Training ensures orthopaedic treatment and care for tomorrow
OTWorld 2026 presents prospects at the World Congress and Trade Show
The quality of care that people will receive tomorrow with medical aids such as prostheses, orthoses or wheelchairs is already being determined today in training. That is why OTWorld 2026, with its World Congress and International Trade Show, is focusing on promoting young talent, qualifications and future technologies. OTWorld is the world's most important meeting place for modern orthopaedic treatment and care. It will take place in Leipzig from 19 to 22 May 2026.
There is a great need for action. In prosthetics and orthotics, the shortage of skilled workers is already clearly noticeable in Germany today. There is a lack of qualified specialists in workshops and medical supply stores to meet the growing needs of an ageing society and to ensure orthopaedic treatment and care. Training is therefore becoming a key prerequisite for ensuring long-term care, innovation and quality.
Congress President Thomas Münch has therefore deliberately set the focus. The certified master prosthetist and orthotist, as well as board member of the German Association of Orthopaedic Technology (BIV-OT), is familiar with the challenges from daily practice. ‘Our profession is undergoing profound change, and at the same time we are feeling the shortage of skilled tradespeople every day. Good training therefore means securing skills in the skilled trades while at the same time developing skills for the future,’ says Münch.
From skilled trades to university studies – a holistic approach to training
For Münch, training is not an either/or proposition. Skilled trades, digitalisation and academic paths belong together. ‘Skilled trades quality is the foundation. Digital skills and further qualifications build on this – from master craftsman's certificates to bachelor's or master's degrees.’ OTWorld offers the space to bring these levels together and make them tangible.
Congress programme: training in all its facets
The World Congress addresses the topic of training in several symposia. Current training models, digital tools, the future of master craftsman training and academic perspectives will be discussed. Another focus is on international training pathways – from ISPO-certified programmes in Africa and Asia to networks in the USA. The
programme is complemented by presentations that show how training, digital collaboration and intercultural exchange are improving care worldwide.
Special attention is paid to interdisciplinary collaboration. At OTWorld, young professionals can experience how doctors, therapists and technicians work together to provide care – an aspect that is of great importance in everyday professional life.
Trade Show showcases hands-on education: experience the future of care live
Research, teaching and practice come together in the OTWorld.education + research exhibition area in Hall 1. Here, knowledge transfer, new learning formats and international educational pathways are brought to life – from skilled trades to university research.
A central highlight is the spotlight ‘Robotics + AI’: visitors experience how modern assistance systems, humanoid robots and artificial intelligence are already changing care today. Interactive applications, live demonstrations and short presentations make the potential of digital technologies in workshops, therapy and everyday life directly tangible.
The OTWorld.campus also offers an international platform for training, advanced training and continuing professional development. Universities and technical colleges from all over the world present their programmes there and provide insights into innovative educational pathways, research projects and career opportunities.
The Federal Academy for Orthopaedic Technology (BUFA) and other master schools for prosthetics and orthotics and orthopaedic footwear technology are also represented and provide information on qualification pathways, examinations and professional development in the field of prosthetics and orthotics.
Youth.Academy TO: Independent programme for young talent
With the Youth.Academy for Technical Orthopaedics (JA.TO), OTWorld offers an independent programme for young talent aimed at trainees and students. Over two days, young professionals will have access to the international trade show and the World Congress. Specialist presentations, practical insights and exchange formats will promote orientation, networking and motivation. Young professionals from the fields of prosthetics and orthotics, orthopaedic footwear technology, physiotherapy and medicine are eligible to participate.
Three focal points, one common goal
With rehabilitation and integrative care, Congress President Dr Doris Maier, Medical Director of the BG Accident Clinic Murnau, sets two further focal points for the World Congress. In addition, the programme addresses current issues in prosthetics and orthotics, compression therapy, digital transformation, assistive technology research and global care strategies. The OTWorld World Congress brings together the entire range of training opportunities for all those involved in orthopaedic treatment and care.
Access to OTWorld 2026
The ticket shop for OTWorld 2026 is now open. OTWorld complete tickets are available, which include access to the World Congress and the International Trade Show. An early bird rate with savings of up to €80 is available until 31 March. Reduced day tickets are also available for school pupils, students and trainees – the OTWorld complete ticket costs €89 and the trade show ticket €21 (upon presentation of valid proof of eligibility). For trade visitors who want to take advantage of the International Trade Show, including all workshops at the congress, the trade show group ticket is available for four or more people for €29 per person. Separate two-day tickets are also available for participants of the Youth Academy for Technical Orthopaedics (YA.TO). An early bird rate with a saving of €10 is available until 31 March.
Further information on the congress programme is available online here . The ticket shop can be accessed here .
