Microsoft Intelligent Manufacturing Award at Hannover Messe 2026

Why It Matters

The award spotlights tangible AI‑driven manufacturing successes, positioning Microsoft as a catalyst for digital transformation across EMEA and opening growth pathways for partners and SMEs.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft honors top EMEA intelligent manufacturing innovators at Hannover Messe
• New SME award and Middle East subcategory introduced this year
• Winners span food, automotive, energy, and digital twin sectors
• Awards highlight executed use cases delivering measurable operational improvements
• Recognition reinforces Microsoft’s role in addressing economic volatility

Summary

Microsoft hosted the seventh Intelligent Manufacturing Award (MIMA) at Hannover Messe, celebrating the most advanced EMEA use cases in intelligent operations. Partnered with consulting firm Roland Berger, the ceremony highlighted how the event serves as a showcase for cutting‑edge manufacturing innovation.

New categories this year included a Small‑and‑Medium Enterprise award and a dedicated Middle‑East sub‑category, reflecting Microsoft’s push into emerging markets. Winners represented diverse sectors—from food production and automotive suppliers to energy optimization and digital twins—demonstrating that AI, IoT, and cloud solutions are moving beyond pilots to full‑scale deployment with measurable gains.

Speakers emphasized the “future is now” atmosphere, noting that the award validates the passion, technology, assets, and culture needed to navigate economic volatility. One winner remarked, “Winning MIMA honors the dedication of our team and proves we can master current challenges.”

The recognition reinforces Microsoft’s strategic position as an enabler of intelligent manufacturing, encouraging broader adoption of its Azure and AI stack across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It also signals growth opportunities for SMEs seeking to leverage cloud‑based solutions to boost productivity and resilience.

Original Description

Lately at Hannover Messe, we celebrated the winners of the Microsoft Intelligent Manufacturing Award 2026 (MIMA), honoring innovators who are shaping the industry’s future with real-world digital solutions across EMEA. Now in its seventh year, MIMA - hosted by Microsoft Germany and Roland Berger - showcases teams pushing manufacturing boundaries and making innovation visible and transferable.

Read more on our website: https://www.rolandberger.com/en/Insights/Publications/The-winners-of-the-Microsoft-Intelligent-Manufacturing-Award-2026.html