General Terms of Participation (A)
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IFAT Munich Startup Area
Today’s Vision, Tomorrow’s Reality – IFAT Munich Startup Area 2026!
Join the future of Solutions in Water, Recycling and Circularity!
Key Highlights
- 50-60 Startups
- Participants from 20+ nations
- Innovative technologies in the environmental sectors
- Solutions in Water, Recycling and Circularity
- Top networking opportunities with industry leaders
- Talks & panel discussions at IFAT Munich to learn from diverse stakeholders like corporates, politics, public sector and investors
Why should you be part of the Startup Area at IFAT Munich?
- A platform for customer acquisition & industrial partnerships
- Affordable “all-inclusive” package for startups
- Innovation showcase & knowledge hub
- Growth support for startups aiming to become regular IFAT Munich exhibitors
- Continuous growth trend of Startup Area (2018–2026):
Real Voices. Real Impact
Participating in the IFAT Munich Startup Area was one of the best investments we ever made as a startup.
nerou
- Participated @ IFAT Munich 2022 & 2024 Startup Area
IFAT Munich provided fantastic networking opportunities – we had inspiring conversations and connected with many relevant professionals.
Variolytics
- Participated @ IFAT Munich 2022 & 2024 Startup Area
We generated a significant number of top customer leads at IFAT Munich 2022. In 2024 we could already participate as main exhibitor.
Greyparrot
- Participated @ IFAT Munich 2022 Startup Area
What You Need to Join
- Age: Less than 10 years old
- Growth: High revenue/employee growth, post-seed phase
- Innovation: Pilot or MVP in the environmental sector
What You Get?
- 8 m² exhibition space at the Startup Area
- Booth construction & design (table, seating, counter, lighting, TV mount)
- Company listing in IFAT Munich directories & online platform
- Pre-expo online workshop for startups
- Unlimited water & coffee during the event
- Exclusive networking event on the first trade fair evening
- Electricity, Wi-Fi, booth cleaning, and security
Timeline & Milestones
| May 23, 2025 | Registration opens |
|---|---|
September 30, 2025 | Early Bird Phase ends |
February 27, 2026 | Final registration deadline |
April 2026 | Pre-event online workshop |
May 4, 2026 | IFAT Munich 2026 kicking off with exclusive Startup Networking Event |
Register now as a startup!
And set new standards together with us - for a sustainable future in water, recycling and circularity.
Green Stage & Startup Tours
Facts around the Green Stage as well as the Startup Tours will be announced here. In the meantime, explore visual highlights from the last IFAT Munich 24!
Our Strong Partners
Bruno Rudnik is Managing Director of SusTech Consult, an advisory firm specialized on innovation and startups in the environmental technology sector. Besides, he is a Managing Partner at SEF Ventures, a Venture Capital firm investing in early-stage technologies in the sectors of Bioeconomy, Circular Economy and Green Energy. Since 2017 he has been supporting IFAT with the conceptual development and operational implementation of the Startup Area at IFAT Munich.
Bruno Rudnik
Managing Director, SusTech Consult
Managing Partner, SEF Ventures
Email: rudnik@sustech-consult.de
LinkedIn
NEUREUTER FAIR MEDIA GmbH
Partner for your appearance in the official trade fair media
ARNO Design GmbH
Partner for your booth construction
You need assistance?
We (Britta von Beckedorff and Felix Rist) are happy to help you. Just contact us at:
Team Startup
Mail: application@ifat.de
Phone: +49 89 949-20285
Frequently asked questions
What is the 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.
Where do I find the IFAT Munich startup area?
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.
Who can apply for the IFAT Munich startup area?
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.
How do I apply for the IFAT Munich startup area?
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.
How exactly does the registration process work?
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!
What is included in my startup package?
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
How much does it cost to participate in the IFAT Munich startup area?
Early-Bird price: €4,700 (bookable until September 30, 2025)
Regular price: €4,850 (from October 1, 2025)
What important deadlines do I need to be aware of?
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 early bird phase ends on September 30, 2025, so be quick and get your discounted rate.
What is the Green Stage and how can I book a time slot?
The Green Stage, at the center of the startup area, offers exhibitors a prime platform to showcase their innovations and attract visitors.
Interested? Contact application@ifat.de
What are the startup innovation tours and how can I take part?
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
Can I also exhibit prototypes or samples?
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.
Is there storage space at my stand?
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.
Can I rent an additional courtyard space?
If you require an additional space in one of our courtyard areas, please contact application@ifat.de
I have specific questions – who can I contact?
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.