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The HARTING Technology Group from Espelkamp is a prime example of the innovative strength of Germany's small and medium-sized enterprises. For more than 80 years, HARTING has been developing technologies for people: initially everyday electrical appliances such as irons and firelighters, and now, for many years, industrial connection technology for the transmission of signals, data, and power. Innovation has always been part of the company's corporate responsibility and development. Today, the company employs approximately 6,100 people worldwide and is specifically promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies in industrial product development. One example is the "Connectivity AI" platform, for which the company received the "FREDDIE Industrial AI Award." With this platform, HARTING demonstrates how AI, generative design, and simulation can be integrated meaningfully into design processes to efficiently develop new product ideas. 

The Farnborough International Airshow is one of the world's leading trade fairs for the aerospace industry. From July 20 to 24, 2026, the event will bring together experts and decision-makers from around the globe. The state of NRW will be there with a joint stand, offering companies from the region the opportunity to participate at attractive conditions. Registration is open until February 27, 2026.

Austrian company Merlin Technology is expanding its international presence by establishing Merlin Technology Germany and a new branch in NRW. Located in Neukirchen-Vluyn since December 2025, the industrial humidification, cooling, and dust binding systems specialist is responding to high demand in the German market, one of its most important sales markets. After its headquarters in Austria and a branch in the United States, NRW is the company's third location. The move was supported by NRW.Global Business.

Hylium Industries' entry into the European market is beginning in NRW. The South Korean hydrogen company has opened an office at the Gas and Heat Institute (GWI) in Essen and plans to expand its business activities in Europe from there. The office will serve as a contact point for business development, customer service, and technical support.

In Münster, researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in the production of "made in Europe" battery cells. At the Fraunhofer Research Production Battery Cell (FFB), a project team produced an electrically functional lithium-ion cell for the first time using an entirely European process chain. The cell was constructed at FFB PreFab, the first expansion stage of the large-scale research facility that began operating in 2024. 

GITEX Europe 2026 is an international platform that allows tech companies to showcase their digital technologies and access future markets. The event will take place from June 30 to July 1, 2026, at Messe Berlin. As the European edition of GITEX Global in Dubai, it will address a B2B and B2G audience, connecting companies, technology providers, platform operators, and startups with administrators, public infrastructure managers, EU program coordinators, and procurement agency representatives. NRW companies have the opportunity to participate in the event via the state's joint stand.

With the opening of an office in Essen, the Japanese company Innophys is taking a strategic step into Europe: The Tokyo-based exoskeleton manufacturer has established its first location outside Japan in NRW and plans to grow its European business from there with the support of NRW.Global Business. 

NRW is further strengthening its position as a hub for space technologies. International investments in industrial production of space propulsion systems, as well as the expansion of research capacities in innovative materials, are strengthening the state's technological base along the entire value chain.