IFA Berlin 2024 – Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation

The 100th edition of IFA, Europe’s premier consumer electronics trade show, is currently taking place in Berlin, Germany. This milestone event spans five days, dedicated to exploring the future of AI, smart home, mobility, digital health, entertainment, streaming and gaming. This year’s focus highlights innovations aimed at enhancing connectivity and transforming both personal and professional environments.

Taiwan’s IFA Debut

Taiwan is participating in IFA for the first time, prioritizing AI applications and actively seeking partners, primarily through the Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA), a government-backed platform fostering innovation and global partnerships in AI, IoT, and robotics. "We need partners to develop systems," said Cheng-Wen Wu, Minister of the National Science and Technology Council, during the exclusive meeting "AI for All, Partners to Be," held before the official opening of IFA. Manufacturing alone is not enough.

Minister Wu emphasized the potential of collaboration between Taiwan’s expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, and Germany’s strengths in system design: "Combining both, we can make the world better in the future." Leif Lindner, the newly appointed CEO of IFA Management GmbH, echoed this sentiment, while Prof. Jhy-Wey Shieh, High Representative of Taipei in Germany, stressed the importance of global engagement for Taiwan, stating, "It’s the fate of Taiwan as an island to break out into the world; otherwise, we are isolated."

Indeed, Taiwan matters now more than ever, not only due to geopolitical considerations. It plays a crucial role in terms of innovation, digital transformation, and global industrial supply chains, too. This importance is exemplified by TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), one of the world's most advanced semiconductor foundries, which is set to build a new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Dresden, the capital of Germany's 'Silicon Saxony.'

Samsung vision of “AI for All”

Attending Samsung’s visual showcase ahead of IFA 2024 felt like stepping into the future. Samsung Electronics presented its ambitious vision of “AI for All,” illustrating how artificial intelligence is becoming central to their technology ecosystem. The dynamic, one-hour stage performance highlighted the transformative power of Galaxy AI and introduced the latest update to its One UI 6.1.1 operating system. The event was filled with engaging keynotes, product unveilings set to launch soon, and the latest tech innovations. Leading figures from Samsung and its partners, including Intel and Qualcomm, were also present, sharing insights into the future of AI-driven technology.

Although IFA 2024 has just concluded, the next IFA Berlin showcase is scheduled for September 5-9, 2025. It is set to be at least as successful as this year’s showcase, which managed, thanks in part to the new CEO, 'Mister IFA' Leif Lindner, to strike a harmonious balance between honoring tradition and embracing the future.

Contact:

svetlana.alexeeva@digital-insight.de