Utrecht, 25 November 2025 - DigiBouw, the trade event that focuses on digitalisation in the design, construction and engineering sector, experienced a successful second edition at Royal Jaarbeurs last week. With more than 1,200 visitors, a 30 per cent increase on the first edition, and a strong programme of content, DigiBouw has quickly become the platform for digital innovation in construction. DigiBouw is organised by Royal Jaarbeurs in cooperation with DigiGO, the platform for digital collaboration in the built environment, among others.
From launch to a fully-fledged trade fair
Whereas last year DigiBouw was presented as a new initiative to accelerate digital adoption in the sector, this second edition shows that the event is now firmly established in the market. Tom van der Zwaag, DigiBouw trade fair manager at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs: “It’s fantastic to see how DigiBouw has grown in such a short space of time to become the leading platform for digitalisation in the construction industry. The growth in visitor numbers and the enthusiasm of exhibitors confirm that we are working together to build a future-proof sector.” Scaling up digitalisation remains a key theme in the construction and installations sector. During DigiBouw, professionals were given practical tools to optimise processes, reduce costs and promote sustainability.
A programme packed with vision and innovation
The programme offered a strong substantive foundation with keynote speakers and panel discussions on topics such as digital collaboration, AI and circular upscaling. Speakers included Diederik Samson (TKI Bouw & Techniek), Nicole Maarsen (Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning) and Timothy Lievendag (BAM). The theatres were packed for knowledge sessions on AI, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, where visitors discussed questions such as: ‘Which construction process do we want to automate tomorrow?’ and ‘Where will we be with digitalisation on the building site in 2030?’ One visitor put it aptly: “Automating construction legislation and regulations is crucial to speeding up the construction process. The number of rules isn’t going to decrease, so this is something we need to get to grips with.”
Technology in action: AI, robots and smart solutions
Innovations also attracted a great deal of attention. For instance, visitors were able to meet Bob, the AI help point – a converted ANWB help point that now answers questions about digitalisation. There were also demonstrations of the SPOT robot dog and the humanoid robot Bob, provided by Breman Installatiegroep for the BREiNN innovation platform. Bob is one of the most advanced humanoid robots in Europe and works in collaboration with students and the Digital Business & Society research group at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences.
From connections to insights
The mood amongst visitors and exhibitors was exceptionally positive. Ruben van der Heijden of STA Software said: “At DigiBouw, we specifically reach decision-makers and professionals in the fields of IT and digitalisation. It’s the place to build customer loyalty and get to know new clients.” Camiel Jas from Buildify also emphasises the importance of personal contact: “Meeting people – that’s what I love. The trade fair offers interaction with the market; we’ve had lots of good conversations. It’s also nice to see competitors and exchange ideas.”
Outlook: DigiBouw 2026
The confidence in DigiBouw is evident from the outlook. Tom van der Zwaag: “The sentiment amongst exhibitors is very positive. More than half of the current exhibitors have already taken up an option to participate in DigiBouw 2026.” This means DigiBouw is laying a solid foundation for further growth. DigiBouw 2026 will take place on 25 and 26 November 2026.
