Hannover – “HANNOVER MESSE 2025 was a powerful statement for the future viability of industry in Germany and Europe — in close cooperation with international partners,” said Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe AG. “In a world marked by uncertainty, it lived up to its role as a tech show, business fair, and platform for economic policy dialogue and international collaboration. HANNOVER MESSE is where the analog world of machines connects with digital intelligence — making industrial progress through digitalization and AI visible.”
Around 127,000 visitors from 150 countries engaged with 4,000 exhibiting companies about how to leverage AI, automate their factories, and use energy more efficiently. More than 40 percent of attendees came from abroad. The most represented visiting countries after Germany were China, the Netherlands, Canada, Poland, South Korea, and Japan.
“The exhibiting companies have impressively demonstrated that we hold all the technological cards to remain competitive, sustainable, and innovative in Germany and Europe. The fair has given the industry guidance and momentum — especially during challenging times. In many conversations, exhibitors reported a growing sense of optimism that now needs to be sustained,” Köckler added.
At the same time, HANNOVER MESSE sent clear political signals: “Industry also needs support from Berlin and Brussels. This means cutting red tape, strengthening coordinated European industrial policy with new free trade agreements, and providing reliable conditions for investment, innovation, and energy supply. Only through joint action by politics and industry can Europe secure and enhance its competitiveness,” said Köckler.
Exhibitors and Associations Report Positive Outcomes
“HANNOVER MESSE once again proved to be the leading platform for industrial innovation,” said Dr. Gunther Kegel, President of the ZVEI and Chairman of the Exhibitor Advisory Board at HANNOVER MESSE. “Industrial AI was of particular interest to visitors, especially international ones. This shows that German industry remains a global point of reference in times of technological transformation. Our companies are leaders in Industry 4.0, and we are confident we can further build on this strong position. Industrial AI is a new growth field and will give automation and digitalization another significant boost. HANNOVER MESSE will continue to reflect this development in the coming years.”
Thilo Brodtmann, Executive Director of VDMA, added: “This year’s HANNOVER MESSE highlighted the importance of strong partnerships and open markets for an export- and innovation-driven industry such as mechanical and plant engineering. Canada’s willingness to deepen trade ties with Europe is an encouraging sign in a world increasingly shaped by trade disputes. To tackle the major challenges ahead, we need innovations – as showcased impressively throughout the halls. HANNOVER MESSE also sent a strong economic policy message to Berlin this year: Industry urgently needs a ‘location upgrade’ to maintain its innovative power here at home.”
Key Topic: AI in Industry
The central theme of this year’s fair was AI applications for industry. “AI has the potential to transform industry more dramatically in just a few years than the entire past decade,” said Köckler. Exhibiting companies presented real-world examples of how manufacturers can benefit from AI. “Targeted use of these technologies can help even small and medium-sized enterprises increase efficiency, cut costs, and significantly boost competitiveness,” Köckler explained.
This is confirmed by a new study presented by VDMA and Strategy&, revealing that generative AI can increase profit margins in mechanical and plant engineering by up to 10.7 percentage points.
Hydrogen for Sustainable Energy Supply
The energy halls at HANNOVER MESSE focused on efficiency and sustainability — with hydrogen playing a key role. In Hall 13 alone, around 300 companies presented their latest developments and applications in hydrogen and fuel cell technology as part of Hydrogen + Fuel Cells EUROPE.
Partner Country Canada: Catalyst and Collaborator
Canada made a strong impression as this year’s partner country, especially for its innovation in key areas like AI, digitalization, and renewable energy. The close cooperation with international partners and strong emphasis on sustainable technologies reinforce Canada’s role as a dynamic player in global future markets.
Stéphane Dion, Canada’s Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe and head of the Canadian delegation to HANNOVER MESSE 2025, stated:
“This year has been a tremendous success for Canada as the Partner Country at HANNOVER MESSE 2025 and has significantly advanced our market diversification goals as Canada continues to expand its presence in the German and European markets. We brought together the largest Canadian delegation ever to attend an industrial fair — with over 500 Canadian exhibitors and delegates, from startups to large corporations, connecting with German, European, and global companies to strengthen their international reach. In addition, Canadian innovators, researchers, academics, and business promotion organizations presented Canadian talent and tech solutions to a global audience. Canada is excited to shape a green, digital, and resilient future together with our German and European partners. We look forward to continued collaboration and cross-border growth.”
About HANNOVER MESSE
HANNOVER MESSE is the world’s leading industrial trade fair. Under the lead theme “Industrial Transformation,” more than 4,000 exhibiting companies from mechanical engineering, electrical and digital industries, and the energy sector gather to present solutions for the production and energy systems of today and tomorrow. Key exhibition areas in 2025 include Smart Manufacturing, Digital Ecosystems, Energy for Industry, Compressed Air & Vacuum Technology, Engineered Parts & Solutions, Future Hub, and International Trade & Investment. A comprehensive conference program with around 1,600 speakers complements the exhibition. The next edition of the fair will take place from April 20 to 24, 2026, in Hannover. Brazil will be the official partner country.
