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W3+ Fair, a trade fair for photonics, optics, electronics, and mechanics, aims to pave the way for technological innovation - essential for future viability in industries ranging from space travel, digital production, and defense & security to forestry & agriculture. It will open its doors for the third time on September 24 and 25, 2025, at the high-tech location of Jena, Thuringia, supported by the local photonics network OptoNet. With the addition of the new Hall 3 and continuous growth, the event continues on its path to success and has become one of the largest technology gatherings in Thuringia. Well-known names such as Zeiss, Jenoptik, and Schott will be represented, along with up-and-coming start-ups, universities, research institutions, and medium-sized specialist suppliers. A high-caliber conference, guided tours, pitches, and an international matchmaking event will ensure knowledge transfer and promising contacts. Around 2,000 visitors are expected at the Sparkassen-Arena in September.
The Minister of Economic Affairs Colette Boos-John from the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture, and Rural Areas (TMWLLR) will open the W3+ Fair. Photonics companies based in the state are an important industry for Thuringia: according to the Photonics Report 2025, the Thuringian photonics industry generated €4 billion in revenue in 2024. With over €600 million, R&D investments reached a new high in the same period.
Growing national and international interest
“With the opening of the new Hall 3, we can welcome even more national and international companies to Jena,” says Nora Kirsten, Managing Director of OptoNet e.V. and Gold Partner of the W3+ Fair. “This makes the event the most important industry event in the region - a meeting place that combines professional excellence with international appeal.” Many Thuringian photonics companies are internationally positioned. Interest from outside the region is correspondingly high: around 60% of exhibitors come from outside central Germany, from other federal states or abroad. Companies from a total of 14 countries will be represented at the fair, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and the USA.
Conference: Current topics and renowned companies
The free accompanying conference “en-tech.talks” addresses current topics in the industry and highlights the region's contribution to them. Topics include “Regional innovation driving global tech success,” “Space travel: Technology & Mission,” “Security & Defense,” “Agriculture & Forestry,” and much more. Speakers from renowned companies such as ASML, Zeiss, Jenoptik, the Fraunhofer Institute, Hensoldt, Rheinmetall, Jena Optronik, and the DLR will report on the latest trends and challenges. Exhibitors and start-ups will have their say on the new Pitch Point stage.
New partnerships and international delegation visit
The trade fair has once again gained broad support from business and politics this year. The LEG Regional Development Agency Thuringia is using the trade fair as a central point of contact and is inviting international delegations from the Netherlands and Switzerland to take part in tours and matchmaking events. Also participating: the core group of partners such as Gold Partner OptoNet e.V., the photonics association EPIC, the German industry associations OptecNet Deutschland and Spectaris, and others.
Looking back and into the future
Since its premiere in November 2023, the W3+ Fair Jena has positioned itself as a modern marketplace for cutting-edge technology in Thuringia/Central Germany. Continuous growth and close cooperation with industry, science, and politics make the fair an important networking event whose significance extends far beyond the region.
Jörg Brück, Project Director: “The W3+ Fair is a platform for networking and thus an important driver for sustainable solutions. We are located where relevant companies are based. These high-tech locations benefit from the visibility of the trade fair nationally and internationally. We want to expand this further.”
Click here to view the exhibitor list of W3+ Fair Jena 2025.
