More than 30 Startups from 13 Countries to Present Innovation and AI Solutions

IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 will once again bring together leading players from the commercial vehicle, logistics, and transportation industries from – global industrial corporations to innovative technology startups – from September 15 to 20, 2026 (press day: September 14). 

This year, more than 30 startups from 13 countries will present their innovations on site. The focus will be on forward-looking solutions in areas such as driver assistance systems, autonomous transport solutions, charging management, and other digital applications. They will demonstrate how digital technologies, artificial intelligence, automation, alternative drive systems, and innovative business models are driving the transformation of the transportation sector. 

Innovation Through Collaboration
"The mobility and transportation industry is facing profound change. Decarbonization, digitalization, automation, and rising efficiency demand call for new ideas and bold solutions. Startups play a crucial role in driving this transformation by developing technologies at a rapid pace and bringing fresh momentum to the industry. IAA TRANSPORTATION creates the framework for these emerging companies to engage with established manufacturers, suppliers, logistics companies, and political decision-makers. The transformation of the transportation and logistics sector can only succeed collectively. Innovation happens through collaboration," says VDA Managing Director Jürgen Mindel on the significance of startups. 

Startup Day Offers Exclusive Insights into Innovative Solutions
A particular highlight of IAA TRANSPORTATION is therefore Startup Day on September 16. As part of guided startup tours, visitors will gain exclusive insights into selected companies and their innovations. The tours will be accompanied by startup experts from Plug and Play, creating opportunities for direct exchange with founders. 

The IAA Startup Award powered by Plug and Play will also be presented for the first time on Startup Day, on the prototype.club stage in Hall 12. With this award, IAA TRANSPORTATION honors outstanding startups and their forward-looking solutions: the award recognizes exceptional innovative strength and underscores the central role emerging companies play as drivers of transformation in the commercial vehicle and transportation industry. 

Startup Day will conclude with a get-together hosted by Rethink Ventures. The event offers space for networking and exchange among startups, industry representatives, investors, media, and other guests. 

"We are doing everything we can to accelerate technology transfer and thereby strengthen the industry's long-term competitiveness. The close proximity of international startups and leading global corporations makes IAA TRANSPORTATION a unique innovation ecosystem, where collaborations emerge, investments are triggered, and new partnerships are formed," says VDA Managing Director Mindel on this year's startup program. 

Hackathon Tradition Continues
The hackathon initiated by prototype.club, which has since become a fixed part of IAA events, will once again take place this year. On September 17, prototype.club will work together with large corporations and mid-sized companies as part of the full-day hackathon to develop innovation formats and challenges aimed at creating practical solutions for current industry challenges. Startups, innovation teams, and anyone interested in working together on new ideas and solutions for the mobility and transportation of the future are invited to take part. Individuals may also participate: they will be assigned to a team on site and can contribute their ideas and expertise directly. 

The whole Startup Area will once again offer a wealth of exciting stories, visionary personalities, and pioneering solutions this year. The following startups will already be on site at IAA TRANSPORTATION starting on press day, September 14: 4GT (PL), ANY (BE), ANYLFIT (AT), AU (KO), Bako Motors (LU), Blockbrain GmbH (DE), Brunas software (LT), carbonify GmbH (DE), CO2OPT GmbH (DE), Composites Solutions (KO), CompositeEdge GmbH (DE), Compredict GmbH (DE), Dasiwave (KO), Decomposition (KO), DeepFusion AI (KO), FORTANK FACTORY (IT), Fryte (DE), HKL Biogas GmbH & Co. KG (DE), HOLVEX (CN), Holzernte sp. z o.o. (PL), Hyperdrives (DE), IOMTEK (KO), JUNA (DE), K2 Mobility GmbH (DE), KONVOI (DE), KWMS GmbH (AT), NEXA (IT), Nixxen (NL), PATHFINDER (SE), POEN (KO), POSSOL INNOTECH (KO), Quanten Technologies (CN), Ride Vision (ISR), Sijung (KO), TianYuanDiFang (CN), and VERD by PNO Ventures (DK).