During the successful Hannover Messe Press Preview at the Brainport Industries Campus (Eindhoven) on 29 January, media, companies, and organizations involved in the innovation ecosystem gathered for the joint launch of Hannover Messe 2026 (20-24 April). On behalf of Digital Holland, Chemistry NL, and Holland High Tech, chairman Peter Stolk introduced the NL Pavilion. With keynotes, an exclusive campus tour (including the Hexagon Experience Centre and Factory of the Future), and numerous one-on-one discussions, the message was clear: the Netherlands is going to Hannover to connect and accelerate.
International keynotes
The preview offered a strong international perspective with a keynote lineup of speakers that clearly indicated what to expect at Hannover Messe, which has set a new thematic course this year. Featuring:
- Arno Reich (Senior Vice President, Deutsche Messe AG)
- Fernando Simas Magalhães (Ambassador of Brazil to the Kingdom of the Netherlands) on behalf of partner country Brazil
- Alex Figueiredo (Chief Operating Officer, ApexBrasil Bruxelas – Europe)
- Piet Demunter (CEO, Flanders Investment and Trade)
- Peter Stolk (Chairman, Holland High Tech)
- John Blankendaal (Managing Director, Brainport Industries)
NL Pavillion
The Netherlands will be presenting itself at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hall 13, with four themes: "Together for an autonomous, strong, smart & digital future," in line with the HM theme "THINK TECH FORWARD." Registration for the pavilion is still open, and participation from the Netherlands is expected to be higher than in 2025.
The Dutch commitment goes beyond visibility: the pavilion is designed as a place where innovations can be developed through collaboration, through high-level dialogues, roundtables, and targeted matchmaking to make partnerships concrete.
Content programme lines on and around the pavilion:
- Defense Industry: Strengthening European autonomy with a focus on dual-use.
- Chemistry & Materials: Innovations in circular chemistry, advanced materials, and dual-use applications.
- Semiconductors: Supply Chain, Mechanical Engineering, and Integrated Packaging & Photonics Digitization.
- Digitization: System integration, AI, and Cyber Resilience.
Organisation & partners
The NL Pavilion is organized by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch Embassy in Berlin, ChemistryNL, Digital Holland, Holland High Tech, PSPS business abroad, and the Startup community.
On to Hannover
The Hannover Messe Preview Benelux confirmed the energy and shared commitment: the Netherlands is going to Hannover to showcase innovation and realize collaboration—with concrete, high-level programs that contribute to a stronger, resilient, and future-proof industry in Europe.
