Explore to Innovate 2026 IFM Benningen, 8–9 July

Scientific Conference for Experts in Vehicle Development

Transferring technology to serve people, industry and society.

Explore-to-Innovate | 8–9 July 2026 | Benningen | Participation free of charge

TranSphere – Shaping the Next Sphere of Mobility

Those who want to rethink mobility must experience it. Under the motto “TranSphere – Shaping the Next Sphere of Mobility”, the Institute for Driver Assistance and Connected Mobility (IFM) invites you to immerse yourself in a future where technology, people and movement merge into a new sphere of mobility.

What is Explore-to-Innovate?

Explore-to-Innovate is the annual science and technology forum of the IFM. For two days, researchers, industry representatives and technology partners come together to make the latest developments in vehicle technology visible and tangible.

The event combines

  • scientific presentations,
  • live demonstrations,
  • guided technology tours,
  • exhibitions, and
  • networking opportunities

into a unique format: hands-on, open, collaborative – right in the heart of the Allgäu Airport Innovation Park.

The goal of Explore-to-Innovate is to make innovation visible, share knowledge, and jointly develop solutions for the mobility of tomorrow.

Explore-to-Innovate 2026 – Two Days of Future Mobility You Can Experience

In 2026, Explore-to-Innovate features an expanded setup: for the first time, the forum will take place on two main stages

  • as usual with us at IFM, and
  • new in the impressive Eventshelter of the Greentech Hub.

Key Themes 2026

  • Driver Assistance & Automated Driving – smarter, safer, more human
  • Connected Mobility – vehicles that think and communicate
  • Virtual Vehicle Development – tomorrow’s mobility created digitally
  • Sustainable & Intelligent Mobility Concepts – shaping a livable future
  • User Experience & Human Factors – mobility that feels right

Additionally, you can experience live demos, simulator sessions, test drives, prototypes and vehicle showcases, offering a direct insight into the technologies shaping the next era of mobility.

Experience innovation not just as an idea but as a movement you can see, feel and explore – and connect with people who are truly shaping the future of mobility.

Collaboration Between Research and Industry

The Institute for Driver Assistance and Connected Mobility (IFM) brings together expertise from a wide range of research fields. Our goal: close cooperation between academia, industry, and technology partners in order to accelerate the transfer of innovation into practical application.

Join Explore-to-Innovate 2026 now by registering for free!

We warmly invite you to be part of this unique event on 8–9 July 2026. Join us at the IFM in Benningen (Innovation Park at Allgäu Airport) and experience exciting science talks and impressive track demos from 9:00 AM on both days. You can also look forward to exclusive guided tours through our technology exhibition, complemented by captivating keynotes and interactive research discussions. Enjoy delicious catering while making the most of inspiring networking opportunities.

Attendance is free of charge!

Register now for Explore-to-Innovate 2026 and become part of the next sphere of mobility.


We look forward to welcoming you in person!

Registration

Please register using our online form.

Register here

Media Library

Explore to Innovate 2025 - Videos, Keynotes and Pictures

Mediathek

Science Talk

Explore to Innovate 2025 - Program Science Talk

Science Talk 2025

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Programme (tba)
Call for Proposals (tba)

Getting here

Institute for Driver Assistance and Connected Mobility IFM
Junkersstrasse 1A
87734 Benningen

Link to Google maps

Please use the designated parking spaces:

Routes and parking

Recommended hotels

We recommend the following local hotels:

Hotel guide

Wednesday, 8 July 2026 | 8 AM – 6 PM

08:00 AMArrival & Registration
Breakfast
08:45 AMOpening & Welcome Remarks
09:00 AMKeynote Session
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09:20 AMCoffee Break
09:30 AMScience Talks & Tech Demos
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11:00 AMCoffee Break
11:15 AMScience Talks & Tech Demos
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12:45 PMLunch
01:45 PMGuided Tours, Exhibition, Track & Simulator Demos
03:30 PMKeynote session
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04:40 PMCoffee Break
05:00 PMKeynote Session
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06:00 PMPanel Discussion
06:30 PMOutlook Day 2 & Chillout
06:45 PMDinner

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Thursday, 9 July 2026 | 8:30 AM – 4 PM

08:00 AMArrival & Registration
Breakfast
08:30 AMKeynote Session
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09:05 AMScience Talks & Tech Demos
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10:35 AMCoffee Break
11:00 AMScience Talks & Tech Demos
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12:30 PMLunch
01:30 PMKeynote Session
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02:30 PMPanel Discussion
03:00 PMAcknowledgements & Chillout

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Our keynote speakers at “Explore to Innovate 2026”

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Science Talk

Wednesday, July 8 | 09:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Ground Floor | Workshop Main Stage

Mixed Reality Development

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Machine Learning for Mobility

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3rd Floor | Le Mans

Connected Mobile Systems

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Functional Safety & Cyber Security

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Thursday, July 9 | 09:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Ground Floor | Workshop Main Stage

Human-Centric Development & Safety

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Automated Systems & Robotics

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3rd Floor | FAKT Meeting Room

Development Methodology

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Human-Centric Development & Safety II

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3rd Floor | Le Mans

Data-Driven Development

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Virtualization

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Explore to Innovate 2025

Technology partners 2025