PharmaCongress & PharmaTechnica Expo 2026
On 24 and 25 March 2026, PharmaCongress & PharmaTechnica Expo will once again open its doors in Wiesbaden – the central platform for professional exchange, technological innovations and regulatory updates relating to pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality. Participants can once again look forward to an exceptionally diverse programme consisting of eight parallel conferences, exciting live demonstrations at the expo and the presentation of the prestigious Prof. Wallhäußer Innovation Award.
Eight conferences – one goal: networking knowledge
The eight conferences at PharmaCongress 2026 cover a wide range of current topics – from sterile manufacturing and Annex 1 implementation, prefilled syringes, technical requirements for rooms and barrier systems, RTU/RTS, microbiological quality to developments in ATMPs. The programme is complemented by a special conference track on artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
High-ranking representatives from regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical companies and technical service providers will share their practical experience and discuss the future of GMP compliance with participants. The parallel structure allows visitors to put together their own personal congress programme from the following conferences.
European Aseptic Technologies & Annex 1 Conference
This conference addresses current regulatory requirements and technological developments in sterile manufacturing. The focus is on case studies from industry on the practical implementation of the requirements of EU Annex 1 and strategies for contamination control, e.g. in open and closed systems.
Digital Transformation & Artificial Intelligence
New forms and approaches to digitalisation are increasingly finding their way into the pharmaceutical industry. While automation is already well advanced, AI, IoT and Industry 4.0 are still in their infancy. At the same time, regulatory requirements pose significant hurdles, especially when patient safety, product quality or data integrity are concerned. The drafts of the EU GMP guidelines published in July 2025 – Annex 11 on computerised systems, Chapter 4 on documentation and Annex 22 on the use of AI – create new framework conditions for this.
The Digital Transformation & Artificial Intelligence conference will therefore highlight the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in pharmaceutical production and quality assurance, as well as presenting and discussing initial experiences from AI projects.
Recommendation
Thursday, 12 March 2026 9 .00 - 17.15 h
Single-Use Systems - What you need to know - Live Online Training
Trends in Barrier Systems & Robotics
This conference focuses on the development, qualification and operation of barrier systems (e.g. Isolators, RABS) and the use of robotics and automation in sterile processes. Participants will gain insights into best practices, regulatory expectations and innovative robotic solutions in the GMP environment.
GMP-compliant Clean Rooms and Facilities
This track focuses on the planning, construction, qualification and operation of clean rooms and pharmaceutical buildings. Practical case studies show how GMP risks can be identified, containment issues resolved and process stability ensured in real production environments.
ATMP – Hurdles and Achievements in Quality and Safety
This conference is aimed at professionals in the field of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). Topics include regulatory requirements, quality control, inspection experiences and technological challenges in scale-up and sterile production processes.
GMP for Prefilled Syringes
This track provides comprehensive insights into the regulatory requirements, manufacturing processes and validations relating to prefilled syringes. Case studies are used to discuss the factors influencing product quality, process strategies and inspection practices.
GMP Requirements and Challenges for RTU/RTS Material
This track focuses on ready-to-use (RTU) and ready-to-sterilise (RTS) materials – in particular GMP requirements, validation, supplier qualification and challenges when used in sterile processes. The conference track highlights practical case studies and regulatory implications, also in light of Annex 1.
European Microbiology Jubilee Conference
This conference, marking the 20th anniversary of the ECA Pharmaceutical Microbiology Group, provides a forum for microbiological topics with a focus on new developments in the pharmacopoeias, GMP requirements of the authorities, and modern and alternative methods, their implementation and validation. In addition, advanced fields such as phage therapies and microbiological monitoring will be discussed.
PharmaTechnica Expo – Experience Innovations live
Parallel to the congress, PharmaTechnica Expo will take place – the trade fair for technologies and solutions related to GMP-compliant production and quality assurance. Here, 120 leading international manufacturers and service providers will present their latest products, systems and services.
Recommendation
Thursday, 12 March 2026 9 .00 - 17.15 h
Single-Use Systems - What you need to know - Live Online Training
A special highlight are the live demonstrations, where visitors can experience innovative equipment and processes in operation – from isolator technologies and cleaning validation systems to contamination-free transfer systems. These practical demonstrations make the exhibition a lively forum for learning and trying out.
Prof. Wallhäußer Innovation Award 2026 – Focus on excellence
An integral part of the PharmaCongress is the presentation of the Prof. Wallhäußer Innovation Award for innovations in GMP and pharmaceutical technology. This award, which is endowed with EUR 5,000, honours outstanding innovations that contribute significantly to the further development of pharmaceutical technologies and processes. The award commemorates Prof. Dr. Karl Heinz Wallhäußer, the pioneer of pharmaceutical microbiology, and honours creative achievements that break new ground in the world of GMP.
About the Author
Dipl. Biol. Axel H. Schroeder has been working at CONCEPT HEIDELBERG since 2008 and is head of the microbiology department.
