Munich, March 16, 2026
The 17th Innovation World Cup® and HANNOVER MESSE have announced the Top 14 Techpreneurs of 2026 across the Industrial, Industrial AI, Robotics, and Security categories, along with the Top 3 of the ST Innovation Challenge.
Industrial:
- AEInnova, Spain
- Viimatech Digital Ltd, Finland
- Shoplogix, Canada
Robotics:
- CaPow, Israel
- General Robotics, United States
- Innok Robotics GmbH, Germany
Industrial AI:
- CamCom Technologies pvt Ltd, India
- Senergetics B.V, Netherlands
- TacnIQ.ai, Singapore
Security:
- BxC Security, Germany
- Liontech Instruments, Germany
- QuantiCor Security GmbH, Germany
ST Innovation Challenge:
- Coming soon – stay tuned!
These Top 14 Techpreneurs will showcase their groundbreaking innovations at the official pitch and award ceremony during HANNOVER MESSE – the world’s leading trade fair for industrial transformation, featuring 6,500 exhibitors and 200,000 visitors. The grand finals will take place on April 22nd, 2026, from 16:00 to 18:00 CET at the Expert Stage in Hall 11, Booth B69. The event is open to all interested attendees.
A distinguished panel of judges will select the winners in each category:
- Alexa Gorman, Co-Founder at encourageventures
- Lisa Trollo, Marketing Communication and Ecosystem Manager at STMicroelectronics
- Michael Luett, Automotive Marketing Manager at STMicroelectronics
- Max Stein, Project Manager Startup-Machine at VDMA
- Koen Geurts, Investment Manager at HTGF
- Thomas Waldmann, Start-Up & Venture Manager at Würth Elektronik
- Laura Engelhardt, Head of Strategy, Foundational Technologies at Siemens
- Costas Meimetis, Senior Business Development Manager at CSEM
- Frank Thieser, Co-Founder, former CFO and current advisor at Quantum Systems
The 18th Innovation World Cup® 2027 is now open for submissions. Participation is free of charge. Further Information at: www.innovationworldcup.com.
Behind the scenes – The Innovation World Cup® Series
The Innovation World Cup® Series is the global open innovation platform that connects corporates and Techpreneurs. It acts as a catalyst for future innovations. The Innovation World Cup® Series was initiated by Navispace GmbH in 2003. Partners include STMicroelectronics, HTC VIVE, Google Cloud, Ericsson, Intel, EBV Elektronik, Swisscom, Würth Elektronik, Samsung, Telefonica, Telit, VARTA Microbattery and world leading trade fairs such as HANNOVER MESSE and MEDICA. A panel of international industry experts selects the best solutions based on the level of innovation, marketability, and sustainability. More information: www.innovationworldcup.com
Press Contact
Hanna Sterzik | Project Manager
h.sterzik@techprnrs.com
