High Tech Components -
Metrology and Manufacturing
Seminar room, 2nd floor
12:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Seminar room, 2nd floor
March 18 | 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
High Tech Components -
Metrology and Manufacturing
Seminar room, 2nd floor
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Seminar room, 2nd floor
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
by Business Angels and Regional Management Central Hesse
Seminar room, 2nd floor
2:30–4:00 p.m.
Breakfast VIP Lounge
8:30–9:30 a.m.
TechSession en-tech.stage
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Seminar room, 2nd floor
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
by IHK Gießen-Friedberg
Seminar Room, 2nd floor
10:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
New developments and start-ups in robotics and medical technology
Meet Thuringian companies and make contacts
March 17 + 18 | Seminar room, 2nd floor
March 17 | 12:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. (day before the trade fair)
March 18 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Once again, the UPOB Competence Center for Ultra-Precise Surface Processing is taking advantage of the first-class environment of the W3+ Fair to organize a workshop. Please note: The two-day event on the topic of “High-tech Components – Measurement Technology and Manufacturing” begins on the day before the trade fair, March 17, 2026.
The workshop will be held in German or English.
Topics:
Components for space applications
Components & measurement technology for extreme precision and smartphone applications
Adjustment and application of optical components
Would you like to actively participate? Contributions/presentations on the above topics are welcome – please contact Mr. Klawitter (office) for more information.
As a workshop participant, you will also receive a trade fair ticket and can find out about the latest technologies and trends at the W3+ Fair Wetzlar.
18 March | Seminar Room, 2nd floor
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Admission from 8:30 a.m.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a topic reserved for corporations or tech start-ups. Especially in the SME sector, concrete and economically viable applications are already emerging: more efficient processes, better decisions, new business models. Our conference shows how you can use AI realistically in your company—hands-on and with support from experts and AI competence centers.
The conference will be held in German and is subject to a fee.
Tickets are available directly from the W3+ Fair ticket shop.
This conference, held as part of the W3+ Fair, is aimed at business owners who no longer want to wait, but are looking for guidance:
The conference, held as part of the W3+ Fair, is aimed at business owners who no longer want to wait, but are looking for guidance:
March 18 | en-tech.Stage
9:45 a.m.
We look forward to the opening round with our guests from politics and business.
This will be followed by a business and press tour.
18 March | en-tech.Stage
2:00 p.m.
When you think of space in Hesse, ESOC and EUMETSAT in Darmstadt often come to mind first. But Hesse has much more to offer in the space sector: around 50 university chairs and professorships focus on space-related topics, and more than 100 companies in Hesse—mostly SMEs—develop and produce technologies or provide services for the space industry.
Become part of Hesse’s space network—for new contacts and new business!
18. März | Seminarraum 2.OG
14.30 – 16.00 Uhr
Die Business Angels Mittelhessen laden zum Start-up Matching im Rahmen der W3+ Fair ein.
Kommen Sie in Kontakt mit innovativen Start-ups, die neue Lösungen für verschiedene Themen mitbringen.
Besuchen Sie die Ausstellungsfläche der Messe und anschließend die Matching-Veranstaltung in separaten Räumlichkeiten der Buderus Arena.
Das Start-up Matching findet in deutscher Sprache statt.
Um Anmeldung wird gebeten.
18 March | Meeting point: Campus Area
3:00–4:30 p.m.
EPIC is organizing a tour for students. During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to experience the technology and culture of various companies first-hand. Who knows—your future career path could start here!
Admission to the trade fair and the tours is free of charge.
For free entry: please present your student ID at the entrance.
Tours for Students:
3:00 p.m. – Welcome at the Campus Area stand
3:30 p.m. – Tours in German and English led by EPIC & the THM International Office
4:00 p.m. – Time for an individual tour / networking
5:00 p.m. – Invitation to the AI keynote, followed by a free after-work drink with exhibitors and speakers
19 March
EPIC VIP Networking Breakfast | From 8:30 a.m. (invitation only)
The EPIC C-level Networking Breakfast at the W3+ Fair has become a tradition: EPIC members and invited C-level guests meet here to network.
Attendance is limited to one person per company. The event is free of charge, but you will need a ticket for the W3+ Fair.
Please register for the EPIC C-level Breakfast using the registration button.
