XR for small and medium-sized businesses in 2026
Extended reality (XR) – a collective term for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) – is increasingly becoming a key strategic technology for companies. XR enhances digital applications with spatial, interactive, and immersive components, thereby creating new forms of visualization, collaboration, and knowledge transfer.
Companies benefit from XR technologies especially when complex content needs to be communicated in an understandable way, processes need to be simulated, or products need to be brought to life. Virtual training environments enable realistic training without interrupting production or posing safety risks. In development and design, prototypes can be visualized, tested, and optimized in three dimensions at an early stage. Sales and marketing gain new opportunities to present products in an immersive way – regardless of location and physical availability.
On April 16, 2026, companies, self-employed individuals, and interested parties will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the technologies, the state of the art, and possible applications. In addition to numerous use cases, experts from various industries will show, among other things, when XR technologies are worthwhile, what data can be used, how immersive visualization technologies are changing the product development process in the long term, and what entry-level projects might look like.
One item on the agenda is dedicated to the connection between XR and artificial intelligence. At 4:15 p.m., fortiss competence field leader Dr. Axel von Arnim will speak on the topic of “Embedding edge AI in XR devices: sports, movement, and health applications.” He will demonstrate how neuromorphic cameras and event-based image processing can be integrated into XR devices to efficiently recognize gestures and movements.
Be sure to visit the exhibitor area during the event to try out the technologies and get a first-hand look at various best practices and their added value.
XR for SMEs 2026 is presented to you in cooperation with XR HUB Bavaria and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria.
Free of charge
| Time | Program Item |
|---|---|
| 12:00 h | Entry & Opening of the Exhibitor Area |
| 13:00 h | Welcome StM Dr. Fabian Mehring Bavarian State Ministry for Digital Affairs Armin Barbalata CDO and Member of the Executive Board, IHK Munich and Upper Bavaria Silke Schmidt Head of XR HUB Bavaria/Munich |
| 13:15 h | From 3D Asset to Scalable XR Experience: Success Factors for Companies Speaker: Franz Fritsche, BMW |
| 13:40 h | NX Immersive Visualization – The Next Step in Industrial AR/VR Use Speaker: Andreas Brandauer, Siemens |
| 14:00 h | Company Case Study |
| 14:15 h | Best Practice Pitches: XR Applications in Practice Virtual Worlds. Real Competitive Advantages Michael Gairing, CEO, RAUM virtual Collaboration GmbH Mixed-Reality Trade Show Booth and Industrial XR Planning Software Burkhardt Röper, 6real VR X-Ray Trainer – The VR Simulation for Practical Training Quirin Münch, CAT PRODUCTION GmbH Creative Tech Hub: Networking, Cross Innovation, Market Access Johanna Lison, Bayern Innovativ Virtual Quantum Elisabeth Mayer, Leibniz Supercomputing Centre From Tool to Integral Part of Your Team: Scaling Implicit Company Knowledge Florian Klauke, CAI Conversational AI GmbH VR-Experiences JobDive Christoph Ostler, Connected Reality XR for Industry Michael Alber, Schenker Technologies GmbH Social XR for Marketing, Training and Service Dr. Andrè Kunert, Consensive GmbH |
| 14:45 h | Coffee Break and Visit to the Exhibition Use the break to explore best practices in the exhibitor area, test XR technologies, and network with experts. |
| 15:45 h | When Reality Becomes 3D – New Ways of Space Digitalization Speaker: Clarence Dadson, Design4real |
| 16:00 h | XR & AI in SMEs: Practical, Scalable, Economical Speaker: Dr. Fabrizio Palmas, XIBIX |
| 16:15 h | Embedding Edge AI in XR Devices: Sports, Motion & Health Applications Speaker: Dr. Axel von Arnim, fortiss GmbH |
| 16:30 h | Farewell + Exhibition & Networking Opportunity to network and try out current XR technologies in the exhibition area. |
| 17:30 h | End of the Event |
