In spite of global economic turmoil, some three thousand visitors and seven hundred exhibitors were on site at InnoElectro 2025 in Budapest. Exhibitors showcased the latest electronics equipment and technology on floor space totaling 3,500 m2. On stage, experts shared key insights on trends in a wide range of fields, such as X-ray inspection, soldering, cybersecurity, education, the semiconductor industry, and many more. An dedicated space technology section explored what opportunities Hungarian companies can benefit from as suppliers, and two hand soldering competitions were also organized on site.
The current global economic gloom and growing uncertainty are affecting the electronics industry. It is therefore more important than ever for stakeholders to showcase their technology and services at large-scale trade shows.
The exhibition hosted 83 corporate booths, and up to 50 speakers shared insights on everything from manufacturing technology, defense and aerospace, cybersecurity, engineering education or the role of artificial intelligence in electronics design. US-based SMTA (Surface Mount Technology Association) held an additional conference on manufacturing technology to offer even more professional content.
“Despite the current difficult economic situation, we managed to maintain the quality of the event and the number of exhibitors, while welcoming a record number of visitors. We truly hope that next year everything will move in a positive direction,” commented Zsolt Heiling, event director. Heiling added that the number of corporate participants from neighboring countries had increased, and that Chinese exhibitors had been featured for the first time.
Redefining higher education and industry
One of the key topics addressed on stage was the state of play within Hungarian engineer education. Charaf Hassan, rector of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, stressed: “We don’t speak the language of industry, that’s why a whole new approach is required. For higher education must offer values to the industry, it shouldn’t wait until funding arrives. Businesses also have an interest in having their own labs at schools. This relationship must be based not on donations but mutual interests.”
The role of artificial intelligence in different segments of electronics manufacturing was also explored in greater detail. One possible case of application is in the use of AI in PCB design. “Engineers won’t be entirely replaced by tech, but they need to learn how to prompt professionally and harness the power of AI,” said István Nadj, managing director of CAD-TERV Kft.
To infinity and beyond
Given that European space technology is booming and owing to the active involvement of the European Space Agency, a full day was dedicated to the space and defence industry. In the sector, currently, each 1 € invested can attract up to 2.8 € of extra investment from third parties.
“Whatever you develop here on the ground, it has a high potential for technology transfer,” said Ines Castelao, ESA’s country officer, encouraging Hungarian companies to benefit from working with the organization. She added: “You need to comply with space standards that are more rigorous due to higher radiation and temperature exposure. But, once you do, it’s also a quality stamp that sets you up for defense or aviation as well.”
Hungary has significantly increased its contributions to the ESA budget and interested parties can also start working with the organization under a joint project partially funded by the government.
Industry awards
The trade show‘s grand prize was presented on site to praise the most innovative solutions of the local electronics manufacturing ecosystem. The top award went to Grif-Tools Kft—a first-time participant. The company’s MPG (Multi Parallel Gripper), a new innovation in the market for robotic and cooperative robotic grippers, allows users to enjoy unlimited gripping variations. It also enables a much wider range of applications for automated technology. “It’s a patented Hungarian product that also crowns our creative work. It may be a bit ahead of the market, but we will present it at other trade shows too. This is a great venue to start that journey in the CEE region,” commented István Forgách, Grif Tools director of sales. The runner-up was Elas Kft.’s product, and Danutek Kft. finished in third place.
Soldering champions celebrated on site
The event celebrates the best soldering talent the industry has to offer. The international industry non-profit association IPC’s local round featured 42 professionals, and Péter Zsombok of BHE Bonn Hungary Elektronikai Kft. won the prize for the fourth consecutive time, allowing him to once again represent Hungary in the soldering world championship. Young professionals also had the chance to show their soldering talent in the contest of the National Electronics Society of Hungary (NESH). Up to 134 youngsters from 29 schools applied to participate; however, capacity was limited to 105 contestants. The winner was László Sisa, a student of Bánki Donát Kollégium, Nyíregyháza, and the best team award went to Trefort Ágoston Kéttanítási Nyelvu Technikum, Budapest.
