The fourth edition of the FUTURE LOGISTICS innovation fair brings the international logistics scene to Duisburg. 300 trade fair visitors experience international innovations relating to the focus topics of automation and robotics in a unique museum atmosphere.
300 trade fair visitors experience international innovations in automation and robotics in a unique museum atmosphere
Duisburg, 21.05.2025 — On May 20, 2025, the fourth edition of the FUTURE LOGISTICS innovation fair took place at the Museum der Deutschen Binnenschifffahrt in Duisburg. Almost 300 participants came together to exchange views on the latest technological developments in logistics in the midst of historic ships. The motto this year: Automation & Robotics — with a particular focus on the internationalization of the logistics sector.
The trade fair was organized by startport GmbH, the Port of Duisburg's innovation platform (duisport). The aim is to connect startups with companies, investors and research institutions and to bring innovations into logistical practice.
A strong signal for internationalization
A particular highlight of this year's fair was the newly introduced International Special Exhibition on the upper floor of the museum. Startups from Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Turkey presented themselves here with innovative solutions for automation, AI and process optimization.
The exhibition was supplemented by a strong stage program, some in English, which underlined the international character of the event — including at the panel discussion “Crossing Borders: International Startups and the German Market.”
Impulses, panels and podcasts
On the main stage, too, everything revolved around the future of logistics. The participants were able to look forward to, among other things:
• the keynote by Michal Hendel-Sufa (Principal, TheDock) on global innovation dynamics,
• a top-class panel with Victor Kaupe (BASF) and Holger Schneebeck (DHL),
• the live podcast “Felgendreher & Friends” with Knut Alicke (McKinsey), Erik Wirsing (DB Schenker) and Frank Vorrath (Danfoss),
• as well as practical success stories, such as the introduction of motion mining technology at avitea Industrieservice.
Startup Guided Tours, Matchmaking and Networking with Ice
Another highlight was the Startup Guided Tours, which take place three times a day, with live pitches, Q&A sessions and topic-specific topics. Using the b2match app, guests could easily register for the tour, arrange meetings and network in a targeted manner.
The event also impressed with lovely details when it came to networking: In addition to a candy bar at the international exhibition, the ice cream bike in the courtyard in particular was a crowd puller — with a vegan version, of course.
Save the Date: May 2026
Jessica Friedrich, Communication Manager at startport, draws a positive conclusion: “We are proud of the development of FUTURE LOGISTICS — the new internationality and the strong stage in particular show that the community is growing and becoming more open to new perspectives. We would like to thank all speakers, partners, start-ups, sponsors, helpers and, of course, our strong team. The feedback shows that FUTURE LOGISTICS is becoming an integral part of the industry. ”
The next issue of FUTURE LOGISTICS is already being planned — as always in May. The exact date will be announced shortly via startport's social media channels and on the event website.
THANKS to our fleet sponsors 2025
A big thank you goes out to our fleet sponsors, who made this year's edition of FUTURE LOGISTICS possible with their commitment:
EMO-LOG GmbH, Weiss+Appetito Group, LiveCharger, CANCOM, BASF Coatings, SCIO Automation, ZENIT GmbH, EEN NRW.Europe, Kuehne+Nagel, Smart City Duisburg, Sinalco International Brands GmbH & Co. KG, RheinfelsQuellen H. Hövelmann GmbH & Co. KG
Special thanks also go out to our partners from the logistics sector, who contributed to the success of the trade fair through their networks, cooperation and reach:
duisport - Duisburger Hafen AG, Duisburg Business & Innovation GmbH, Wirtschaftsbetriebe Duisburg - AöR, EY, avitea GmbH, DeltaPort GmbH & Co. KG, Rhenus Logistics, TanQuid GmbH & Co. KG, Häger & Schmidt Logistics, Weiss+Appetito Group, EY, DIT Duisburg Intermodal Terminal GmbH, avitea Industrieservice GmbH, Dortmunder Hafen AG, M. Zietzschmann GmbH & Co. KG, Dortmunder Eisenbahn GmbH, Captrain Germany Group
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