13th International Engine Congress 2026
Meeting Place for the Powertrain and Sustainable Fuels Community
24-02-2026 – 25-02-2026 – Baden-Baden, GER or via live stream
Meeting Place for the Powertrain and Sustainable Fuels Community
Not only battery-electric but also thermodynamic powertrains are imperative for the implementation of the mobility turnaround and the global reduction of CO2 emissions. Largely hybridised and powered by hydrogen and synthetic fuels from renewable sources, they make an important contribution both to the huge global fleet of over 1.3 billion vehicles and to new vehicles. The powertrains of new vehicle generations will also have to rely on this proven technology for decades to come in order to be able to meet the steadily increasing global mobility needs in a climate-friendly way. The International Engine Congress as a knowledge forum and industry meeting place for engine development addresses the entire system of engine technology: from energy generation to energy storage to energy conversion. With its unique concept, it brings together the current technological state of knowledge of the entire system of non-fossil fuels and internal combustion engines and their holistic evaluation with regard to climate protection. It is thus the central, practice-oriented platform for the exchange of knowledge and suitable systemic strategies for meeting the Paris and Glasgow climate targets.
The internal combustion engine plays a key role in the national economy. Millions of jobs depend either directly or indirectly on its development, production, and maintenance, particularly in exportoriented countries like Germany. As a widely exported product, the internal combustion engine has made a significant contribution to the nation’s prosperity. But at the same time, its CO2 emissions are an issue of concern in the context of climate protection.
What is clear is that limiting global warming requires a shift towards low-emission drive systems. This is precisely why the internal combustion engine – especially if it uses synthetic, carbon-neutral fuels – will continue to play an important role. The challenge lies in harmonizing sustainable mobility with economic stability and technological competitiveness.
The future belongs to climate-friendly solutions – but the means of achieving this should be realistic and open to all technologies, and should take economic interests into account.
Stay abreast of current trends and benefit from a lead in knowledge!
• You can expect international speakers as well as top-level presentations and panel discussions
• The congress is a great opportunity to “network“ – the evening event for the engine community offers
stimulating discussions in an informal atmosphere
• The trade exhibition, held in parallel, provides ample information about innovative products and services
We look forward to your participation.
Global strategies for the powertrain mix of the future
Carbon-neutral combustion engines in international competition
From motor racing to series production
New drive systems and components for commercial vehicles
Development, production, and regulation of sustainable fuels
Potentials in the circular economy
The importance of combustion engines for the economy and climate protection
Status / experience report on the verification of renewable fuels in practical use
Prof. Dr. Christian Beidl
TU Darmstadt, Germany
Shena Britzen
Rheinmetall AG, Germany
Timothy D'Herde
Toyota Motor Europe NV, Belgium
Dr. Martin HrdliÄŤka
Ĺ koda Auto a.s., Czech Republic
Prof. Dr. Thomas Koch
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany
William Lamb
Cummins Ltd., United Kingdom
Dominik Nau
DHL Group, Germany
Rajendra Petkar
Tata Motors Ltd, India
Marc Sens
IAV GmbH, Germany
Kazuya Tsurumi
HORIBA Co. Ltd., Japan
Lukas Walter
AVL List GmbH, Austria
Dr. Benedikt Wolfers
Posser Spieth Wolfers & Partners, Germany
Eric Woydte
German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Germany
This event is primarily aimed at engineers and technicians in the industry or persons involved in research and teaching who are engaged in the optimization of the traditional development areas of the combustion engine or the advancement of procedures and systems to produce conventional or renewable fuels and lubricants. The lectures will be equally attractive for chemists and biologists who work in this industry. The focus will be on both diesel and spark-ignition engines (gasoline / gas) for passenger and commercial vehicles and off-highway applications.
Kongresshaus Baden-Baden
Augustaplatz 10
76530 Baden-Baden
Germany
or
virtually via live stream
German and English with simultaneous interpreting
(German – English / English – German)
A trade exhibition of interesting suppliers and service providers rounds off the conference and provides the opportunity to find out about innovations on site.
“Vehicle drive systems have lost none of their fascination, and engines stand for mobility and safety. As engine developers, we rise to the challenge of ensuring a sustainable future for the European automotive industry, driven by the enthusiasm and expertise of our young engineers.
Welcome to the NextGen Program at the Engine Congress 2026!”
Prof. Dr. Christian Beidl
Director of the Institute, VKM, TU Darmstadt
“Over the next few years, the baby boomer generation born in the 1960s will be approaching retirement, which means that promoting the careers of young engineers will be vitally important. The Engine Congress welcomes these young talents with program items aimed specifically at future developers and offers them an excellent platform for networking with industry experts and other young professionals through personal contact at an early stage.”
Prof. Dr. Thomas Koch
Director of the Institute, IFKM, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany
Participation in the regular Engine Congress program
Meet & Greet with top executives from industry and science:
Experienced managers will provide valuable insights into the development of their own careers, offer advice, and share their experiences
Speed Dating among the young professionals with guidance from an experienced moderator
Networking areas for young professionals during the meals and coffee breaks
Participation in the Engine Community Evening at the Kurhaus Casino Baden-Baden:
Reserved tables for young professionals
As a senior manager, you have the unique opportunity to actively shape the future of your organization by advancing the careers of your young professionals. The NextGen Program is the ideal framework for supporting your young professionals in their career and personal development.
Benefit from our special NextGen congress ticket offers!
NextGen combined congress participation
1 senior (20 %) + 1 young professional (50 %) € 2,268.50 (instead of € 3,490.–)
NextGen congress participation
1 young professional (50 %) € 872.50
Compared to: Standard congress participation € 1,745.–
Dr. Alexander Heintzel,
Editor-in-Chief ATZ | MTZ Group, Springer Nature
Three program advisory boards made up of outstanding personalities from each of the fields involved support our congress in terms of planning and finding topics.