The international microtechniques and high precision trade fair brought its entire industrial network together in Besançon from 29 September to 2 October 2026. In an uncertain economic and geopolitical climate, this year’s event confirmed how important it is for companies to meet, innovate and build new partnerships. These four busy and hugely important days saw increased attendance, quality business meetings, a ZOOM dedicated to the strategic aeronautics, space and defence sectors and the launch of Micronora Americas.
Momentum that confirms Micronora’s appeal
Micronora 2026 was a reminder of how vital meetings and collaboration still are to the industry in this day and age. The whole purpose of the Micronora association is to promote microtechniques and high precision technologies on a global scale by showcasing the entire value chain, from research to the finished product. A cross-cutting approach bridging technologies, careers and industrial sectors.
Beyond showcasing technologies, Micronora firmly believes that innovation stems from the cross-fertilisation of expertise.
“Future innovations will not emerge from isolated skillsbut from bringing those skills together. This is the very reason why Micronora exists: to build connectionsfor future technological breakthroughs to emerge.” ”Thierry Bisiaux, Micronora Chairman.
The Zoom: microtechniques – a key vector of the aeronautics, space and defence (ASD) industries
As the prominent theme this year, the ZOOM highlighted the strategic role that microtechniques play in sectors where precision, reliability, miniaturisation and performance are high-stake requirements. The Zoom area was tripled this year and welcomed over 50 participants. A new record for the Zoom event!
Organised in partnership with the PMT ASD cluster and with the support of the French Aerospace Industries Association, the Directorate General for Civil Aviation and the defence procurement agency (DGA), the event brought together companies and laboratories to showcase real innovations. Technologies that are often invisible once the equipment is in final use, but that are vital to its operation and performance. Alongside the Zoom space was the Arena, a one-day event focusing on the strategic challenges of the ASD sectors with discussions among key players.Challenges also highlighted by the French Aerospace Industries Association’s Deputy CEO Thierry Quillet: “Miniaturisation is a trend stretching across all industries but that is particularly valuable for aeronautics as it directly decreases the aircraft’s onboard weight. This reduces the need for propulsion and therefore carbon emissions.” Just one example of how high precision technologies are also helping decarbonise the aeronautics industry.
This ZOOM therefore highlighted a key reality in the industry: behind every major successful aeronautics, space and defence programme are small and mid-sized companies with often overlooked yet vital precision expertise.
Micronora Awards: rewarding innovation
The Micronora Awards (formerly Microns d’Or) rewarded the most innovative solutions presented by exhibitors at Micronora 2026.
“Machines & capital goods” category:
. Horn (Micron d’Argent for its Supermini System with two sintered geometries)
“Microtechniques components & subassemblies” category:
. Demgy (Micron d’Or for CAPDCM, a metastasis-blocking implant)
. SensiTips (Micron d’Argent for its ultra-sensitive sensors)
“Intelligent systems & software” category:
. Tornos (Micron d’Or for the Kepler Loop waste reduction system)
E2SP was awarded a special prize for its EMASP (Electric Multi-Axis Stamping Process) solution for small and medium production runs.
Industry reflections, inventions and encounters
Over four days, leaders, experts and researchers came together to discuss the big challenges facing the industry at the Arena. Another highlight: Philippe Croizon made a strong impression with his talk about raising the bar. In parallel, the technical conferences showcased innovations and real industrial applications. Lastly, the Micro & Nano Event facilitated international business meetings and the discovery of new technologies through its B2B seminars and pitch sessions. Three complementary formats to share expertise, broaden horizons and foster partnerships.
The Talent Factory: fostering vocations and sharing expertise
As the industry of the future will also be shaped by younger generations, Micronora 2026 placed a special focus on careers and training prospects.
for the industry: ensuring that what can be rare expertise is shared, attracting new talent and perpetuating industrial skills.
A chance for companies to share their passion and for young people to discover a career and prospects they may never have imagined.
Micronora Americas: a new international objective
Scheduled for 14-16 September 2027 in Montreal, this first event on the American continent aims to bring together the European and pan-American microtechniques industries.
The purpose is to foster technological discussions, industrial partnerships and access to new markets, drawing on the expertise and network that Micronora has built up for over seventy years.
This international development is in response to an obvious reality: multiple sectors now revolve around precision and miniaturisation technologies and partnerships must now be sought far beyond national borders.
With Micronora Americas, the Micronora association seeks to create an event that complements the trade fair in Besançon, catering to the specificities of local industries and prioritising a sustainable partnership approach.
This new perspective reflects Micronora’s desire to continue expanding while remaining true to its origins, offering a friendly, microtechniques-focused event with high technological and human added value.
Micronora, where precision knows no borders
By combining technological excellence, business meetings, strategic thinking and knowledge transfer, Micronora 2026 has confirmed that the trade fair is a key event for players in the microtechniques and high precision sectors.
With industry transformations and the growing challenges of industrial sovereignty, this year’s event highlighted how mastering strategic technologies, combining skills and building partnerships is key to competitiveness and innovation.
By developing Micronora Americas and through continuing support for the sector, the Micronora Association intends to continue to assist companies, promote their expertise and help precision technologies develop on a global scale.
For more about the trade fair: https://micronora.com/
