The 5th International Conference on Digital Twin (DigiTwin 2025) successfully concluded from 14 to 18 October 2025 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany. The conference was jointly organized by the Universität der Bundeswehr München, the Digital Twin journal, Taylor & Francis Group, the Digital Engineering journal, Elsevier, and co-organized by the International Research Center for Digital Twin at the Beihang University's International Frontier Science and Technology Innovation Research Institute.

Under the theme "Digital Twin Optimizing the World," DigiTwin 2025 brought together global leading researchers to share the latest research findings, explore technological frontiers, and foster international collaboration that accelerates technology and engineering innovation in the digital twin field.

This year's hybrid program featured two in-person venues– Universität der Bundeswehr München (Germany) and Beihang University (China) – along with 21 online sessions. In total, 226 academic presentations were delivered, to 1,200 registered participants from 20+ countries, across Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania and Africa. 200+ participants attended on site.

On October 13, 2025—the eve of DigiTwin 2025— the Conference Chairs, Prof. Stefan Pickl from Universität der Bundeswehr München and Prof. Fei Tao from Beihang University, were received by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Co-chaired by Prof. Stefan Pickl and Prof. Fei Tao, the opening ceremony set the tone for the week. Prof. Pickl delivered the welcome address, followed by Prof. Nabil Anwer (Université Paris–Saclay) speaking on behalf of the Digital Twin International Advisory Committee. Dr. Monaz Mehta (Elsevier) then introduced the Digital Engineering journal. Prof. Tao—founder of the DigiTwin conference and the Digital Twin journal, and Dean of Beihang University's International Frontier Science and Technology Innovation Research Institute—then delivered his address.

From October 15–17, DigiTwin 2025 hosted 226 presentations across two in-person venues—Universität der Bundeswehr München and Beihang University—and 21 online sessions. Talks spanned key digital-twin technologies, manufacturing systems, cross-disciplinary frontiers, marine equipment, digital-twin networks, additive manufacturing, smart construction, twin cities, and healthcare.

The hybrid format broadened access and deepened discussion, enabling seamless participation for scholars worldwide. It drew a strong international audience and fostered energetic, high-quality exchange of ideas.

On the afternoon of October 17, DigiTwin 2025 hosted its Awards and Closing Ceremonies. The program opened with Assoc. Prof. Li Yi (Beihang University) announcing the launch of the International Digital Engineering Association (IDEA). After rigorous evaluation, the conference presented 18 awards across five categories: DigiTwin 2025 Highly Cited Paper Award, Best Paper Award, Best Presentation Award (including Best Student Presentation Award), Enterprise Innovation Application Award, Outstanding Scientist Award, Young Scientist Award, and Best Organization Contribution Award.

Dr. Zehua Cheng (University of Oxford) delivered a virtual preview of DigiTwin 2026, which will be hosted at the University of Oxford in August 2026.

Finally, Prof. Stefan Pickl (Universität der Bundeswehr München) presided over the closing ceremony, summarizing the conference highlights and expressing his sincere gratitude to all the experts and scholars for their enthusiastic participation.