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 mature trade fair
Whereas last year DigiBouw was still presented as a new initiative to accelerate digital adoption in the sector, this second edition shows that the event is firmly established in the market. Tom van der Zwaag, exhibition manager DigiBouw at Royal Jaarbeurs: "It is fantastic to see how DigiBouw has grown in a short time to become the platform for digitalisation in the construction industry. The growth in visitor numbers and the enthusiasm of exhibitors confirm that together we are building a future-proof sector." Scaling up digitisation remains a key theme in the construction and installation sector. During DigiBouw, professionals were given concrete tools to optimise processes, reduce costs and promote sustainability.
Content-packed programme full of vision and innovation
The programme offered a strong content base 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 full at 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 digitisation on the construction site in 2030?' One visitor put it aptly: "Automating construction laws and regulations is crucial to accelerate construction. Regulations are not getting less, so this is where we need to work."
Technology in action: AI, robots and smart solutions
Innovations also attracted a lot of attention. For instance, visitors could get to know AI talking post Bob, a converted ANWB talking post that now answers questions about digitalisation. There were also demonstrations by robot dog SPOT and humanoid robot Bob from Breman Installation Group for innovation platform BREiNN. Bob is one of the most advanced humanoid robots in Europe and works with students and the Digital Business & Society lectorate of Windesheim University of Applied Sciences.
From meetings to insights
The sentiment among visitors and exhibitors was extremely positive. Ruben van der Heijden of STA Software: "At DigiBouw, we meet precisely the decision-makers and professionals in the field of IT and digitalisation. It is the place for customer loyalty and getting to know new customers." Camiel Jas of Buildify also stresses the importance of personal contact: "Meeting people, that's what I love. The fair offers interaction with the market, we had a lot of good conversations. Also nice to see competitors and exchange ideas."
Outlook: DigiBouw 2026
Confidence in DigiBouw is evident from the outlook. Tom van der Zwaag: "Sentiment among exhibitors is very positive. Meanwhile, more than half of existing exhibitors have already taken an option to participate in DigiBouw 2026." With this, DigiBouw is setting a firm foundation for further growth. DigiBouw 2026 will take place on 25 and 26 November 2026.
