makes a significant contribution to microelectronics. The OptoNet cluster illustrates the region’s innovative strength. The workshop “Support and Promotion of the Thuringian Microelectronics Initial Circle” offers a platform to explore funding programs at the state, federal, and EU levels and to intensify cooperation in Thuringia. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and help shape the future of microelectronics in Thuringia.

Registration is requested.

LEG_Thueringen_Logo_2025

Tour of Thuringian Innovation in Optics & Photonics - fully booked

September 25, 2025 | 10:30 a.m.

Why is Thuringia a hotspot for optical and precision technologies? The mix of innovative SMEs and application-oriented researchers makes all the difference. Join the Thuringian Center for Mechanical Engineering (ThZM) on a tour of selected companies and research institutions in Thuringia and meet technology and innovation champions with national appeal. Learn more about market-leading products and future applications in optics and precision manufacturing.

Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to participate in the tour.

Theme block "Defense & Security" - powered by OptecBB

25 September 2025 | 1.00 – 4 PM | en-tech.stage Hall 2

Lectures, guided tour and a Get-Together

A wide range of optical components are of great importance to the defense and security sector. Organized by OptecBB, the W3+ Fair will highlight the needs of this sector and the conditions for entry. Following the series of presentations, the tour will visit various companies. The event will conclude with a get-together.

Content of the event:

  • 1.15 – 2.15 PM: Lectures “Defense & Security” at the en-tech.stage in Hall 2
  • 2.15 – 3.15 PM: Guided tour (Registration for the event is closed)
  • from 3.15 Uhr: Get-Together at the Visitor Catering Area in Hall 3

Participation in the themed block is free of charge.

Registration for the event is closed.

Digitizing High-Tech-Industries - hosted by de:hub Photonics & Digital Experience Platforms

September 25, 2025 | 2:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | en-tech stage in Hall 2

Under the motto “Digitizing High-Tech Industries,” the de:hub Photonics & Digital Experience Platforms at the w3+ Forum Jena brings innovative companies and research institutions from the Thuringian ecosystem to the stage. In exciting short presentations, the speakers will show how digital technologies, from AI and smart automation to digital product passports, are transforming high-tech industries.

Further information is available at lectures.

de_hub

Disruptive Innovations Made in Germany

xxx

by Thinkmade Engineering & Consulting
Moderation: Dr. Ruth Houbertz | Thinkmade Engineering & Consulting

Innovatoren aufgepasst: Zwei Tage lang dreht sich in der Sparkassen-Arena Jena alles um Innovationen und Fortschritt.
Bühne frei: Dr. Reiner Nikula eröffnet für die Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen SPRIND mit seinem Keynote-Vortrag die Reihe „Disruptive Innovations Made in Germany“.

Special Areas - 23 + 24 September 2026

Campus Area

 Halle 3 | Booth I8 + Lobby

The following colleges and universities will be represented at the Campus Area:

As the largest and most research-intensive university of applied sciences in Thuringia, the EAH Jena – University of Applied Science – plays a central role in the innovative strength of the high-tech region of Jena. Together with the University of Jena, the university promotes cooperation with industry and society in the joint initiative Nucleus Jena. The University of Jena stands for a broad range of subjects, excellent research and strong knowledge and technology transfer.

Friedrich Schiller University Jena

The University of Jena is known for its research profile, “Light. Life. Liberty.” With approximately 17,000 students and around 10,000 employees, it is one of Thuringia’s key centers of science and is closely networked with non-university research institutions and companies in the region.

The Abbe Center of Photonics is the cornerstone of the university’s optics and photonics program, comprising over 60 research groups and more than 300 laboratories, in cooperation with Fraunhofer IOF, the Helmholtz Institute Jena, and the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies. Current research priorities range from photonic integrated circuits and metasurfaces to quantum sensing and photonic computing. Through the internationally oriented Graduate College META-ACTIVE (in collaboration with the Australian National University and funded by the DFG with approximately 5.5 million euros), the university is advancing applications in quantum sensing, space technology, and UV beam shaping.

