W3+ Fair Jena 2026: Record Participation Highlights the Innovative Strength of Central Germany

The International OptoIndex visited the W3+ Fair in Jena and would like to thank everyone for the great conversations and valuable exchange on industry developments.

Here you’ll find the follow-up report from the trade show.

Jena, September 25, 2026 – The W3+ Fair Jena has further strengthened its position as one of Thuringia’s leading technology events. On September 23 and 24, 2026, the Sparkassen-Arena in Jena once again became a vibrant meeting place for professionals from the fields of photonics, optics, electronics and mechanics. The event was officially opened by Thuringia’s Minister of Economic Affairs Colette Boos-John and Jena’s Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche.

With more than 250 exhibitors and partners from 16 countries, the 2026 edition marked the largest exhibitor participation in the history of W3+ Fair Jena – an increase of nine percent compared to the previous year. Visitor numbers also continued to rise, with more than 3,000 industry professionals attending, representing an eight percent increase compared to 2025.

Strongest International Participation to Date

This year’s event once again demonstrated the strong national and international appeal of Jena and Thuringia as a high-tech location. More than 60 percent of exhibitors came from outside the region or from international markets, with companies from 16 countries represented at the fair.

“We look back on two intensive days filled with opportunities for professional exchange and new business connections. It was particularly encouraging to see the strong sense of optimism across the industry. Many companies are more positive about their business development than they were a year ago and expect revenues to increase. At the same time, W3+ Fair Jena was more international than ever and once again demonstrated the global appeal of the Jena location,” says Nora Kirsten, Managing Director of OptoNet e.V. and Gold Partner of the event.

Diverse Conference Program Featuring More Than 65 Speakers

The accompanying en-tech.talks conference featured more than 65 speakers across nine thematic sessions covering topics such as Deep Tech – Made in Europe, innovative medical technologies, Defence & Dual Use, precision optics manufacturing and coatings, digitalization, microtechnology and (Aero)SpaceTech.

The conference opened with a keynote by new Jenoptik CEO Dr. Dominic Dorfner. The evening keynote on the first day was delivered by former professional referee and commentator Urs Meier, who spoke about “Decision-Making Under Pressure.”

The program was complemented by networking formats and guided exhibition tours, providing participants with opportunities to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

International Delegations and First Chinese Group Pavilion

At the invitation of LEG Thüringen and OptoNet, official delegations from the national industry associations of Poland (PPTF) and France (Photonics France) travelled to Jena for the first time. Their participation highlighted the cooperation between Germany, France and Poland within the framework of the Weimar Triangle.

Targeted matchmaking activities further supported networking by connecting participating companies with potential project and research partners.

Another first for W3+ Fair Jena 2026 was the participation of six Chinese companies, further expanding the event’s international exhibitor base with companies from the Chinese photonics and precision technology sectors.

W3+ Fair Jena Returns in September 2027

“W3+ Fair Jena 2026 has once again sent a strong signal. With our events at Germany’s high-tech locations, we provide a platform where global market leaders, highly specialized SMEs and decision-makers can connect directly, fostering new ideas and strengthening the German and European markets,” says Jörg Brück, Managing Director of W3 Fair GmbH.

The next W3+ Fair will take place in Wetzlar on March 10–11, 2027. The next edition of W3+ Fair Jena will be held on September 22–23, 2027, marking the event’s fifth edition.

About W3+ Fair

W3+ Fair is a high-tech trade fair and conference initiated by the Wetzlar Network industry initiative. It connects the value chains of optics, photonics, electronics and mechanics and creates interfaces for new technologies and business cooperation. W3+ Fair is organized by Hamburg-based trade fair company W3 Fair GmbH. Since 2023, W3+ Fair Jena has also been part of the portfolio.

Internationally, the event team is represented with joint booths at Asia Photonics Expo (APE) in Singapore and, from November 2026, at preXcon in St. Gallen.