InnoTrans 2026 will take place in Berlin from 22 to 25 September, opening under the title “Mobility on a global scale – shaping projects and growth opportunities.” This heading reflects a broad industry focus on international collaboration and long-term development.

The opening ceremony will set the tone for the wider programme by addressing global trends in transport technology. It is scheduled to take place on 22 September from 10.00 am to 11.30 am.

InnoTrans 2024 Opening Ceremony

© Messe Berlin

Alongside the theme’s focus on global scale and growth opportunities, InnoTrans has outlined several areas of technological development that are expected to feature prominently. These include:

• Artificial intelligence and automation: AI applications in scheduling, maintenance, and operations continue to evolve, with autonomous public transport systems gaining attention.
• Cybersecurity: As rail systems become more digitally connected, resilience against cyber threats remains a growing concern.
• Digitalisation and data use: Integrated data platforms and real-time analytics are shaping operational efficiency and passenger experience.
• Advanced manufacturing: Robotics and 3D printing are increasingly relevant in maintenance and component production.

These themes build on earlier editions, where digital transformation and sustainability were introduced as central concerns, now moving towards implementation and scaling.

Furthermore, a notable development for 2026 is the renewed focus on night trains. Across Europe, interest in overnight rail travel has grown due to environmental considerations and changing passenger preferences. Exhibitors are expected to present updated carriage designs, service models, and comfort-focused innovations.

This opening ceremony will also mark 30 years after the first edition of InnoTrans and will welcome 1,000 guests from around the world to celebrate this anniversary. A personal invitation is required to attend.

Speakers are likely to include representatives from government, industry, and academia, as in previous editions, which have combined policy perspectives with technical insight through engaging panel discussions.

In 2024, the opening ceremony’s discussions centred on the growing role of artificial intelligence within the rail sector, framed under the theme “From Hype to Reality – AI in the Mobility Sector”. Industry leaders, including Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Javier Martínez Ojinaga and Michael Peter, explored both the opportunities and constraints of AI adoption. While there was broad agreement that AI could enhance efficiency, optimise capacity, and support predictive maintenance, the panel also highlighted concerns around energy consumption, appropriate use cases, and regulatory challenges in Europe.

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