Hermes Award 2027: Application Phase Opens for Hannover Messe

<p>With the Hannover Messe 2027, one of the most prestigious innovation awards in the industry is back in focus: the Hermes Award. For companies that want to present their technological innovations to an international specialist audience, the phase is now beginning in which they can position themselves for the forthcoming award.</p><h2>An Award with Tradition and International Reach</h2><p>The Hermes Award has been regarded for many years as one of the most important awards for industrial innovations worldwide. In 2027, the prize will be awarded for the <strong>24th time</strong> – a fact that underscores the continuity and relevance of the format. The presentation traditionally takes place as part of the ceremonial opening of the Hannover Messe and thus counts among the highlights of the fair opening.</p><p>Specifically, the presentation of the 24th edition is scheduled for <strong>April 4, 2027</strong> – and thus immediately before the official fair opening, which according to current planning takes place from <strong>April 5 to 8, 2027</strong> at the Hannover fairgrounds. Anyone who wants to stand in this prestigious setting as an exhibitor or innovation leader should keep an eye on the upcoming application phase.</p><h2>Schaeffler Set Standards in 2026</h2><p>A look at the most recent award presentation shows what level of innovation is required: In 2026, the Hermes Award went to the industrial conglomerate <strong>Schaeffler</strong>, which was honored for its platform for highly integrated actuators. The independent jury, chaired by <strong>Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka</strong>, President of the Fraunhofer Society, selected the winner from three nominated companies.</p><p>The prize was presented by <strong>Dorothee Bär</strong>, Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space Travel, in the presence of Chancellor <strong>Friedrich Merz</strong> during the official opening of the Hannover Messe. This festive setting illustrates the status that the Hermes Award now enjoys at the political level – and the attention that prize-winning companies can expect.</p><h2>What Companies Should Know Now</h2><p>For the 2027 edition: The application phase is open, and detailed call for proposals with all formal requirements are being published successively by the organizers of the Hannover Messe. Companies in the fields of industrial technology, automation, energy and related future sectors are invited to submit their innovations.</p><ul><li>Presentation: April 4, 2027, as part of the Hannover Messe opening ceremony</li><li>Location: Hannover fairgrounds, fair period April 5-8, 2027</li><li>Award in the tradition of an independent specialist jury</li><li>Previous year's winner: Schaeffler with its platform for highly integrated actuators</li></ul><h3>Jury Expertise as a Quality Seal</h3><p>The composition of the jury with renowned experts from science and research – as in the previous year under the direction of the Fraunhofer President – ensures a high level of professional assessment. This rigorous selection is also a quality seal that sets the Hermes Award apart from numerous other industry awards and solidifies its importance as a benchmark for technological excellence.</p><h2>Conclusion and Outlook</h2><p>With the opening of the application phase for the Hermes Award 2027, the preparation begins for innovation-driven companies to make one of the most visible appearances in the German industrial landscape. The award presentation on April 4, 2027 as part of the Hannover Messe opening offers not only media attention but also the opportunity to position itself among previous winners such as Schaeffler. Those who want to present their innovation to an international specialist audience should use the coming months to intensively engage with the official call for proposals of the Hannover Messe.