Hannover Messe opens in Germany with Brazil as partner, spotlight on AI, automation and defence
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva opened Hannover Messe in Hannover, Germany, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, ahead of the exhibition’s public opening on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Hannover Messe trade fair brings the keyword Hannover Messe into focus as more than 3,000 exhibitors present innovations across production, automation and robotics. Organisers have also announced, for the first time at this scale, a special emphasis on the armament and defence sector.
German Chancellor and Brazilian President Open Hannover Messe
Friedrich Merz and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva led the official opening ceremony in Hannover, underlining the show’s diplomatic and economic significance. Their presence signals high-level support for industrial cooperation between Germany and Brazil. The leaders highlighted trade links and technology partnerships as central themes for the event.
Brazil Named Partner Country and Showcases National Industry
Brazil serves as this year’s official partner country, presenting a coordinated national pavilion that highlights Brazilian industrial strengths. Delegations from Brazilian ministries and business federations are showcasing initiatives in manufacturing, renewable energy and digital industry. Organisers expect the partnership to boost bilateral investment inquiries and technology transfer discussions during the week-long fair.
AI, Automation and Robotics Drive Exhibitor Programs
This year’s Hannover Messe places a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence in production, industrial automation and robotics, with dedicated forums and live demonstrations. Leading manufacturers and software providers are demonstrating AI-driven quality control, predictive maintenance and smart factory platforms. Panels of executives and researchers will discuss how AI is reshaping supply chains and shop-floor decision-making.
Armament and Defence Sector Gains Dedicated Attention for First Time
For the first time, the exhibition includes a focused programme on the armament and defence sector as part of its industrial themes. The inclusion has been framed by organisers as a response to evolving security and procurement needs in global markets. Exhibitors in this strand will present defence-related manufacturing capabilities, dual-use technologies and supply-chain resilience solutions.
More than 3,000 Exhibitors and Visitor Expectations
Organisers report participation from over 3,000 exhibitors representing a wide range of industries, from heavy machinery to software and component suppliers. Last year’s Hannover Messe attracted about 127,000 visitors, and this edition is positioned to match or exceed that level given the high-profile opening and extensive programme. The fair combines exhibition halls, live demonstrations and conference tracks designed to foster trade leads and strategic partnerships.
Conferences, Start-ups and Innovation Hubs at the Fair
Beyond the exhibition stands, Hannover Messe hosts conferences and curated innovation hubs that bring start-ups, corporates and academia together. Start-up zones feature early-stage firms pitching advanced manufacturing solutions and industrial AI applications. Research institutions are also presenting applied projects that connect laboratory advances to commercial deployment in factories and infrastructure.
Trade and Investment Implications for Global Industry
Hannover Messe remains one of the most influential industrial trade fairs worldwide and serves as a barometer for manufacturing trends. The focus on AI, automation and robotics reflects accelerating digital transformation across established and emerging economies. The Brazil partnership and the inclusion of defence-related content indicate how trade shows are increasingly blending commercial, strategic and geopolitical agendas.
The fair opens to the public on Monday, April 20, 2026, and will run with an extensive schedule of exhibits, technical demonstrations and policy dialogues aimed at industry leaders, buyers and policymakers.