Bavarian Glass Summit 2026

Focus on Networking, Sovereignty, and Innovation

July 16, 2026

On July 13, 2026, at the invitation of the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy, and with the support of the Glas 2.0 network, more than 60 representatives from industry, small and medium-sized businesses, research, startups, associations, and politics gathered in Landshut for the first Bavarian Glass Summit. The goal of the event was to discuss the current challenges facing the glass industry, provide new impetus for innovation, and strengthen networking across the entire value chain.

The focus was on technological sovereignty, resilience, innovative strength, and new business models for the Bavarian glass industry. The event provided a platform for discussion on the economic, technological, and political conditions shaping an industry that is of central importance to numerous industrial and technological applications.

Following a welcome address by Rainer Haselbeck, District President of Lower Bavaria, Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger opened the Glass Summit. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of the glass industry for value creation, employment, and technological independence in Bavaria. At the same time, he highlighted the challenges posed by high energy costs, CO₂ pricing, and international competitive pressure, and called for improved policy conditions to ensure the industry’s competitiveness.

Technical insights were then provided by Benedikt Scharfe of Sigmund Lindner GmbH in his keynote address on the topic “Resilient Because of Diversity—How an SME Can Position Itself Confidently,” as well as by Prof. Dr. Miriam Unterlass of the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC. She highlighted how technological autonomy can serve as the foundation for innovation and long-term competitiveness in the glass industry.
During the panel discussion with representatives from industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, and research, the industry’s challenges, opportunities, and future prospects were discussed. A heartfelt thank you to the participants:

Prof. Dr. Andreas Buske (Zwiesel Fortessa AG)
Prof. Dr. Thorsten Gerdes (Keylab Glass Technology, University of Bayreuth)
Christian Baierl (Glashütte Lamberts Waldsassen GmbH)
Frank Hammerschmidt (Ernst Röser Siebdruckerei GmbH)

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Klaus-Peter Potthast from the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy.

The program was rounded out by presentations from EXXOSQEL GmbH and ewigbyte GmbH, which showcased innovative solutions and new perspectives for the industry. The accompanying exhibition organized by the New Materials Cluster and the Bavarian Energy Efficiency Network Initiative of Bayern Innovativ, the Bavarian Glass Alliance, the Zwiesel Startup Workshop, and the numerous networking opportunities during the breaks and at the closing get-together offered participants additional chances for professional exchange and the initiation of new collaborations.

The Bavarian Glass Summit 2026 impressively demonstrated how important dialogue between business, science, and politics is for the future of the glass industry. The participants’ keen interest and the many constructive discussions underscored the relevance of the event.