Side Events
Start-up Day: From Pitch to Collaboration
A two-part format designed to bring startups and Volkswagen teams together—from public panels to confidential in-depth discussions. The goal: concrete solutions rather than mere networking.
Part 1 | Live Problem Solving – IZB Livestage
A two-part format designed to bring startups and Volkswagen teams together—from public panels to confidential in-depth discussions. The goal: concrete solutions rather than mere networking.
Part 2 | Deep Dives – VW Group Hubs (Day 3)
In the “Deep Dives” format, selected startups and Volkswagen teams work in small, confidential groups on specific mini-use cases. The result is a clearly defined next step: a pre-development project, a proof of concept, inclusion on the bidder list, or onboarding support as a supplier.
Apply for the IZB 2026 Start-up Day
IZB 2026 is your chance to present your innovation directly to decision-makers at the Volkswagen Group—and turn your application into a real partnership.
Secure a Wild Card
Exclusive access to the Call for Papers process – otherwise available only to IZB exhibitors
Pitching on stage
Present your solution live on the IZB Live Stage to an international audience of industry professionals
Start a partnership
Proof of concept, pre-development project, or direct supplier onboarding as a concrete outcome
The submission period runs from April 23 to June 26, 2026.
The 10th German-Chinese Automotive Congress
On 30 October 2026, the China International Investment Promotion Agency (CIIPA) will host the 10th German-Chinese Automotive Congress in the Volkswagen Autostadt in Wolfsburg, Germany.
The congress brings together representatives from Chinese towns and cities, industrial parks and companies with German OEMs, suppliers, key industry players and institutions. The event aims to promote high-level professional exchanges regarding the latest developments in the automotive industry and to reveal concrete potential for cooperation along the entire automotive value chain.
The congress programme will focus on central industry trends and topics concerning investments, production, technology and industrial cooperation between Chinese and German partners.
CIIPA is also organising the participation of Chinese companies in the International Suppliers Fair (IZB), which will take place directly before the congress, from 27 to 29 October 2026. The CIIPA joint stand, which will cover an area of around 1,000 square metres, will be located in a prominent position in Hall 6. Here, approximately 30 to 35 leading Chinese companies will showcase their latest products, innovations and collaborative approaches.
Their trade fair presentation will be complemented by a diverse programme of accompanying events featuring both road shows and exclusive matchmaking events that promote targeted exchanges and the establishment of concrete cooperative partnerships.
This is an exclusively German-Chinese event. No English interpretation will be provided.
Registration German-Chinese Automotive Congress:
https://www.ciipa.de/10automobilkongress