XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 will bring together start-ups, industry leaders, and defense stakeholders to explore autonomous systems, innovation, strategic autonomy, and new technologies shaping Europe’s security and commercial future.
Taking place from 24 to 26 March 2026, XPONENTIAL Europe will provide a platform for the latest developments in autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, and enabling technologies, while fostering collaboration across industry, government, research, and investment communities.
XPO+ Launcher: A stage for start-ups and new business models
One of the key features of this year’s event is the return of the XPO+ Launcher, a dedicated start-up and innovation zone designed to connect emerging technology companies with industry partners, investors, and users. Focused on start-ups and scale-ups in autonomous systems, robotics, AI, and sensor technology, the initiative creates opportunities for young companies to present their solutions to an international audience and build meaningful commercial relationships.
Through a mix of pitch sessions, matchmaking formats, and curated networking opportunities, the XPO+ Launcher is designed to help accelerate collaboration between innovative businesses and established players across the autonomous systems ecosystem. A major highlight will be the XPO+ Launcher Award, where selected start-ups will showcase their technologies live and compete for recognition in front of the event audience.
Defence with autonomous systems: Technology for security and strategic sovereignty
Alongside its innovation focus, XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 is also expanding its programme to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Europe’s security environment. New themes for this year include the protection of critical infrastructure, strategic autonomy, and the use of autonomous technologies for civil protection and military defense.
A central public feature of this expanded agenda is the German Drone Defence & Innovation Forum of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), powered by Diehl Defence, which will take place on 25 March 2026 at the Innovation Theater. Open to the full trade fair audience without a separate ticket, the forum will address topics including capability development, digitalisation, autonomy, unmanned systems, and procurement.
“Unmanned systems are now a central factor in modern security and defence architectures. This was clearly demonstrated once again at the Munich Security Conference. It is crucial that we closely integrate operational experience, technological development and political framework setting. That is why the Bundeswehr is here at XPONENTIAL Europe: we are engaging in direct dialogue with research institutions, start-ups and industry, and we look forward to many discussions and contacts.” explains says Rear Admiral Christian Bock, Head of the newly founded Bundeswehr Innovation Center in Erding.
By combining emerging innovation with strategic security discussion, XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 is set to highlight the growing importance of autonomous systems across both commercial and defense sectors, while providing attendees with opportunities to discover new technologies, forge partnerships, and engage with key voices shaping the future of the industry.
Unmanned Systems Technology is pleased to be collaborating with a number of companies participating in XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 and will be exhibiting at Booth A01, Hall 1, throughout the event.
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