From March 7 to 10, 2023, important, forward-looking technology topics will be highlighted in a variety of formats at the Leipzig trade fair, bringing together research, practice and economic policy.

"The future topics that exhibitors and visitors to our trade fairs deal with in their everyday work in a solution-oriented manner play an important role at Intec, Z and GrindTec. The diverse formats in the specialist program provide participants with cross-industry information and orientation for their own business activities. This gives them the opportunity to recognize new trends and implement them in their decisions. With the high-quality specialist program, we offer exhibitors and visitors added value and an additional contact platform," says Ulrike Lange, Project Director of Intec, Z and GrindTec.

Additive manufacturing - modern technology continues to evolve

The dynamic process of integrating additive manufacturing into industrial production is the focus of the special show and the specialist forum "Additive manufacturing - evolution of a modern technology". Exhibits on display in a special area will be the center of attraction in the exhibition hall - exhibitors 3D-Metall Theobald, METROM Mechatronic Machines and TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik will be among those taking part. Dr Blanka Szost-Ouk, Head of Additive Manufacturing, Predevelopment & Planning at the BMW Group, will give the keynote speech entitled "Successful industrialization and digitalization of additive manufacturing" at the specialist forum. In addition, experts will shed light on important topics for the industry in various sessions such as "Digitalization and automation in additive manufacturing", "Sustainability and cost-effectiveness of additive manufacturing" and "Toolmaking using additive manufacturing".

Focus on new concepts relating to the key technology of sensors

The transformation of industrial production through digitalization and automation requires the targeted, innovative use of sensor technology. At the special show and specialist forum "Sensor technology - use and prospects in production", experts will present, for example, the requirements and new concepts relating to the key technology of sensor technology with tried-and-tested, evolving production methods. Topics such as intelligent production using sensor technology, trends in sensor technology and human-robot collaboration will be addressed. Visitors can also look forward to selected lectures by exhibitors and presentations by start-ups.

Topic "Fuel Cell Hub - value creation through hydrogen" for the first time

A new component of the specialist program is the forward-looking technology topic "Fuel Cell Hub - value creation through hydrogen". Science and industry are called upon to pool their expertise in order to master the challenges of efficient large-scale industrial production of hydrogen systems. For this to succeed, for example, technologies must be analyzed and evaluated with regard to their use for high-quality series production. A joint stand and a four-day specialist colloquium, which are being implemented in cooperation with the HZwo innovation cluster and the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, will highlight the potential for the supplier industry and provide impetus on how to align their production with the new field of application.

Diverse technical program at GrindTec sets the tone

GrindTec also offers an extensive, practice-oriented specialist programme organized by the Fachverband der Präzisionswerkzeugmechaniker e. V. (FDPW), the technical sponsor of GrindTec, together with the organizer Leipziger Messe. The GrindTec FORUM is an integral part of the program with informative presentations from the fields of practice, theory and science, followed by the opportunity to exchange ideas at the FDPW stand. The GrindTec CHALLENGE is an exciting event. This is the "Tool Grinder of the Year" competition, which has been running since 2006. Young precision tool grinders from various companies will be demonstrating their skills on site in the exhibition hall and can win titles, recognition and attractive prizes.

The GrindTec INNOVATION AWARD, which will be presented for the second time next March, recognizes products, processes and services that impress with their innovative strength, performance and sustainability. The award will be presented during the trade fair, thus recognizing the special significance of the award-winning ideas. The GrindTec CAMPUS will once again be a meeting place for trade, research and industry, where colleges and universities will inform trade fair visitors about their research status, latest findings and current activities. A special highlight is the "University meets Practice" event, where researchers and entrepreneurs from trade and industry will meet in a speed dating session.

"As the trade fair's technical sponsor, the FDPW attaches great importance to the high-quality design of the GrindTec supporting program. As a kind of 'bridge builder', we want to bring the different industry players together and promote an intensive exchange between them. In addition to technical topics, we will also focus on training and the shortage of skilled workers, as these will pose an even greater challenge to our industry in the future," explains FDPW Managing Director Prof. Dr. Wilfried Saxler.

Industry's Hidden Champions Conference - on the pulse of transformation

The Industry's Hidden Champions Conference will take place for the third time on March 7, 2023. The Saxon State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Transport, Martin Dulig, invites you to the event entitled "On the Pulse of Transformation - World Market Leaders in Uncertain Times" as part of the trade fair network in Leipzig. The aim is to shed light on the entrepreneurial transformation successes of medium-sized global market leaders and the underlying strategic patterns of action. In "Powerful Practices", the management and shareholders of hidden champions will present their successful transformation efforts in relevant sectors and value creation networks. The topics covered include new platforms and digital applications - such as smart services -, innovative technologies in production and construction - for example in automotive engineering - and resource-efficient business models such as the circular economy or cradle-2-cradle. Meyer Burger Technology was invited to give the keynote speech at the conference. TRUMPF Machine Tools, Wandelbots and Freiberger Compound Materials will also be making contributions. Participation in the Industry's Hidden Champions Conference is free of charge.

CONTACT Business Meetings: Establishing contacts across national borders

The Saxon network partners of the Enterprise Europe Network and the Leipzig Chamber of Industry and Commerce are inviting you to the 15th edition of the CONTACT Business Meetings on March 8, 2023 at Leipziger Messe. Cross-border partnerships for complete solutions along the value chain are becoming a decisive factor due to the globalized economy and international competition. The Cooperation Exchange provides targeted support in finding new business contacts. Participants from countries including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Slovenia and Spain have already registered. Interested parties can register online for CONTACT Business Meetings free of charge until February 15, 2023.