For the first time, NRW is giving small and medium-sized companies and start-ups the opportunity to present their defense products and services at joint state stands.
XPONENTIAL Europe in Düsseldorf is the new trade fair format for unmanned systems and robotics – covering all areas of autonomous technologies. Following the successful premiere, the 2026 trade fair will open up its spectrum and focus on the topic of “dual use”, i.e. civil and military use.
From March 24 to 26, 2026, the NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs will be represented for the first time with a state joint stand of around 200 m². Spaces are limited! Interested companies are kindly asked to contact Manjo Oppenberg, Project Manager at the NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs: manjo.oppenberg@mwike.nrw.de, Tel.: 0211/61772-385
Euro Defence Expo in Essen will celebrate its premiere from September 22 to 25, 2026 – parallel to the established security trade fair Security Essen. According to the organizers, the new defence trade fair will focus on “equipping land forces” as well as “cyber security and defence against threats from the cyber and information space”.
Anyone interested in the joint state stand should contact Ingo Burger, Project Manager at the NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs: ingo.burger@mwike.nrw.de, Tel.: 0211/61772-562
Costs:
– Companies: flat-rate exhibitor fee of € 6,300 net
– Start-ups: reduced fee of € 3,900 net (proof: foundation with innovative business idea max. 5 years ago)
Further information on conditions, services and the 2026 trade fair program: www.messen.nrw.de