Wolfsburg, 28 October 2026. The 2026 International Suppliers Fair (IZB) is broadening its focus beyond the traditional automotive industry. With the launch of the Cross Industry Area, the trade fair in Wolfsburg is bringing together companies and research institutions from the fields of medical technology, security and defence, the circular economy and urban technologies with the automotive supply industry. The aim is to leverage technological expertise across industries and unlock additional applications and business opportunities.
The Cross Industry Area is located in Hall 3. Participating companies and institutions include the Ostfalia Institute for Recycling, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Volex and DIVIS intelligent solutions. The exhibitors are showcasing technologies and expertise that can also be applied beyond their traditional fields of use.
One key focus is the circular economy. The recovery and reuse of materials are becoming increasingly important in light of limited raw material resources and changing requirements for industrial production processes. For automotive suppliers, this presents both new technical challenges and opportunities to apply their existing manufacturing and materials expertise in other industries.
DIVIS intelligent solutions GmbH, a subsidiary of Terra Quantum, is also represented in the new Cross Industry Area, marking the first time a company specialising in quantum technology and industrial process optimisation has participated in this area. Jens Beier, Head of Innovation at DIVIS, is already familiar with the IZB from previous professional roles. “I have always been a big fan of the IZB, and I am proud to be here with DIVIS for the first time,” says Beier. The company contributes particular expertise from the defence industry and process technology. These capabilities could also open up new approaches to solving challenges in the automotive industry. Beier also sees cross-industry technology transfer as an important contribution to Europe's digital sovereignty.
Companies from other technology fields are also making their debut at this year's IZB. New exhibitors include LG Chem, Siemens and Rheinmetall. They represent a range of technological specialisations, including battery materials, digitalisation and automation, as well as security technologies.
NXP provides an example of how digital technologies can shape the future of mobility. “The IZB brings together the partners in Wolfsburg who are needed to drive the transformation of the automotive industry forward. Vehicles are becoming increasingly software-defined, connected and intelligent. Our collaboration with the Volkswagen Group demonstrates what close cooperation can achieve: our S32K5 microcontrollers support the next generation of zonal architectures,” says Martin Grimm, Vice President Automotive Sales EMEA at NXP.
The IZB also provides an opportunity to discuss with Volkswagen decision-makers how artificial intelligence can be integrated into the next generation of vehicles based on NXP's S32N7 super-integration processor. “This is exactly the kind of dialogue that is crucial to advancing innovation together and shaping the future of mobility,” Grimm adds.
New Opportunities for Start-ups
In addition to established companies, emerging technology providers are also part of the trade fair programme. A total of 38 proposed solutions were submitted in advance for the new start-up format. Ten start-ups were invited to take part in so-called Deep Dives — in-depth technical discussions with Volkswagen.
These discussions give start-ups the opportunity to explore their approaches with the relevant Volkswagen departments. Potential next steps include testing a technology in a proof of concept or conducting further evaluations for a development project.
S2data GmbH from Graz, one of the companies selected for the Deep Dives, illustrates how the start-up format can foster concrete business relationships. Founded in 2020, the company develops AI-powered software that uses mathematical algorithms to optimise material flows, transport networks and spare parts logistics. S2data has been working with the Volkswagen Group since 2024. At the IZB, the company used a Deep Dive to deepen its dialogue with the relevant specialist departments.
“We had an open, peer-to-peer discussion about how we, as a start-up, can support the Group in optimising its supply chains,” says Dr Stefan Kremsner, Managing Director of S2data. The discussion produced concrete approaches that are to be explored further in subsequent workshops.
Cross Industry Area Supports Wolfsburg's Strategic Development
The opening up to other industries is closely linked to the Wolfsburg 2035+ location strategy. Through this initiative, the City of Wolfsburg and Wolfsburg AG aim to broaden the economic base of the region and apply existing expertise in additional business areas. Strategic priorities include the security industry and civil protection, urban technologies and digitalisation, the circular economy and sustainability, as well as medical technology and healthcare.
Dr Tim Schumacher, CEO of Wolfsburg AG, explains:
“Many companies in the automotive industry possess expertise that is also in demand in other industrial sectors. At the same time, technologies from these sectors can enable new applications in the automotive industry. With the Cross Industry Area, we are bringing together companies at the IZB in Wolfsburg that would not traditionally have been represented at the same industry trade fair.”
The IZB runs until Thursday, 29 October. A total of 858 exhibitors from 36 countries are represented at the trade fair. The IZB is organised by Wolfsburg AG, a joint venture between the City of Wolfsburg and Volkswagen AG.
Further information:www.izb-online.com
