Leiria is looking for local projects that have moved beyond the idea stage
NEXXT Ideas is open to businesses, startups, researchers, associations and entrepreneurs with a project in development and a connection to the Leiria region. Applications close on 11 September.
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Archived 31 August 2026International founders and local teams with a working project can gain a free place at NEXXT Leiria, practical presentation support and introductions to regional partners.
- Applications are open until 11 September.
- The project must be in development, validation or implementation—not just a raw idea.
- Eligible fields range from industry and technology to health, tourism, agriculture, education, culture and social impact.
- Selected projects receive free event access, masterclasses, a professional video pitch and partner visibility.
Who can apply
NEXXT Ideas 2026 is open to companies, startups, teaching and research institutions, organisations, associations and individual entrepreneurs. The common requirement is a project with a real link to the Leiria region and a solution aimed at an economic, social or environmental problem.
It is deliberately not framed as an early idea contest. Applicants should have something in development: a proof of concept, a project being validated or work already entering implementation.
What selected projects receive
Selected teams receive free access to the NEXXT Leiria event, masterclasses, a professionally produced video pitch and visibility through the initiative's channels and partners. The presentation format combines the video with a stage conversation rather than a conventional rapid-fire pitch.
The value is not a guaranteed investment. It is structured exposure to companies, investors, partners and regional organisations that may help a credible project move forward.
Make the application concrete
Describe the problem in plain language, show what has already been built or tested and explain why the Leiria region matters to the project. Include evidence of users, trials, partners or measurable results where it exists.
A foreign founder can be eligible if the project has a genuine regional connection. Do not rely on an address alone; show the local activity, people, customers or problem the work serves.
What you can do now.
- 01
Confirm that the project has a real Leiria-region link.
- 02
Prepare evidence of development or validation.
- 03
Explain the problem and practical impact clearly.
- 04
Submit by 11 September and keep the confirmation.
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