IdeenExpo Hannover
Europe's largest youth event for technology and science – 800 hands-on exhibits, 900 workshops, headline concerts
About IdeenExpo
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Tenth Anniversary of a Unique German Format
Since 2007, the IdeenExpo has been held every two years at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds. It was launched in response to the anticipated shortage of skilled workers in technical and scientific professions and is jointly supported by the state of Lower Saxony, industry, and universities. In 2026, the format will celebrate its tenth edition. With over 400,000 visitors per edition, the IdeenExpo is one of Europe's most highly attended educational events.
800 Exhibits, 900 Workshops
The heart of the IdeenExpo are the hands-on exhibits: starting machines, programming robots, constructing bridges, testing materials, building circuits, entering virtual worlds. The exhibits are complemented by over 900 workshops where young people, guided by experts, implement concrete projects – from 3D printing and programming their own apps to chemical and biotechnological experiments.
Science LIVE with Jacob Beautemps
The daily show Wissen LIVE (Science LIVE), hosted by YouTube scientist Jacob Beautemps, runs on the central stage. The show combines live experiments, talks with researchers, and contributions from the maker and start-up scene. It is streamed and is a central program point each day.
Concerts and Pop Culture
On weekends, the IdeenExpo opens up to broader youth culture with concerts. Headliners for 2026 include SDP on June 20th for the opening and Zartmann on June 27th. In this way, the IdeenExpo purposefully links education with pop experiences, creating an access that goes far beyond traditional science formats.
Free Admission
All program parts are free of charge. School classes can register in advance and receive guided tours as well as travel discounts.
IdeenExpo — edition 2026
The tenth edition is designed as an anniversary celebration. The motto 'Just Do It!' reflects the attitude of the IdeenExpo: to convey technical and scientific professions not as abstract disciplines, but as tangible activities. Young people are encouraged to get their hands on tools, operate machines, and implement their own projects, rather than just listening to lectures.
Exhibitors come from all STEM fields: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, energy supply, mobility, biotechnology, chemistry, construction, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Universities and research institutes from all over Northern Germany are represented.
Programme IdeenExpo 2026
Program Structure
- Daily: Over 800 hands-on exhibits in the thematic halls of Energy, Mobility, Production, Information, Health, Construction, Environment
- Daily: Over 900 workshops with registration – 3D printing, app development, robotics, chemistry, maker projects
- Daily: 'Wissen LIVE' show with Jacob Beautemps on the main stage
- Saturday, June 20: Opening concert with SDP
- Weekends: Family program, show acts, science shows
- Saturday, June 27: Headline concert with Zartmann
- Sunday, June 28: Closing day with highlights and summary
Thematic Areas
- Energy and Climate
- Mobility and Logistics
- Industrial Production
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics and Automation
- Health and Biotechnology
- Construction and Architecture
Highlights IdeenExpo 2026
- 10th Anniversary Edition, motto 'Just Do It!'
- 800 hands-on exhibits, 900 workshops
- 'Wissen LIVE' show with Jacob Beautemps
- SDP concert for the opening on June 20th
- Zartmann concert on June 27th
- Free admission
Prices IdeenExpo 2026
Practical information — IdeenExpo
Date
June 20 to 28, 2026, nine days continuously.
Venue
Hannover Exhibition Grounds, several halls and outdoor areas. Address: Messegelände, 30521 Hannover.
Getting There
Tram line 8 to the final stop Messe/Nord or Messe/Ost. Approximately 25 minutes from Hannover Central Station. ICE high-speed train connection at Hannover Messe/Laatzen station during the event. Limited parking available on the exhibition grounds.
Admission
Free for all visitors. School classes with advance registration. Separate tickets or reservations may be required for concerts.
Target Audience
Young people between 10 and 19 years old are the focus, but the program is open to all age groups.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a IdeenExpo al mejor precio.
Sponsored link