Jena/ Germany, 1 October 2025: The W3+ Fair Jena has underlined its position as one of the most important technology events in Thuringia. Supported by gold partners OptoNet and EPIC, the Sparkassen-Arena in Jena was transformed into a vibrant marketplace for experts from the fields of photonics, optics, electronics, and mechanics on September 24 and 25, 2025. With around 230 exhibitors, partners, and sponsors, representing an increase of around 15 percent, and the opening of the new Hall 3, the trade fair continued its growth. The number of visitors also rose: W3+ Fair Jena attracted over 2,750 people this year, representing growth of 21 percent. The event was opened by Thuringia’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Mrs. Colette Boos-John, and the Mayor of Jena Thomas Nitzsche.
Strong national and international exhibitor interest
This year’s edition of the W3+ Fair showed that the Jena/Thuringia region is in the national and even international spotlight: almost 70% of exhibitors came from other federal states or abroad. Companies from 14 countries were represented, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and the USA. “With the expansion of the fair, we were able to welcome even more companies from outside Jena,” said Nora Kirsten, Managing Director of OptoNet e.V. and Gold Partner of the fair. “This brings additional technological excellence to the location and strengthens the local network. This is important for the further development of the technology industries in and around Jena.”
Two days of packed programming on stage
One highlight of the trade fair was the comprehensive conference program: 76 speakers shared their knowledge on two stages on current topics such as “Regional Innovation,” “Aerospace,” and “Security & Defense.” High-profile speakers from leading companies such as ASML, Zeiss, Jenoptik, Hensoldt, Rheinmetall, and renowned research institutes such as the Fraunhofer Institute provided exciting insights into industry developments and technology trends.
In addition, the new pitch stage offered start-ups and exhibitors the opportunity to present their latest products and services to an experienced specialist audience.
Delegation visits and matchmaking bring national and international interests together
The organized visit from abroad was also a great success: for the first time, the trade fair was the destination for two delegations from the Netherlands and Switzerland. The networking opportunities were complemented by targeted matchmaking opportunities organized by LEG Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft Thüringen and the EEN European Enterprise Network: a total of 105 participating companies engaged in discussions with potential project or research partners in 80 sessions.
Next trade fair in Jena in September 2026
Since its premiere in 2023, the W3+ Fair Jena has established itself as an important high-tech hub in central Germany. “The trade fair is a driver of innovation and cooperation that has an impact far beyond the region’s borders,” summarizes Jörg Brück, project manager of the W3+ Fair. “With continuous growth and ongoing support from industry, science, and politics, the W3+ Fair is ideally positioned to continue to set trends and support innovation as the region’s leading industry event in the future.”
The next W3+ Fair Jena will take place on September 23 and 24, 2026. Before that, the high-tech industries will meet again on March 18 and 19, 2026, at the W3+ Fair Wetzlar/Central Hesse.
More information at w3-fair.com
Visual material at W3+ Fair press page – under downloads
About the W3+ Fair
The event traces its roots back to an industry imitative organised in Wetzlar and Mittelhessen, and its objective is to interlink the four sectors of optics, photonics, electronics and mechanics. The aim is that new interfaces and points of contact will pave the way for forward-looking technologies. The trade fair debuted at the Buderus Arena in Wetzlar in February 2014. The W3+ Fair is organised by the Hamburg-based company, FLEET Events (fleet-events.de). In 2023, the organizer has expanded its portfolio to include the W3+ Fair Jena. Together with EPIC and IVAM, the W3+ trade fair team has been organizing a joint stand at the APE Asian Photonics Expo in Singapore since 2024.