Shaping the future of the economy and promoting young companies: Messe Frankfurt and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) are supporting the trade fair presence of start-ups with two subsidized joint stands at Light + Building from March 8 to 13, 2026, in Frankfurt am Main. Interested companies can now apply for the “Young Innovators Areas.”

Young companies bring a breath of fresh air and valuable perspectives to lighting and building technology. They often also provide answers to key questions about the future. Two areas dedicated to young talent will be available at the world's leading trade fair Light + Building for their ideas and innovations in the fields of intelligent control systems, networked building technology, and sustainable lighting solutions. They are located at the center of the trade fair: one in the electrical engineering area and one in the technical lighting area. Participating companies receive their own presentation area at one of the two joint stands. In addition, there are central information points that serve as contact points for interested parties and multipliers from the industry. Start-ups can present their solutions to an international audience of experts, make themselves known in the industry, and establish contacts. 

Participation in two steps
German companies that are less than ten years old, employ fewer than 50 people, and have an annual turnover of less than ten million euros are eligible for this opportunity to enter the market more easily. Access is granted in a two-step process: Interested parties first submit a funding application to the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). Once approved, they can then register for the trade fair. 

Further information and an application form are available on the Light + Building website.