NÜRNBERG, GERMANY — 3-10-2026 — Applications are now open for electronica Fast Forward 2026, the official startup platform at electronica Munich. The upcoming edition marks the 10th anniversary of the initiative, which connects hardware and deep-tech startups with investors, corporate innovators, and the global electronics industry.

The anniversary edition will take place 10–13 November 2026 at Messe München during electronica, the world’s leading trade fair for electronics with approximately 80,000 international visitors. The launch of the program was formally marked during a signing ceremony in Nürnberg, confirming the collaboration behind the 2026 edition.

electronica Fast Forward selects up to 15 startups developing technologies in areas such as embedded systems, semiconductors, AI hardware, robotics, power electronics, photonics, and industrial electronics. Selected companies receive an 8 m² booth in the Fast Forward area, access to guided investor and industry tours, and the opportunity to present their technology during the Fast Forward stage program and official pitch competition.

“electronica Fast Forward has become an important platform for startups bringing new technologies into the electronics industry. The 10th anniversary edition will once again create opportunities for founders to connect with decision-makers, investors, and the global electronics community during electronica," Caroline Pannier, Director electronica.

The program concludes with an award ceremony on the Big Forum Stage (Hall B4). To celebrate the 10-year milestone, the 2026 edition introduces four anniversary award categories, each accompanied by a €25,000 international media budget from Elektor designed to increase global visibility for the winning startups.

Beyond exhibition space, the Fast Forward platform focuses on creating meaningful industry connections. Structured guided tours bring targeted delegations—including investors, corporate innovation teams, and community groups—directly to the participating startups. A dedicated Meet & Greet area provides space for scheduled discussions, media interviews, and follow-up conversations.
 

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“Startups working on hardware and deep-tech innovations often need more than visibility—they need access to the right audience. electronica Fast Forward brings them directly into contact with engineers, industry leaders, and investors, while amplifying their technologies through international media coverage," Udo Bormann, Senior Conversion Marketing Manager, Elektor

The 2026 edition will also feature three electronics creators working live on site, conducting interviews, filming demonstrations, and engaging with startups and visitors on the Fast Forward stage and exhibition area.

Participation in electronica Fast Forward 2026 requires a €2,500 fee, which includes booth space, branding, stage participation, guided tour access, eligibility for the anniversary awards, and international media coverage via Elektor and partners.

Over the past decade, the Fast Forward platform has helped showcase emerging technologies and support startups that later expanded internationally, raised funding, and established partnerships within the electronics ecosystem.