Mittweida University of Applied Sciences

Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is a research and transfer-oriented university of applied sciences with a long-standing tradition in engineering education. Research and development is characterized in particular by application orientation and interdisciplinarity. As a central scientific institution, the Laser Institute at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is one of the leading research institutions in its field with globally recognized research results on innovative processes in the areas of laser micromachining, laser bionics, laser-based additive manufacturing, laser pulse deposition (PLD), laser processing (macro), laser measurement technology, modelling and simulation of laser processes, laser system and process technology, digital optics and EUV imaging as well as biophotonics.

Technische Hochschule Deggendorf

Since 1994, Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences has grown into one of Bavaria’s largest universities of applied sciences: More than 9,000 students are enrolled at its campuses in Deggendorf, Pfarrkirchen, and Cham, nearly half of whom are international students. The university combines teaching and research in the fields of business, engineering, computer science, and health—with degree programs such as Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, as well as 16 technology centers designed to promote the direct transfer of knowledge and technology to the region.

Students and pupils are especially welcome!
Simply show your student or pupil ID and get free admission!

Joint stand Thuringia - Jena

Hall 1

Thuringian companies are looking forward to exchanging expertise at their joint stand. The spectrum presented here ranges from components and assemblies with precision requirements to equipment and services for development, production, processing and surface finishing.

en-tech.stage
free accompanying conference “en-tech.talks”

23 + 24 September 2026 | all day | en-tech.stage in Hall 2

JOBWALL powered by EPIC

Special Area Jobwall | Hall 1

Die Niederlande zu Gast auf der W3+ Fair

24. September 2025 | tba

NL Delegationsreise vom niederländischen Zulieferernetzwerk Brainport Industries

Brainport Industries ist ein Netzwerk von Hightech-Unternehmen und -Organisationen, die hauptsächlich in der Region Brainport Eindhoven in den Niederlanden ansässig sind. Diese Region ist bekannt für ihre starke Konzentration an Hightech-Industrien und ihre Innovationskraft.

Brainport Industries dient als Plattform für die Zusammenarbeit und den Wissensaustausch zwischen verschiedenen Akteuren der Hightech- und Fertigungsbranche. Das Ziel ist es, die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Unternehmen zu stärken, Innovationen zu fördern und die internationale Sichtbarkeit der Region als führendes Zentrum für Hightech-Entwicklungen zu erhöhen.

Die Initiative umfasst Aktivitäten wie gemeinsame Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekte, Schulungen, Netzwerkveranstaltungen und den Austausch bewährter Verfahren. Dadurch sollen Synergien geschaffen werden, die es den Mitgliedsunternehmen ermöglichen, effektiver und effizienter zu arbeiten und ihre Innovationsfähigkeit zu steigern.

IVAM lecture block

25 September 2025 | tba | en-tech stage in Hall 2

As a key technology of digitalization, photonics is becoming increasingly important in the high-tech industry.
Photonic sensors, such as cameras or radar systems for optical distance and speed measurement, have become an integral part of everyday life.

The IVAM lecture block informs interested parties about the latest technological developments.

EPIC Panel Disussion
“Photonics Driving Europe’s Industrial Edge”

25 September 2025 | 10:00 a.m. | en-tech stage in Hall 2

Selected members of EPIC – the European Photonics Industry Consortium – formulate their needs from the user’s perspective.
There will also be the latest technology and market trends.

Participation is free of charge for trade fair visitors!

Guided Tour for pupils powered by IHK Ostthüringen

25. September 2025 | 11.00 AM | Campus Area

Auch Schülerinnen und Schüler sind herzlich eingeladen die W3+ Fair zu besuchen! Organisiert durch die IHK Ostthüringen stellen sich ausgewählte Unternehmen vor. Während dieser Führung haben die Teilnehmer*innen die Möglichkeit, die Technologie und Kultur verschiedener Unternehmen aus erster Hand kennenzulernen.

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