Data transmitted by satellites orbiting the Earth already provide indispensable information for sectors such as agriculture, transport, and water management. At the same time, developments based on space research, such as energy-efficient systems, resource-optimised material use, and self-sustaining infrastructures, offer new perspectives for addressing the challenges of climate change and urbanisation.

These practical applications of space research and related technological innovations form the central focus of the 19th Pollack Expo, held on 23-24 April 2026 at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology of the University of Pécs (UP FEIT). As the largest technical exhibition in Southern Transdanubia, the event annually provides a comprehensive platform for students, academics, engineers, and industry professionals to explore the latest scientific results and technological developments.

Participants can attend approximately 150 presentations across 19 thematic sections, including several sessions in English, while also engaging with exhibitors who once again occupy the Faculty’s community spaces. In addition to showcasing cutting-edge materials, technologies, and research outcomes, the Expo serves as a key forum for professional dialogue and networking.

Implemented with the main sponsorship of Siemens Zrt., Pollack Expo 2026 also hosts several prestigious accompanying events. These include the Professional Forum on the Restoration of Historic Buildings, focusing on construction and structural diagnostics; the Óbuda Group Corporate BIM Forum, dedicated to digitalisation in the construction industry; the closing event of the IDEA StatiCa Roadshow; and the Pollack–HARMAN Creative Mobility Challenge, where secondary school students compete in innovative engineering tasks.

International industry players such as Graphisoft and DALUX will also contribute to the professional programme. During the official opening ceremony, UP FEIT will sign significant cooperation agreements with the Óbuda Group, ALDI International IT Services Kft., and the John von Neumann Computer Society, further strengthening its industry partnerships. Pollack Expo Awards will also be presented, alongside, for the first time, the Bánhidi László Award, established by the Building Services Engineering Section of the Hungarian Chamber of Engineers.

Following the opening ceremony, a state-of-the-art drive technology laboratory will be inaugurated, developed in collaboration with industry partners to enhance electrical engineering education at the Faculty.

As in previous years, many of the section presentations are accredited by the Engineer Chamber of Baranya County and the South-Transdanubian Chamber of Architects, providing an opportunity for registered members to earn professional development credits.

UP FEIT is also a member of the recently established Pannon SpaceLab, which aims to launch a satellite within the coming years. Space-related technologies are increasingly present in industry, particularly in the processing and interpretation of atmospheric data. Reflecting these trends, several Faculty activities are linked to space research, for example, civil engineers analyse ground displacement using satellite imagery, while mechanical engineers conduct laser-based research.

The programme also includes forward-looking discussions on the relationship between space research and architecture, examining how technologies developed for extreme environments may contribute to sustainable urban development and architectural innovation on Earth.

Alongside its professional focus, the Expo places strong emphasis on talent development. The Pollack-HARMAN Creative Mobility Challenge – Space Adventure 2026, held under the motto “Where ideas set things in motion,” invites secondary school teams to design and build autonomous or remote-controlled vehicle models inspired by space and science fiction themes. The competition seeks to provide hands-on insight into engineering disciplines and support students in identifying their future career paths.

Further highlights include specialised professional programmes by DALUX and Graphisoft. DALUX will organise a Users Day focusing on state-of-the-art digital construction site solutions, alongside the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Faculty. Graphisoft will present the latest Archicad developments and case studies to practicing architects, while the BIM Forum will provide a platform for knowledge sharing and showcasing innovative project solutions.

The newly inaugurated Lenze laboratory, equipped with modern drive technology systems including frequency converters and asynchronous motors, offers 16 workstations where students can apply theoretical knowledge in practice. Supported by Lenze, Siemens, and Körber Hungária, the facility significantly enhances the Faculty’s practice-oriented engineering education.

Pollack Expo remains open to the public free of charge, welcoming not only professionals and students, but also prospective students and anyone interested in technological innovation. Over the years, the event has grown beyond the framework of the University to become one of Pécs’s flagship professional events, supported by regional transport and tourism partners.

The detailed programme of Pollack Expo is available at: https://pollackexpo.mik.pte.hu/en/program-guides