At POWTECH TECHNOPHARM in Nuremberg from 29 September to 1 October 2026, process engineering and process control in various segments of the processing industry will once again take centre stage. Visitors can look forward to a wide-ranging programme at the Expert Forum, including discussions on future-ready pharmaceutical processing, gentle food processing, and the use of AI. Industry associations will also play a prominent role throughout the programme, giving visitors the opportunity to discuss the trends shaping the industry’s future and discover new business potential.
In 2026, POWTECH TECHNOPHARM will once again offer ample opportunities for interdisciplinary and international dialogue. In this context, various industry associations are providing inspiration with sessions and events promoting knowledge transfer, networking, and process safety. Delegates at the International Meeting of Bulk Solids Associations on Tuesday, 29 September from 10:00 to 11:00 (NCC Ost, Level 2, New Delhi Room) will gain valuable insights into overseas markets. Representatives of associations from Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Japan will provide information about business and partnership opportunities. Moreover, the DSIV Process Solutions Pavilion at Booth 7-857 in Hall 7 offers various opportunities to learn about the innovative bulk solids technologies available from DSIV (German Powder and Bulk Association) member companies.
The VDMA Special Show (Booth 7-776 in Hall 7) will feature joint exhibits by its Air Handling Technology and Process Plant and Equipment associations and their member companies. Under the banner “Clean Air – Smart Processing”, the focus this year will be on sustainable, low-emission production and smart, digitally-assisted processing.
Another visitor drawcard that is sure to go off with a bang is the twice-daily live demonstration of dust explosion protection. At midday and in the afternoon, the Rembe Research + Technology Center and the IND EX® Association will carry out impressive demonstrations of the effects of a dust explosion and discuss explosion protection systems. At the IND EX® Explosion Safety Forum from 9:30 to 12:30 on Thursday, 1 October (NCC Ost, Level 2, Riga Room), international specialists can look forward to in-depth professional discussions in an informative programme addressing topics such as practical explosion protection, standards, and new scientific insights from large-scale explosion tests.
Pavilions address growth markets
This year, three pavilions will focus on recycling, pharmaceutical processing technology, and networking with players from key markets like South America and Asia. The pavilion format is well-established at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM and offers an uncomplicated way of participating for exhibitors wishing to showcase their expertise in a particular area in a suitable environment. The Pharma-in-Focus Pavilion is a hub for expertise in pharmaceutical process technology, while the Recycling-in-Focus Pavilion addresses the growing importance of the circular economy and the technologies needed to support it. At the PROCESSING ALLIANCE Pavilion, visitors can network with exhibitors from POWTECH TECHNOPHARM-affiliated events in Brazil, Greece and China while forging international contacts.
Technical innovation takes centre stage at the Young Innovators Pavilion, where startups and fledgling companies showcase their organizations and solutions.
Expert Forum – the hub for inspirational ideas, innovations and discussions
The EXPERT FORUM presentations begin every day at 10:00 in Hall 7, Booth 7-489. On Tuesday morning, Wednesday afternoon, and Thursday from 11.30, the focus is on pharmaceutical processing topics. During the sessions, which are moderated by the institutional sponsor of POWTECH TECHNOPHARM, APV (International Association for Pharmaceutical Technology), pharmaceutical industry insiders and experts from various exhibiting companies address a wide range of topics including the characterisation of pharmaceutical materials, virtual planning and optimisation, the use of AI in maintenance, and pharmaceutical freezing processes. Other presentations in the EXPERT FORUM are devoted to overarching issues such as the future of processing, safety and security, smart industry, plant engineering and process technology, and sustainability and energy efficiency. Participants will also gain insights into sustainable energy supply, optimising material flow for tomorrow’s production environment, and AI-assisted machine diagnosis and process management.
From 13:00 to 14:00 on Thursday, the stage is given over to young professionals. At this session organised by the kjVI, the VDI’s network of creative young process engineers, Ida Tolksdorf and Pauline Rust from the VAA (Association of Chemical Industry Managers) will provide tips on first career steps and employment contracts (in German). These presentations are part of the Student Day, which is geared towards all those currently studying or starting out in their careers and is accompanied by special guided tours by the kjVI and young professionals from the DSIV (German Powder and Bulk Association). Students, who enjoy free entry to the fair on Student Day, will learn about innovative technology and the relevant companies from the processing environment, and will have the opportunity to chat with industry experts.
WOMEN4PROCESSING networking event goes into its second round
The WOMEN4PROCESSING networking format for women in the processing industry, which made its debut last year, is now taking place for the second time. Since its launch, women working in industry, academia, R&D, marketing and sales have been able to network through WOMEN4PROCESSING – both online in the associated LinkedIn group and in person again at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM on Wednesday 30 September from 15:30 to 17:00. Prospective members are warmly invited to join the LinkedIn group ahead of the fair to get involved in discussions and obtain their invitation to the next networking meeting.
Good planning is the key to a successful trade fair visit
POWTECH TECHNOPHARM will exhibit a wide range of technologies for processing powders, solids and liquids, including solutions for the GxP-compliant manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Visitors can use the Exhibitor and Product Database beforehand to find relevant products and plan an efficient exhibition walkabout. The results can be filtered not just by product category but also, e.g., by user industry and the various special shows. Information on the programme for the EXPERT FORUM and other highlights is available on the POWTECH TECHNOPHARM website. The wish list function can provide an overview of all relevant exhibitors and topics.
