The competition for the Hermes Award 2026 has begun. The prize is one of the most important international awards for industrial innovation and will be presented during the Hannover Messe. The award ceremony will take place on April 19, 2026 during the official opening of the trade fair. All companies and institutions participating in the trade fair are eligible to enter. The deadline for applications is February 15, 2026.
The Hermes Startup Award, which is aimed specifically at young companies with innovative developments for the industry, will once again be presented alongside the main prize.
Jury evaluates technological benefits and feasibility
An independent jury headed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, will select three nominated products for each of the two award categories from all submissions. The winners are then selected from these nominations.
The main criteria assessed are the degree of technical innovation, the benefits for industry, the environment and society, cost-effectiveness and the degree of maturity of implementation.
Looking back: Siemens received the Hermes Award 2025
Last year, the Hermes Award went to Siemens for the development of AI-supported industrial copilots. These solutions use generative AI to support specialists in tasks along the industrial value chain - from planning and engineering to operation and service. With the Industrial Copilot for the TIA Portal, engineers can program more efficiently and automate processes.
Hannover Messe as a platform for industrial innovations
Hannover Messe is the world's leading trade fair for the manufacturing industry. Every year, it brings together leading technology providers, research institutions and industrial users from all over the world. The Hermes Award serves as a showcase for application-oriented innovations with a high degree of practical relevance.