AI, digitization and renewable energy are driving industrial transformation

The Benelux Preview of the Hannover Messe 2025 took place at the VDL Experience Center in Eindhoven on February 5, 2025. This exclusive event offered an excellent opportunity for industry professionals, policy makers and media to get a taste of the key innovations and themes that will take center stage at the Hannover Messe in Germany from March 31 to April 4, 2025.

The meeting was opened by Hubertus von Monschaw, global director Trade Fair Hannover Messe at Deutsche Messe AG. He emphasized that Hannover Messe aims to be the hub of industrial innovation, with a strong focus on digitalization, artificial intelligence and sustainable energy. Peter Stolk, chairman of Holland High Tech, elaborated on the role of the Netherlands within this specific ecosystem and how cooperation between startups, large companies and knowledge institutions stimulates technological progress. This fits perfectly with the seven core areas of the fair: Smart Manufacturing, Digital Ecosystems, Energy for Industry, Compressed Air & Vacuum Technology, Engineered Parts & Solutions, Future Hub and International Trade & Investment.

Smart manufacturing and digital ecosystems

During the preview, it was strongly emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) and energy solutions will be the two biggest pillars of Hannover Messe 2025. The Smart Manufacturing section is all about automation and AI-driven manufacturing systems, with contributions from leading companies such as Siemens, Bosch and Schneider Electric. On the Digital Ecosystems stage, Microsoft, Google Cloud and SAP will present the latest breakthroughs in industrial AI and cybersecurity. Another important theme is Energy for Industry, where hydrogen technology, decarbonization and energy efficiency will take center stage. This is particularly relevant for the Netherlands, which plays a leading role in the development of electrolysers and fuel cells.

Canada shows industrial strength

A special guest during the preview was Hugh Adsett, the Canadian ambassador to the Netherlands. He explained Canada's prominent role as the official partner country of Hannover Messe 2025. More than 200 Canadian companies, active in AI, cleantech and robotics, are thus creating unique opportunities for European companies to build sustainable partnerships. Canada is presenting itself under the motto "The future's here," highlighting its industrial strengths in automation, energy, digital transformation and green technology. In addition to a main booth in Hall 2 highlighting the national science and innovation system, additional pavilions will cover topics such as artificial intelligence, clean technologies, hydrogen and e-mobility. In addition, there will be several conferences and networking events, including the Canada-Germany Business Summit, the Leaders' Dialogue and the EUREKA Global Innovation Summit, where Canadian and European businesses can strengthen their expertise and cooperation. Canada's role as a trading partner is further highlighted by its close economic ties with Germany, with a focus on renewable energy, climate solutions and advanced manufacturing technologies.

A look into the future at VDL Experience Center

Following the keynotes, attendees were given an exclusive tour of the VDL Experience Center, led by Dennis Lepelaars, global sales manager at VDL ETG Projects. VDL Groep, a family business founded in 1953, is known for its expertise in high-tech development and manufacturing within various industrial sectors. With activities divided into five clusters - Hightech, Mobility, Energy, Infratech and Foodtech - VDL combines craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technologies. Thanks to their unique combination of development and production under one roof, they can offer innovative total solutions, combining knowledge and manufacturability. The demonstrations in the center offered a glimpse of the advanced production methods and the innovative way VDL contributes to industrial transformation and sustainability. The afternoon concluded with a networking reception, where experts, entrepreneurs and policymakers exchanged ideas about the future of industry.

Dutch high-tech and manufacturing industries shine

With more than 4,000 exhibitors, 100,000 visitors and 1,600 speakers, Hannover Messe 2025 promises to be another indispensable trade fair for everyone involved in the industrial sector. The Dutch pavilion, themed "Together for a smart and sustainable future," will be a dynamic platform where startups, scale-ups and established companies from the high-tech and manufacturing industry will come together. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations and build valuable international connec-tions. The Benelux Preview at VDL underlined that artificial intelligence, digitalization and sustainable energy will be the drivers of industrial transformation. With a strong Dutch presence and cooperation with Canada as a partner country, Hannover Messe 2025 will be an event where innovation and international cooperation go hand in hand.