Platform on civil engineering, underground infrastructure, energy, construction equipment & construction machinery
From January 13 to 15, 2026, Messe Essen will once again be the stage for InfraTech Germany. The upcoming edition promises to be the largest yet. With more than 12,000 square meters of exhibition space, over 220 exhibitors and a comprehensive knowledge program, the trade fair is firmly establishing itself as the central platform for the infrastructure sector in Germany.
Interest in participating is high. Due to the continuing demand for stand space, the exhibition floor has now been expanded twice, including 20 additional compact stands at central locations. The growth underlines InfraTech's increasing importance in the German and international infrastructure market.
InfraTech will focus on three main themes in 2026:
A new part of InfraTech Germany is the Software Area, dedicated entirely to digital solutions for infrastructure projects. The area is now fully booked. Themes such as BIM, data analysis, sensor technology and AI are given a prominent place here. In addition, many exhibitors outside this area are also showing how digitalization is changing their work. The interest confirms the central role of digitization in the transition to a more efficient and future-proof infrastructure.
The InfraTech 2026 knowledge program is being put together in cooperation with several German organizations, including BAUINDUSTRIE, Straßen.NRW, IKT - Institut für Unterirdische Infrastruktur, Kommunal Agentur NRW and the BWK - die Umweltingenieure.
A substantive contribution this year comes from the BWK, with a theme block entitled ‘Energiewende = Wandel der Infrastruktur? This focuses on the impact of the energy transition on infrastructure. Topics include:
All other program elements are published on www.infratech.de. The content sessions are also free to attend and accessible at no cost: the theaters are located directly on the exhibition floor.
During the exhibition, the InfraTech Innovation Prize will once again be awarded. Companies, start-ups and knowledge institutions can submit innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable and future-oriented infrastructure. The prize is awarded by an independent expert jury and presented by a representative of the Federal Ministry - a recognition that underscores how important the German government considers the sector and its innovative strength.
InfraTech 2026 is also introducing a new award: the Blue-Green Infrastructure Prize. This award is for projects in North Rhine-Westphalia that cleverly combine water management and urban greening, with a view to climate adaptation and livability. Entries will be judged on environmental impact, social value, design quality and technical implementation. The jury of this new award consists of representatives from Baukultur Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V., bdla NW, BWK NRW e.V., DWA, LINEG and the Knappmann Akademie, among others.
For Dutch companies and professionals, a visit to InfraTech Germany offers an opportunity to learn more about the German market and make new contacts. Important starting points are:
In addition to the strong Dutch representation, the number of exhibitors from other European countries is also growing. This underlines the international appeal of InfraTech as a trade fair and offers additional opportunities for cross-border cooperation. Entry to the exhibition is free after registration at www.infratech.de.
