IFAT Munich Startup Area

Our startup area is a central forum for technological and scientific innovation. Young companies showcase future-oriented business models and smart solutions for more efficient resource use, climate protection, and environmental sustainability.

Our startup area, centrally located at the trade fair, spans 1,000 m², offering the perfect space for innovation, networking, and business growth. Ideal for ambitious companies looking to stand out.

Eligible exhibitors are independent companies under 10 years old that have passed the seed and startup phase. They must offer innovative products or services aligned with the trade fair’s focus, with at least a prototype or a commercialized product/service.

Starting end of May 2025, you can apply for the IFAT Munich 2026 startup area via our homepage. Just fill out the registration form and submit a short company profile for verification. We will review your application and inform you promptly about your participation.

After registering and submitting your company profile, we will check your eligibility and send you either a stand offer or a rejection. This may take a few weeks. Registration is initially free, and you can withdraw anytime before signing the stand offer.

Once you sign the offer, you’re officially part of the IFAT Munich 2026 startup area and will receive key information and exclusive preparation offers.

The registration deadline is February 27, 2026, but spots are limited – early applications increase your chances!

The IFAT Munich 2026 startup package offers a hassle-free trade fair experience, including:

• 8 m² stand space in the startup area
• Stand construction & equipment (graphics, table, seating, counter, lighting, TV mount)
• Registration & communication fees (trade fair directory entry, startup labeling)
• Online workshop for startups
• Water & coffee flat rate during the event
• Exclusive networking event on the first evening of the trade fair
• 3 free exhibitor passes + AUMA fee
• Electricity (1 kW), WiFi, cleaning, security & disposal

Additional services are available at extra cost

Regular price: €4,850

The registration period ends on February 27, 2026. However, please bear in mind that we will only offer a limited number of startup booths. So, the earlier you decide, the more likely you are to be part of it!

Our digital Q&A Startup Workshop will take place on March 2—join us and feel free to contact us.

On May 4, our first evening at the trade fair, we will be hosting our inaugural IFAT Munich Startup Night—with cool music, delicious cocktails, and light refreshments.

The Startup Night is a brand-new evening format taking place on the first day of the fair (May, 4 at 6 pm.) in the Startup Area. With a DJ, cocktails, and small bites, it invites everyone from the startup ecosystem to come together, enjoy casual conversations, and kick off the event in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Startup Innovation Tours offer a great marketing opportunity, guiding trade visitors to selected startups. From Monday to Thursday, groups of up to 20 participants visit startups, with each startup getting 10 minutes to present and interact.

Interested? Contact application@ifat.de

Stand construction is already included in the all-inclusive startup package. This includes free graphics on the back wall of the stand, a table, two seats, a counter, lighting, and a TV mount. Additional equipment can be booked optionally through our stand builder Arno Design.
If you have any questions, please contact Arno Design directly at prebuilt-ifat@arno-design.de.

Please also note the deadline for your graphic files: March 30 (prebuilt-ifat@arno-design.de).

In principle, every exhibitor has the opportunity to present a prototype. For this purpose, a demo desk or the individual stand space of approx. 8 m² is available. If you want to exhibit a larger prototype, please contact application@ifat.de to discuss further options.

The startup package includes a lockable demo desk for each exhibitor. This offers storage space for smaller items. Nevertheless, we strongly advise you not to leave valuables (laptops, etc.) out of your sight or at the stand overnight. In principle, the area is guarded by security personnel at night.

If you require an additional space in one of our courtyard areas, please contact application@ifat.de

For general startup area questions, contact application@ifat.de

For stand construction inquiries, reach out to ARNO Design GmbH.

For media partner inquiries, contact Neureuter Fair Media GmbH.