29th International Dresden Lightweight Engineering Symposium, June 18–19, 2026

On 18–19 June 2026, Dresden will once again become a meeting point for the international lightweight engineering community. At the 29^th International Dresden Lightweight Engineering Symposium, representatives from science, industry and policy will come together to discuss current developments in modern lightweight engineering and to further strengthen the exchange between research and industrial application. For almost three decades, the Dresden Lightweight Engineering Symposium has established itself as an important platform for interdisciplinary dialogue.

This year’s event is held under the theme “Sustainable. Systemic. Competitive – Approaches for a New European Technology Alliance.” The symposium focuses on technological approaches that are crucial for the future competitiveness of European industry. These include the transformation towards a circular economy with recyclable and bio-based material systems, as well as systemic development approaches that integrate materials, design and manufacturing into a holistic solution space. At the same time, an important question is how excellent research can be transferred more rapidly into scalable industrial applications.
This year, a special emphasis is placed on the Baltic Sea region as partner region. Inspired by this collaboration, the Dresden Lightweight Engineering Symposium adopts the concept of a modern “Technology Hanse.” This refers to a network of specialized value-creation partners collaborating across material and industry boundaries to develop complex products and technologies. Digital infrastructure and secure data spaces are essential enablers for such cooperation, yet engineering excellence remains the decisive factor in successfully realizing sophisticated products.

The two-day symposium features technical presentations on current developments in lightweight engineering and offers numerous opportunities for personal exchange. Around 300 international participants are expected to attend and learn about new technologies and their industrial implementation.
The program is complemented by an accompanying exhibition, where research institutions, companies and other stakeholders present their work. It provides space for in-depth discussions, new contacts and insights into current projects and technological developments.
Young researchers will also be given a dedicated stage. As part of the ACL Young Talent Competition, early-career scientists will present their thesis projects. Participants of the symposium will have the opportunity to engage with the candidates and vote for their favourite contribution. The format attracts considerable interest every year and will once again provide a platform for new ideas and emerging talent in lightweight engineering.

Registration for the 29th International Dresden Lightweight Engineering Symposium is now open. Early registrations benefit from the early bird rate. 
Further information about the event and registration can be found at www.leichtbausymposium.de