Review of the International Forum Mechatronics 2025 in Graz

29.09.2025

The renowned International Forum Mechatronics (IFM) took place in Graz for the first time. The event was organized by AT Styria - Styria's automation technology platform - in cooperation with partner networks from Bavaria, South Tyrol, Switzerland and Austria. The Mechatronics & Automation Cluster was once again a partner this year - and was also represented by the RECENTRE project.

International Forum Mechatronics 2025 in Graz: Two days full of innovation, exchange and visions for the future

Over two days, the International Forum Mechatronics 2025 in Graz impressively demonstrated how dynamic and trend-setting the mechatronics sector is. Experts from industry and research, young talents and numerous guests used the platform to exchange knowledge, make contacts and take a look into the future.

Day 1: Practice, excellence and Styrian hospitality

The first day of the congress was characterized by exciting keynotes, practical use cases and a strong focus on education, science and young talent. The company tours at leading technology companies such as Siemens Mobility, AVL, KNAPP, Roto Frank Austria and MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG deserve special mention. The participants were given exclusive insights into smart production processes, future technologies and innovative automation solutions.

In the evening, the achievements of young talents were celebrated: Austria's best young mechatronics technicians were in the spotlight at the award ceremony for the national mechatronics apprenticeship competition. The subsequent "Styrian Evening" in the local hall of the Folklore Museum rounded off the day with regional specialties, wine and beer tastings and musical entertainment.

Day 2: Research meets practice

The second day began with a keynote speech by Horst Bischof, Rector of Graz University of Technology, who laid the foundation for another day full of innovation with pointed insights into the myths surrounding artificial intelligence.

The focus was on practice-oriented company keynotes and best practice use cases in the parallel sessions. Here, concrete solutions from the fields of digitalization, AI, automation, smart factory and engineering excellence were presented - impressively demonstrating how technology and entrepreneurial implementation go hand in hand.

Conclusion: a forum with impact

The International Forum Mechatronics 2025 came to an end with a festive closing ceremony and the baton for organizing the IFM 2026 was passed to the Mechatronics & Automation Cluster. The event provided strong impetus for the future of the industry and underlined the importance of innovation, cooperation, networking and promoting young talent. Graz not only proved to be a wonderful host, but also a stage for cutting-edge research and industrial excellence.

Further information

Did you miss this year's International Mechatronics Forum? Would you like to be there (again) next year as a participant and/or exhibitor? We welcome you to Southern Bavaria in 2026 - please contact us if you are interested.
Further information will follow shortly on the event website at International Forum Mechatronics 2026: Bayern Innovativ