Drivers of innovation and sustainability for the real estate industry

The real estate industry is increasingly being shaped by a profound technological change that combines digitalization and sustainability. Transform & Beyond 2025 will also show how this change can be achieved in practice. At this special area integrated into the EXPO REAL trade fair, pioneering companies will once again present their solutions for the key future topics of the industry: these include decarbonization, digitalization, ESG, mobility and intelligent building operation.

Important building blocks for the future viability of real estate

Covering the entire real estate life cycle—from planning and construction to operation and transaction—53 startups, scale-ups and grown-up companies from 11 European countries alone will be presenting their innovative solutions. They will offer concrete approaches for optimizing real estate processes, increasing energy efficiency and sustainability, and transforming existing buildings
The focus is on the industry’s pain points: increased cost efficiency through automation and data availability, climate protection through decarbonization, avoiding stranded assets, and increasing attractiveness for users and investors.

Stronger demand, more exhibitors

After its successful premiere last year, Transform & Beyond has seen significant growth: This year, a total of over 80 exhibitors—startups, scale-ups, grown-up companies and technology companies—are presenting their solutions; a clear sign of the growing importance of the format. Claudia Boymanns, Exhibition Director of EXPO REAL, emphasizes: “We are delighted that the event has met with a consistently positive response. This clearly shows how much the industry needs a platform for professional exchange, orientation and the development of innovative ideas.”

Innovations for digital and sustainable building technology

Transform & Beyond focuses on innovative approaches to the decarbonization of buildings and districts, intelligent building technologies, the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in facility management as well as digital tools to increase energy and resource efficiency.
The curated exhibition space in Hall A3 will create a dynamic environment for innovation and professional exchange. Different participation formats—from classic exhibition stands to pitch slots and themed panels—will allow for flexible presentation.

New neighborhood with synergy effects

The close proximity of the TechTalk Stage in Hall B2, which was designed for pitches from startups, will provide a high level of added value for both target groups. This will give real estate managers direct access to future-oriented solutions: From digital tools for portfolio management to energy supply concepts and smart user interfaces, there are concrete points of contact. Conversely, this format offers young companies even more visibility.

Conference program on two stages

The accompanying specialist program in the DECARB ARENA, on the Transform & Beyond Stage and in Hall A3 will offer additional, in-depth insights. Topics covered include the decarbonization and transformation of the real estate portfolio, climate protection strategies for livable cities, and sustainable real estate financing. The Transform & Beyond Stage will focus on AI-supported digital planning processes. The combination of practical reports, panels and keynotes will provide participants with a well-founded overview of current developments.

The panel discussion “Gain without PAIN—Agentic AI as a catalyst for the real estate industry!” will take place on the Transform & Beyond Stage in Hall A3 on the first day of the trade fair from 12:00 to 13:15. Prof. Christian Schlicht, Founder and Chief Catalyst & Connector at The Real Insight GmbH, will give the keynote speech.
Another highlight is the presentation “The Future of Real Estate: From Concord to Discord: Change, Complexity, Concurrency, Crises & Conflict” by Wesley Paul, partner at Nevegy in London, on Tuesday, October 7 from 14:00 to 14:50 in the DECARB ARENA in Hall A3.
Also new this year are two networking events on the first and second evening of the trade fair, which will take place as after-work events at Transform & Beyond.