EPIC TechSession “New Developments for Defense & Security Applications” | 10:00–11:00 a.m. | en-tech.Stage
The EPIC TechSession on new developments for defense and security applications at the W3+ Fair in Wetzlar showcases advances in photonics, electronics, and mechanics tailored to the evolving requirements of the defense and security sector. Industry experts will present the latest innovations, new solutions, and practical insights addressing current and future challenges in high-performance systems. Participants will gain in-depth insights into photonic components, electronic subsystems, and mechanical integration shaping next-generation capabilities for defense and security applications.
This focused event provides a strategic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between technology developers, integrators, and users.
The EPIC TechSession will be held in English and is free of charge for visitors.
19 March | Seminar Room, 2nd floor
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Once again, the SPECTARIS Security & Defence Working Group invites you to its spring meeting as part of the W3+ Fair at the Buderus Arena Wetzlar.
The focus will be on the opportunities and challenges for manufacturers of optical and optoelectronic systems in the field of security and defence. In addition, the meeting offers an excellent opportunity to make valuable contacts and expand your network within the market.
The event is aimed in particular at managing directors, heads of development, and business development professionals.
Participation in the spring meeting and the trade fair is free of charge for registered participants.
Interested guests are also warmly invited to attend this half-day event.
The meeting will be held in German.
Tickets are available via SPECTARIS.
19 March | Seminar Room, 2nd floor
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Working group meeting
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | “Sensor Trends 2030” talk session at the en-tech.Stage
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Guided tour
The Central Hesse Sensor Systems working group of IHK Gießen-Friedberg and IHK Hessen innovativ focuses on innovative sensor technology and microsystems and their industrial applications. On 19 March 2026, working group members and interested guests will meet as part of the W3+ Fair.
We are very pleased to welcome interested guests! There will be exciting presentations from research. Afterwards, the programme includes a visit to the trade fair, attendance of the “Sensor Trends 2030” talk session, and a guided tour to sensor technology companies in the region.
19 March | VDI Innovation Area | Booth S2
10:00–11:00 a.m. | Networking breakfast
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Guided trade fair tour
Find out more about our activities and our network. Meet three exciting start-ups in the fields of robotics and medical technology—Klag Robotics, MimoSense GmbH, and neuroloop GmbH—and discover the latest developments.
Take the opportunity to network with our VDI members, sponsoring companies, cooperation partners, and guests.
We warmly invite VDI members and interested guests. Join us for breakfast, connect, and exchange ideas!
The guided tour to selected exhibitors will take place afterwards.
Registration is requested.
19 March | Box, 2nd floor
11:00 a.m. | Get-together
Meet new contacts or catch up with your fellow procurement colleagues at the relaxed coffee talk hosted by the BME Lahn-Dill region.
11:30 a.m. | Talk
1:00 p.m. | Guided trade fair tour
1:45 p.m. | Keynote “Germany’s Future” (en.tech.Stage)
Booth C17
The special area of IHK Hessen innovativ—in cooperation with IHK Lahn-Dill, IHK Gießen-Friedberg, IHK Offenbach am Main, and IHK Kassel-Marburg. Network with the IHK specialists and advisors! Here you can get support in implementing your innovation projects and information on funding opportunities.
Booth S1
At the Campus Area, leading universities present themselves and showcase examples of their current research projects.
“StudiumPlus” provides information for companies and prospective students about the wide range of opportunities offered by dual study programmes.
Booth E1j–E1i
As a long-standing partner of the W3+ Fair, Regionalmanagement Mittelhessen will be represented this year, among other roles, as the organizer of the “Mittelhessen Joint Stand”. Since 2003, Regionalmanagement has been pooling resources, promoting cooperation, and developing potential.
Take the opportunity for direct, in-person exchange on 18 and 19 March 2026 at the Buderus Arena in Wetzlar.
Booth S2
The VDI Innovation Area once again offers exciting insights into new technological developments from Hesse this year. Talk to us about robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence (AI). Take the opportunity to easily connect with the three start-ups Klag Robotics, MimoSense GmbH, and neuroloop GmbH.
Booth C27a
Meet companies from the City of Light in Thuringia: the range of exhibitors showcased extends from precision components and assemblies to equipment and services for development and manufacturing—especially for cleanroom environments—as well as machining and surface finishing.
Thuringian companies look forward to professional exchange at their joint stand.
Booth E14
The Job Wall features exciting positions for graduates and for job seekers with professional experience.
