4. February 2026 | News
Connecting People, Fabs and the Future – Review of the 23rd Innovation Forum for Automation 2026
Sometimes growth is meaningless if it is not accompanied by genuine connection.
What we take with us from the 23rd Innovation Forum for Automation is exactly that: the strong connection between people, companies, and networks shaping our industry.
Over two eventful days, more than 350 automation experts joined us onsite in Dresden — plus around 30 participants online — to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore the many drivers of transformation defining semiconductor manufacturing today. One thing became very clear: change does not happen on its own. It is up to us to actively shape it.
Featuring high‑level speakers from Applied Materials, Infineon, GlobalFoundries, Fraunhofer, Nexperia, Imec, Accenture and many more, this year’s program delivered a rich agenda of insights, best practices, and future visions.
Visit Gallery
Exploring Change: Key Topics 2026
Across keynotes, expert talks, and lively discussions, participants examined pivotal topics shaping fabs worldwide:
- Artificial Intelligence & Industry 5.0 – practical and forward‑looking insights from Applied Materials, BoWatt, Infineon, Accenture, and GlobalFoundries on how AI will transform fab operations today and in the future.
- Sustainability Strategies under the EU Green Deal – Nexperia presented concrete approaches for greener electronic manufacturing.
- Automation in Brownfield Environments – X‑FAB Dresden showcased pragmatic methods for modernizing existing production landscapes.
- Autonomous Self‑Optimization – Fraunhofer IWU illustrated how fabs can become faster, more precise, and more flexible through autonomous optimization.
Breakout Sessions: Deep‑Dive Insights and Honest Exchange
Deep‑dive breakout sessions have always been a core strength of the Innovation Forum. In 2026, our four sessions once again provided focused expertise, practical perspectives, and room for meaningful discussion on highly relevant topics:
- Equipment Integration: Requirements and Effort Compared to Benefits
How fabs can streamline integration processes to ensure they receive exactly what they need.
Hosted by Kontron AIS - Automated Reticle Logistics – From Concept to Implementation
Technical, logistical and operational requirements for future‑ready reticle handling.
Hosted by Fabmatics - Smart Maintenance for a Digital Future
How data‑driven maintenance concepts can boost efficiency, uptime, and long‑term fab performance.
Hosted by SYSTEMA - AI in Automation: Between Hype and Reality – A Practical Perspective
A candid view on what AI already enables in fabs today — and where real potential lies.
Hosted by XENON Automation
These sessions once again demonstrated how essential deep technical exchange is for driving innovation across our community.
A Night at Rudolf‑Harbig‑Stadion
A perfect wrap‑up to the first day came from GlobalFoundries, who sent us into the evening inspired and energized.
The social event at the legendary Rudolf‑Harbig‑Stadion became one of the highlights of the forum. Guests enjoyed:
- the beautifully renovated VIP lounge
- behind‑the‑scenes tours, including the Dynamo Dresden locker rooms
- conversations with stadium announcer Peter Hauskeller, our special guest for the evening
Good food, engaging conversations, and a unique atmosphere made this night one to remember.
Awarding Innovation: Imec Wins the Innovation Award 2026
The second day led seamlessly to the grand finale: the Innovation Award 2026, presented to Imec, one of the world’s leading research institutions for nano‑ and digital technologies.
In his laudation, Ulf Martin, Managing Director of SYSTEMA, put it perfectly:
“Imec develops and researches the applications that we as consumers will have in our hands in five years’ time.”.
For decades, Imec has set technological benchmarks that influence global semiconductor standards and guide the strategic direction of fabs worldwide. No organization could be more deserving of this year’s award.
Looking Ahead
With our heads full of new ideas, our hearts open to this remarkable community, and fresh energy for what lies ahead, we now look forward to the 24th Innovation Forum for Automation from January 28-29, 2027.
If you want to relive some of this year’s impressions — or fuel your anticipation for next year — please click here:
Call for Speakers
Our Call for Speakers for the Innovation Forum for Automation 2027 is already online, too. We are looking forward to many exciting presentation proposals.
See you at the 24. Innovation Forum for Automation in 2027!
Thanks again to the sponsors of this years edition:
