Bavaria at the Frankfurt Book Fair: Innovation Meets Publishing

CLELO

CLELO makes learning to read an experience: The Regensburg-based company is developing a standalone reading device that gives children the opportunity to discover books on their own – without any distractions from apps or games. Preschoolers can listen to stories being read aloud on the tablet, immerse themselves in the text, or answer interactive quiz questions about the books. The goal is to create a personal and motivating learning environment that introduces children to reading in a playful way. The concept was developed in collaboration with the Reading Foundation, educators, parents, and publishers.

WeDaVinci

Which book titles make it onto the big screen today? Bestsellers have it easy, while lesser-known titles often struggle. Munich-based startup WeDaVinci wants to change that with its “VisionaryTales” tool: The AI-powered tool enables publishers to create low-cost movie trailers based on manuscripts, making it easier to pitch to production companies. Thanks to advanced technology, the platform is easy to use—and if you're unsure about anything, the AI assistant provides tips in real time. The tool is supported by Creative Europe Media and can be experienced by visitors at the XPLR: MEDIA booth.

The best independent books in Bavaria

XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria is once again presenting Bavaria's best independent books at its stand at the Frankfurt Book Fair. The Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts is awarding this prize to ten independent publishers for the sixth time. The award recognizes their commitment to a diverse book landscape and lively cultural discourse.

Bayerischer Buchpreis

Der Bayerische Buchpreis würdigt erneut außergewöhnliche deutschsprachige Veröffentlichungen in den Kategorien Belletristik und Sachbuch. Die Nominierten stehen bereits fest, die Gewinner:innen werden am 28. Oktober live von einer Jury vor geladenem Publikum bekannt gegeben. Bereits offiziell ist, wer in diesem Jahr den Ehrenpreis des Bayerischen Ministerpräsidenten erhält: Hape Kerkeling wird mit dieser Auszeichnung geehrt. Die Verleihung findet in der Allerheiligen Hofkirche der Residenz München statt und wird ab 20:00 Uhr live im Radio auf Bayern 2 übertragen. Einen Überblick über alle nominierten Werke und weitere Informationen zum Buchpreis gibt es bei der Frankfurter Buchmesse am Stand von XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria.

Our booth program:

 

Wednesday, October 15, 2025:

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: The Bavarian company “CLELO” presents itself and its idea for an innovative reading device.

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Michael Kegler and Martin Pflanzer present the poetry collection “Streich dieses Wort” (Cross Out This Word) by Ana Martins Marques.

3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Bavarian startup WeDaVinci presents its AI software “VisionaryTales.”

Thursday, October 16, 2025:

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Networking breakfast at the XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria booth and booth partners.

2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Heike Birke from BALAENA Publishing presents the book “Leben nach Kafka” (Life After Kafka) by Magdaléna Platzová.

Friday, October 17, 2025:

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: The Bavarian company “CLELO” presents itself and its idea for an innovative reading device.

1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.: The Bavarian start-up WeDaVinci, together with Alessandra Luchetti from Creative Europe Media, presents its AI software ‘VisionaryTales’.

2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Muriel Rathje and Anke Elbel present their children's magazine “Gecko” as a bridge to language and reading promotion.

4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Award-winning theater, radio play, and prose author Maxi Obexer reads her Krachkultur contribution on the topic of family.

Saturday, October 18, 2025:

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Anke Bitter, Sophie Schillo, and Delschad Numan Khorschid will present the book “Nirgendwo ist mein Zuhause” (Nowhere is my home) in a discussion.

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Meet [&] Greet: The Bavarian company “CLELO” will introduce itself and its idea for an innovative reading device.

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Author Beate Roth will present her book “Jean Paul häppchenweise” (Jean Paul in Bitesize Pieces).

2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Sarah Käsmayr talks to author Ofelia Huamanchumo de la Cuba about her short story collection “Nachtschichten” (Night Shifts).

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: The BR TikTok format Literally brings BookTok to the stage: hosts Miriam Fendt and Knut Cordsen hold a live book club.

Sunday, October 19, 2025:

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Meet [&] Greet: The Bavarian company “CLELO” presents itself and its idea for an innovative reading device.