Individually configurable furniture, innovative bicycle trailers, do-it-yourself kits for lamp design, and 3D-printed ceramic vases — startups and young labels took advantage of the lively visitor crowds at the International Crafts Fair (IHM) to present themselves, their ideas, and their products to a broad audience.
West Entrance at the Munich Exhibition Center: Visitors to this year's IHM were greeted with a new exhibition space, "Design Spirit – Working Environments and Products of Tomorrow." With this innovation, the organizers aim to give innovative craftspeople, young labels, and startups the opportunity to present themselves in a prime location. And the idea was well received, with the exhibition generating significant interest from trade show visitors.
Well-known startups and brand new prototypes
Among those taking part was the Munich startup Mr. Beam with his “Mr Beam II laser cutterThis laser cutter can be a cost-effective solution, especially for small craft businesses, for producing prototypes and small series. At the IHM, visitors were able to feed the orange laser cutters with their designs and test them. New prototypes were also presented at Design Spirit, such as the "hinterher" bicycle trailer, a novel cargo trailer that solves transport problems in inner cities and pedestrian zones. If "hinterher" sounds familiar, the company already participated in the event series. “Startup meets craftsmanship” , which Munich Startup organizes together with the Chamber of Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria. Just like the startup nearBees, which brings local beekeepers and honey buyers together easily and sustainably. At the IHM, visitors were, of course, able to taste the honey immediately.
An interactive space for participation, networking and tinkering
Interactive stations also included the MakerSpace and the FabLab Munich eV represented at the trade fair. Both facilities are a high-tech paradise for tech-savvy beginners, DIY enthusiasts, professionals, and startups. And interactive was the key word: While visitors to the FabLab München eV (Munich Association) could realize their dream of creating their own designs on the computer and laser on digitally controlled machines, the MakerSpace demonstrated the manufacturing possibilities available to craftspeople and designers in the generously equipped workshop in Garching. Visitors to the trade fair could expect 3D printers, high-precision 3D scanners for different textures, sizes, and geometries, as well as laser systems for engraving, marking, and cutting. A truly interactive place to participate, network, tinker, and let off steam—and thus a successful launch of the new exhibition area "Design Spirit – Working Environments and Products of Tomorrow" at the International Crafts Fair.
