One of the defining features of the European Congress of Radiology 2026 is its large industrial exhibition, which occupies a substantial part of the congress center. Here, the world’s leading medical technology companies present their newest imaging systems, diagnostic software, and research innovations.

Among the most prominent companies participating in the exhibition were:

• Siemens Healthineers
• GE HealthCare
• Philips
• FUJIFILM Healthcare
• Canon Medical Systems
• Bayer
• Bracco Imaging
• Guerbet

These companies organized interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and presentations showing how their newest technologies can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care.

The exhibition floor allows physicians and researchers to directly interact with the engineers and developers responsible for designing the latest imaging systems. This interaction often plays an important role in shaping the future development of medical technologies.

For example, Siemens Healthineers and GE HealthCare presented their newest generation CT scanners and AI-assisted imaging platforms. These systems integrate artificial intelligence directly into the imaging workflow, allowing faster scan analysis and improved detection of pathological findings.

Meanwhile, Philips demonstrated new MRI systems designed to reduce the amount of helium required to operate the magnet. This innovation addresses one of the major sustainability challenges in modern radiology, as helium is a limited resource essential for traditional MRI technology.

Pharmaceutical and contrast-media companies such as Bayer, Bracco Imaging, and Guerbet presented new contrast agents and imaging solutions aimed at improving visualization in CT and MRI studies.

Photon-Counting CT: A New Era of Medical Imaging

One of the most discussed technological innovations at the congress was photon-counting computed tomography, a new generation of CT scanners capable of dramatically improving image resolution and diagnostic capabilities.

During the congress, Professor Pál Maurovich-Horvat, head of a major radiology center at Semmelweis University in Budapest, explained the significance of this technology.

Interview with Professor Pál Maurovich-Horvat

“Photon-counting CT represents the most advanced CT technology available today. The major difference compared to traditional CT scanners lies in the detector technology. The detectors are able to count individual photons of X-ray energy, which allows us to obtain significantly better spatial resolution while also using lower radiation doses for the patient.

With this technology we can achieve slice thickness below 0.2 millimeters, which is a major step forward compared to conventional CT systems that typically operate at around half a millimeter resolution. This improvement is extremely important for cardiac imaging. For almost two decades the spatial resolution of CT scanners remained relatively stable, so this new generation of detectors represents the next major milestone in CT development.

At our institution in Budapest we currently operate three photon-counting CT scanners. These scanners serve as our flagship imaging systems. They are used for many types of examinations, but they are particularly powerful for cardiac imaging and emergency diagnostics. Because photon-counting CT provides spectral imaging automatically, we can detect very subtle abnormalities such as micro-bleedings or very small fractures that might otherwise be difficult to identify.

Although this technology is extremely powerful, it is still expensive. Currently it is mainly available in academic hospitals or research institutions. However, as more manufacturers develop their own photon-counting systems, competition will drive the cost down. I believe that within five years the technology will become much more accessible.

Artificial intelligence will also play a crucial role in the future of CT imaging. AI will improve how we perform scans and how we interpret them. In many countries there is already a shortage of radiologists, and AI will help physicians work more efficiently and analyze more data without compromising diagnostic quality.”

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Radiology

Artificial intelligence was perhaps the most frequently discussed topic during the congress. Numerous sessions explored how machine learning algorithms can assist physicians in analyzing imaging data, detecting diseases earlier, and optimizing clinical workflows.

Radiology resident Răzvan Slătineanu from Romania shared his perspective on how the field is evolving.

Interview with Dr. Răzvan Slătineanu

“Events like this congress are extremely important for networking and for learning about the newest developments in radiology and medicine in general. I attended the congress last year as well, and I can clearly see that every year the scientific discussions and technological innovations become more advanced.

Radiology is evolving very rapidly. When I started my residency four years ago, the field was already changing quickly, but today the pace of development is even faster. Artificial intelligence will definitely reshape the role of radiologists in hospitals. However, I do not believe that AI will replace radiologists. Instead, it will change how we work.

AI will help automate repetitive tasks and assist in analyzing routine examinations. This will allow radiologists to spend more time focusing on complex cases and clinical decision-making. Patients will still want a physician to interpret their results and take responsibility for their diagnosis.”

Education and Collaboration

Beyond technological innovation, the congress also highlighted the importance of education and international collaboration. The event included hundreds of lectures and training sessions specifically designed for students and residents.

Pediatric radiologist Diana Velga-Canuto described the educational value of the congress.

Interview with Dr. Diana Velga-Canuto

“This congress represents a very important opportunity for the radiology community. From a scientific perspective, it provides access to a large number of educational sessions and lectures covering different levels of expertise. Whether someone is a medical student, a resident, or a senior specialist, there are always sessions tailored to their level of knowledge.

Artificial intelligence has become one of the major themes in modern radiology, and many lectures during the congress focus on how AI can be integrated into clinical practice. As someone who has worked with artificial intelligence during my PhD research, I believe that AI will not replace radiologists but will assist them.”

Global Perspectives in Radiology

The international character of the congress was also reflected in the diversity of its participants. Radiologists from Europe, North America, Asia, and many other regions came together to exchange experiences and research results.

Cardiothoracic radiologist Farah Kadour, currently working in Toronto after completing training in France, emphasized the importance of such global collaboration.

Interview with Dr. Farah Kadour

“The European Congress of Radiology is one of the best places for professionals working in medical imaging to meet and exchange ideas. It brings together radiologists, technologists, researchers, and industry experts from around the world.

Artificial intelligence is clearly one of the major trends shaping the future of radiology. We should embrace it rather than fear it. AI will not replace physicians but will help us work more efficiently by taking over time-consuming tasks.

Europe has an incredibly strong tradition of medical education and research. Events like this congress show how collaboration between countries can accelerate medical innovation.”

The European Congress of Radiology 2026 in Vienna once again demonstrated why the event is considered one of the most important gatherings in modern radiology. With tens of thousands of participants, hundreds of scientific sessions, and a massive international technology exhibition, the congress offers a unique platform where science, technology, and clinical medicine converge.

From photon-counting CT scanners and advanced MRI systems to artificial intelligence and global collaboration in medical research, the innovations presented during the congress highlight how rapidly the field of medical imaging is evolving.