GLASS MELTING POT

Bringing together research and industry

The GLASS MELTING POTT session brings together researchers and industry representatives for direct dialogue. The focus is on new research ideas, ongoing projects and innovative approaches in the fields of glass technology, design and production. In short, concise presentations, concepts are introduced, discussed and further developed in consultation with the international audience of experts.

Referent spricht vor Publikum auf der Bühne session 'glass melting pot' der glasstec | © Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann

At a glance

Date + Time:
20–23 October 2026
Exact dates to be announced
Location:
Stage 3 - glass technology live, Hall 11 C28
Price:
Free – Included in the ticket price

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Research meets practice

Inspiration for the glass industry of tomorrow

New ideas emerge where scientific perspectives, technical development and industrial practice converge. The GLASS MELTING POT creates a space for discussion on current and future directions in research and development within the glass industry.

Whether it’s new material solutions, innovative manufacturing processes, digital methods or application-oriented prototypes – this session highlights which approaches have the potential to further develop glass products, glass processing and glass architecture.

A dialogue between research and industry

Brief insights, direct discussion, practical insights

The GLASS MELTING POT deliberately focuses on compact presentation formats. Research ideas and ongoing projects are presented in short pitches and then discussed with the specialist audience. This creates a dynamic format that quickly gets to the heart of an idea and facilitates dialogue between research and practice.

Advancing glass technology

What approaches could transform glass products and glass processing?

Discover research ideas and ongoing projects that open up new perspectives on glass as a material – from innovative materials and smart surfaces to digital methods, new production processes and functional applications.

Bringing prototypes to life

How does an idea become a viable solution?

Mock-ups, displays and illustrative presentations bring innovation to life through the object itself. This allows technical details, material properties, design potential and specific applications to be conveyed in a clear and understandable way.

Connecting research and industry

How do research approaches generate new ideas for practical application?

The GLASS MELTING POT brings together science and industry. Through interaction with an international audience of experts, it generates feedback and opportunities for future collaborations.

The full programme, including the timeline, will be available shortly.

Moderation

The glass melting pot will be moderated by experts from the fields of international glass research and architectural education. They will guide participants through the sessions, provide expert guidance and facilitate the exchange of new ideas and research perspectives.

Prof. Michael Engelmann

Professor of Sustainable Building Design & Head of the Institute for Building Construction – TU Dresden

Prof. Christian Louter

Professor of Structural Design & Building Engineering at the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences – TU Delft

Prof. Ulrich Knaack

Professor of Façade Engineering at the Institute of Structural Analysis and Design – TU Darmstadt

Dr.-Ing. Matthias Seel

Head of Research Group Glass at TU Darmstadt

Discover research that pushes the boundaries of glass

Visit the GLASS MELTING POT at glasstec 2026 and discover new ideas, prototypes and research approaches through direct dialogue with experts from academia and industry. Take this opportunity to find out about the latest developments at an early stage and make new contacts for future projects.

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