Startup World at Fruit Logistica 2026 will once again position Berlin as a global meeting point for innovation in the fresh produce sector. Taking place in Hall 3.1, the showcase brings together 18 startups from 11 countries, connecting emerging technology providers with decision-makers from across the international fruit and vegetable value chain.

As the industry faces mounting pressure from climate change, resource scarcity, labour shortages and growing demands for transparency, Startup World sends a clear signal: innovation is no longer optional. The participating startups present practical, market-ready solutions designed not just to analyse challenges, but to actively solve them.

The technologies on display span AI-powered quality control, disease detection and tracking, crop forecasting, advanced sensor technologies and sustainable packaging innovations. Together, they demonstrate how digitalisation, automation and new materials can strengthen every stage of the supply chain, from cultivation and harvesting to logistics, marketing and retail.

Startup World is more than an exhibition area. It functions as a networking hub, innovation marketplace and collaboration platform, where founders, investors, growers, retailers and logistics partners come together to turn ideas into pilot projects, partnerships and scalable business models.

Highlights from this year’s Startup World include:

• Bioscout (Australia) – Automated, air-based disease tracking that identifies crop risks early, enabling proactive intervention.
• Bonsai Robotics (USA) – Automation solutions for agricultural machinery, improving field efficiency and addressing labour shortages.
• Noriware (Switzerland) – Plastic-free packaging film made from ocean-grown seaweed, offering a truly sustainable alternative for fresh produce packaging.
• Orbem (Germany) – AI-driven quality control for fruit and nuts using MRI technology, revealing insights previously invisible to conventional inspection methods.

In addition to the exhibition booths, Startup World features a dedicated stage programme. On the Farming Forward Stage, selected startups will deliver 15 concise pitch presentations across two days, offering visitors a fast and focused overview of the technologies shaping the future of the sector.

Pitch sessions take place:

• Wednesday, February 4, 1:00–1:50 pm
• Thursday, February 5, 1:00–1:50 pm

These sessions are designed for investors, brand owners and industry leaders seeking concrete opportunities for collaboration, investment and real-world deployment. The format allows innovation to be communicated clearly, quickly and convincingly.

By combining exhibition, pitching and networking in one space, Startup World reinforces Fruit Logistica’s role as a catalyst for change. Today’s startup ideas are rapidly becoming tomorrow’s industry standards, and in Hall 3.1, visitors can witness how visionary concepts are transformed into tangible, scalable solutions.

Startup World will once again make Fruit Logistica 2026 the place to be for anyone looking to shape the future of fresh produce, supply chains and sustainable food systems.