International Engineering Fair Opens as Industry Bets on Modern Technologies
October 6, 2026 / 1:12 PM
The 67th International Engineering Fair (MSV) Opens with a Focus on Innovation and Advanced Technologies.
The opening ceremony of the 67th edition of the International Engineering Fair (MSV), along with five additional technology trade fairs, took place unusually on the very first morning of the event. The ceremony was held at the Czech National Pavilion in Hall P, with speakers including Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, and other distinguished guests.
This year's event brings together 1,379 exhibiting companies from 39 countries, once again confirming MSV's position as a key meeting place for modern technologies, industry, and business. The speakers' addresses emphasized the need for innovation, economic support, and mutual cooperation.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš opened the ceremony by highlighting the importance of engineering as a cornerstone of the Czech economy and noting that the sector is undergoing a major technological transformation.
"Traditional manufacturing is changing before our eyes. Robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and new production methods are transforming the way products are made. Right now, it is being decided who will have a technological advantage in 10 or 20 years and who will begin to fall behind," the Prime Minister stressed.
Senate President Miloš Vystrčil pointed out the importance of a united approach and a strong Czech position within Europe. He urged cooperation in strengthening the country's competitiveness and defense capabilities.
"We should stand together and support one another, whether we are in opposition or in government, because some issues are important to all of us regardless of our political affiliation," said Vystrčil. Addressing the business representatives present, he added:
"The fact that this trade fair exists today and that we remain a strong industrial nation, still competitive on the global stage, is thanks to you. I would like to thank you for that. It is our responsibility, as parliament, government, cities, and regions, to do everything possible to help you maintain this position."
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček highlighted economic growth, which is expected to exceed two percent this year, as well as the positive outlook for Czech industry. He emphasized the significance of an economic vision developed jointly with industrial leaders and, for the first time in history, translated into a shared economic strategy.
He also pointed to the development of modern projects visible throughout the trade fair itself:
"You will also find artificial intelligence here. Yes, we have definitively decided to move forward with the AI Gigafactory project. In other words, the Czech Republic should become one of approximately six or seven European Union countries that, if all goes well, will build their own AI infrastructure capacity. This is a crucial development not only for the resilience of the Czech Republic but also for businesses, startups, and Czech science."
The Mayor of Brno, Markéta Vaňková, recalled the city's deep industrial heritage and technological identity, closely connected with the Brno Exhibition Centre, which opened in 1928:
"It is remarkable that, almost a century later, the story is repeating itself. Instead of electricity, which symbolized modernity in 1928, today we are talking about artificial intelligence, robotics, Industry 4.0, and digital factories."
Representing the organizer Brno Trade Fairs, CEO Jan Kubata welcomed participants and summarized the core message of this year's event:
"Whether it is the exhibitions, the accompanying program, or business meetings, everything is connected by one idea: technology experienced live, business conducted in person. That is the spirit of this year's engineering fair."
At the same time, the Czech National Pavilion was officially opened. Under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, it brings together 13 state institutions focused on supporting business development, innovation, and exports. Located in Hall P, the pavilion connects Czech companies with public institutions and other partners, offering opportunities to discuss growth plans, obtain information about financing and international expansion, and establish new business contacts.
On Thursday, the pavilion will transform into the CzechTrade Meeting Point, where companies can consult foreign market specialists and discuss opportunities for expanding into selected international markets.
