The technology trade fair IFA kicked off here on Thursday in a scaled-back format due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

This year's "special edition" of the fair has been shortened from six days to three and only accredited media representatives, retailers and manufacturers are allowed to participate.

The organizers said that for the first time the fair is held in the form of a hybrid event: in-person and online.

"This year's IFA truly is a special edition. Being a hybrid event, it serves one major purpose: to support the recovery and rebound of the industry," said Christian Goeke, chief executive officer (CEO) of organizer Messe Berlin.

The organizers have created a digital platform for the online events called the IFA Xtended Space and the IFA Virtual Market Place.

On the IFA Xtended Space platform, visitors can follow keynote speeches, press conferences and lectures live or on demand, explore the digital exhibition space and network via the matchmaking tool.

More than 1,450 exhibitors from 30 countries take part in the IFA 2020 Special Edition. According to IFA, 150 exhibitors are physically present in Berlin.

The latest innovations in Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G, from smart living to mixed reality, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, mobility and digital health can be experienced at the fair.

"We are confident that the IFA 2020 Special Edition, despite the enduring constraints, sends out a powerful signal to the world. Let the pandemic not stop us from making great experiences and from pushing business forward," said Goeke.