XPONENTIAL Europe Enters Its Next Phase

Question:

That framework is evidently growing. XPONENTIAL Europe will occupy an additional hall next year. What should visitors expect?

Malte Seifert:

At the moment, there is probably no trade show whose topics are as strongly at the center of attention in politics, industry and the media as those at XPONENTIAL Europe. Whether military defense, the protection of critical infrastructure and cybercrime, or autonomous mobility, transportation and logistics on the civilian side, all of these fields require technologies and solutions that can be seen at XPONENTIAL Europe.

The event therefore plays a central role in giving a fragmented market a framework within which scalable solutions can be developed. XPONENTIAL Europe brings together what moves the industry forward: interdisciplinary exchange among industry, regulators and policymakers, concrete results and a high density of innovation.

Accordingly, we are built for growth. We are creating more space for international companies and delegations. We are expanding the range of topics in the trade show and conference program. And we are creating new focal points around maritime autonomy, quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

We are also building on experience gained with existing formats and partners, especially in the close integration of trade show and conference. The integration of the European Drone Forum into the overall concept has been extremely successful. Together with UAV DACH e.V., we have embedded Europe’s leading conference for unmanned aviation seamlessly into XPONENTIAL Europe.

Another blueprint is the German Defence and Innovation Forum, which we developed in close cooperation with the German Armed Forces as a strategic partner. High-ranking visitor delegations from around the world, with 61 nations represented in total, show that our course is right. We need to continue on this path.

Question:

Significant activity is also taking place among startups in Germany and Europe. European investors are very active in the market. According to financing specialist FCF Fox Corporate Finance, more than €5.1 billion is being raised for European defense startups this year, with substantial investment in civilian applications as well. How is this reflected at XPONENTIAL Europe?

Malte Seifert:

Europe is undergoing a fundamental shift in the way it understands security, technology and investment. Since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began in 2022, investment in European defense startups has increased tenfold. The total currently stands at €5.1 billion you mentioned.

From the very beginning, we have positioned XPONENTIAL Europe as an incubator for innovation and investment. That is also attractive to many startups. With the XPO+ Launcher, we provide them with a dedicated area at the trade show as a meeting point for startups and investors.

Early-stage companies can apply to exhibit, connect with global industry leaders and compete live for the renowned XPO+ Launcher Award. For young companies in particular, it is an ideal launchpad for market entry. The XPO+ Launcher is therefore both a technology lab and an ecosystem for startup financing.

XPONENTIAL Europe will take place from March 16 to 18, 2027 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Center.

Further information on the event’s focus areas and program highlights is available via the industry portal.