NEXXT, the largest creativity, technology and innovation event in the Central region, will return to Leiria between October 26 and 31, transforming the city into a meeting point for ideas, talent and projects that connect economy, creativity, technology and culture.

Under the motto 'Where AI Meets Creativity', the third edition of NEXXT Leiria will bring together creatives, companies, startups, academia, cultural institutions and civil society to cultivate innovative ideas, facilitate strategic connections and partnerships, reflect on the growth and impact of artificial intelligence, and explore how today's innovations shape the future.

Six days of creativity, technology and talent.

Six days will be dedicated to creativity, talent, innovation, and artificial intelligence, with an agenda that includes not only lectures, roundtables, and special talks, but also workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities, culture, and entertainment, taking place in eight emblematic spaces in the city of Leiria, with the goal of creating a more innovative future for the region and the country.

Among the names already confirmed for this edition are Carolina Afonso (Innovation and Transformation Global Director of the Jerónimo Martins Group), Bruno Oliveira (Head of Digital at Sumol Compal), Tiago Mendes (Product Design Manager Diverge at the Nabeiro Innovation Center Group), André Luís Lourenço (CEO of Trojan Horse was a Unicorn, the world's largest creative industries event), Catarina Pestana (Brand Communication Director of the Visabeira Group), Fernando Alvim (comedian, radio host and TV presenter), Filipa Neves (Marketing Director of Unilabs), João Cotrim de Figueiredo (Member of the European Parliament and candidate for President of the Republic), Luís Marques Mendes (Member of the Council of State of Portugal and candidate for President of the Republic), Rita Mata dos Santos (Country Marketing Manager of Michael Page), the 'shark' Tim Vieira (CEO of BGA – Brave Generation Academy), among others.

“ NEXXT Leiria is not just an event, it’s a call to collective action and a celebration of imagination, creativity and talent. We want it to be an open platform to design a more innovative future, and Leiria is the right place for that. In an era of accelerated digital transformation, Leiria stands out for its dynamic business ecosystem, qualified talent and strong connections to external markets, establishing itself as a growing innovation cluster, where industrial tradition intersects with a strong entrepreneurial culture ,” says André Duarte Coelho, founder of CO+K Disruptive Creators, organizer of NEXXT.

2025 Edition

The 2025 edition's program will include more than 30 lectures and talks, 12 workshops and masterclasses, 10 roundtables, and two entertainment shows, taking place on eight stages distributed throughout the city: Teatro Miguel Franco, Mercado de Sant'Ana, Castelo de Leiria, Teatro José Lúcio da Silva, Mercado de Leiria, Black Box, Livraria Arquivo, and Igreja da Misericórdia.

Themes such as 'Talent and Leadership', 'Future and Sustainability', 'Growth and Technology', and 'Art and Culture' will kick off the various sessions included in the agenda.

“NEXXT is a meeting point and union between civil society, business leaders and entrepreneurs around a common purpose: to enhance creativity, innovation and business. More than an event, it is an essential platform to strengthen the regional ecosystem and, naturally, contribute to the dynamism and growth of the national ecosystem ,” adds André Duarte Coelho.

Innovative projects in the region

This event will also feature the presentation of NEXXT IDEAS, a showcase of innovative projects created and implemented in the Leiria region, with real-life examples demonstrating how creativity can and should drive the economy and new ways of looking at the future.

All information regarding NEXXT Leiria 2025, as well as the complete program, will be made available online.

NEXXT is an event by CO+K, powered by Leiria City Council, supported by the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Startup Leiria, NERLEI CCI – Business Association of the Leiria Region/Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CIMRL – Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria Region and Leiria Business School. The first two editions had more than 3.000 physical participants, more than 130 speakers, more than 60 talks and more than 20 NEXXT IDEAS.