Artificial intelligence, automation and sustainability dominated analytica 2026 in Munich. From March 24 to 27, the world’s leading trade fair for laboratory, analytical and biotechnology attracted more than 1,100 exhibitors from all over the world as well as tens of thousands of trade visitors to the five halls of Messe München. On around 55,000 square meters, the companies presented innovations for the smart, digital and resource-saving laboratory of the future.

Highlights of the fair

Solutions for laboratory automation, robotics and AI-supported processes were particularly in demand. The exhibits included handy asbestos scanners, forensic DNA kits, new mass spectrometers for the development of gene therapies and numerous world premieres from manufacturers such as Thermo Fisher, Mettler-Toledo, Knauer and Waldner. Nine world premieres have been announced by the exhibitors.

The special show “Live Lab” in Hall B2 enabled visitors to experience standard procedures and special methods live in a real laboratory line – from sample preparation to analysis. The offer was complemented by the special show “Digital Transformation” in Hall B2, in which six use cases and interactive exhibits showed how devices from different manufacturers can be combined to create end-to-end digital workflows. Visitors were able to test typical analysis processes such as the examination of drinking water or aromas in a practical way.

The accompanying analytica conference at the International Congress Center (ICM) offered around 190 lectures and over 140 posters over three days. The focus was on artificial intelligence in food analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, metabolomics, organoid research, water alysis and food safety. Highlights were the keynote session “The Future of Biology in a Dish” on organoids with Dr. Kai Kretzschmar and Dr. Merle Fuchs as well as the panel discussion “7 Ways to Run Successful AI Initiatives” with keynote speaker Marcelina Dutkiewicz. Other topics included “Green Analytical Labs of the Future”, Research Data Management and a discussion on gender equality in the laboratory and analytical industry. Prizes such as the Bunsen-Kirchhoff Award honoured outstanding young scientists.

Quote from the fair management

“Artificial intelligence and digital transformation will shape analytica 2026,” emphasized Exhibition Director Susanne Grödl. The trade fair not only shows new devices, but also actively accompanies the industry on the way to an autonomous, sustainable laboratory. Sustainability played a major role throughout the event – from energy-efficient instruments to “Green Lab” concepts.

Conclusion

analytica 2026 impressively demonstrated the rapid change in the laboratory world: away from manual processes and towards intelligent, networked, and resource-saving analytics. As an international platform, it underlines Munich’s position as a global hotspot for laboratory and biotechnology and provides the industry with concrete impetus for more efficient and sustainable ways of working. The next analytica will take place in 2028.

The article was originally published by LabNews Media LLC.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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