EFB TechTransfer offers young technology companies from the joining technology, sheet metal processing, and industrial production sectors access to experts, industry, and research. Applications for the pilot project at the Joining Technology Colloquium 2026 are open until September 30th.
The pilot program for 2026 is primarily aimed at startups with technologies for joining, fastening, and sheet metal processing. This includes solutions for new joining processes and fasteners, as well as for quality assurance, sensor technology, process monitoring, automation, robotics, and plant integration. Further areas of focus include simulation, AI, and data-driven manufacturing.
Free Participation in the 2026 Joining Colloquium
The 16th Joint Colloquium on Joining Technology will take place on November 25 and 26, 2026, at Fraunhofer IWU in Chemnitz. Selected startups will receive free admission as well as a six-square-meter booth space complete with a table, electrical power, and space for a partition wall or a roll-up banner. In addition, they will have the opportunity to give a short pitch to an audience of experts from industry and research. Participating companies are responsible for their own travel and hotel expenses.
The focus is on technologies with clear industrial applications. Ideal candidates include, for example, a prototype, a pilot application, or an initial industrial use case, as well as a clearly definable benefit for manufacturing companies.
A Look Ahead to the 2027 EFB Colloquium
A second opportunity to register is planned for the 45th EFB Colloquium on April 14 and 15, 2027, at the Congress Centrum Würzburg. The 2027 EFB Colloquium will focus on sheet metal processing and industrial production. Key topics will include productivity, efficiency, digitalization, quality, automation, sensor technology, and AI.
To apply, simply send a brief profile via email. Please include the startup’s name and website, contact information, a brief description of the technology, the industrial use case, and the current stage of development or a reference. You may also indicate whether you are interested in the 2026 or 2027 event—or both. The application deadline for the 2026 pilot is September 30, 2026.
