De Bleek 13, 3447 GV, Woerden
Practice and theory combined in one day for choices you can apply directly
You want to move forward with innovation, but which choices fit your situation, where do you start, and which questions are still holding back implementation in your operations. NXT Hero Festival brings practice and theory together in one day so you can reach workable decisions faster. The event consists of two parts. In Part 1, the interactive part, you work in small groups on current grower challenges, test your ideas against data and conditions, and speak directly with the people who can build or decide. In Part 2, you attend a keynote that provides the bigger picture, you receive the key insights from Part 1, and you see pitches and demos that help accelerate your choices. This means that after this day you can continue building implementation in your operation with the right partners, supported by concrete insights and practical experience.
Programme NXT HeroFestival 2026
Your afternoon builds up logically, first working on concrete questions with growers and companies, followed by plenary reflection and room to make agreements.
PART 1
12:00 – Welcome with lunch
12:30 – NXT Hero Festival | interactive sessions
PART 2
16:00 – Keynote, highlights from Part 1, pitches by HortiHeroes startups and professionals
17:45 – Networking drinks with tech demos
19:00 – End of NXT Hero Festival and the start of new collaborations
Why you should not miss NXT HeroFestival 2026
You gain examples that work in practice, sharpen your case with people who decide and build, and translate insights directly into an action plan. By putting real challenges at the centre, you see what is feasible and which conditions are required, while at the same time getting to know solutions you can test now. This helps you move faster from idea to application and make agreements you can follow up with the right partners.
Who NXT HeroFestival 2026 is for
Entrepreneurs and growers who want to move forward with data driven cultivation, labour, energy or chain logistics recognise their challenges and find direct points for action.
Tech companies that build sensors, robotics, software or integrations meet real cases, decision makers and talent.
Researchers and policymakers see where policy and practice meet and where support delivers return.
Think of cultivation managers, operations, innovation managers, product owners, business developers, data specialists, startup founders and investors.
NXTGEN Hightech Agrifood accelerates where practice and technology meet
Acceleration requires both decisiveness and direction. That is why in Part 1 we connect concrete challenges with makers and decision makers, and in Part 2 translate insights into next steps and agreements. By bringing cases, talent and technology together in one place, speed is created without skipping steps.
Costs for NXT HeroFestival 2026
Participation in Part 1 costs 150 euros and Part 2 is freely accessible. It is possible to attend only Part 2.
Attendance by NXTGEN partners can be registered as in kind hours.
More information and registration HeroFestival 2026
Choose what fits you. You can follow the full programme or join only Part 2 in the afternoon, Part 2 is free of charge. For Part 1 you reserve a place with a ticket and receive the session allocation. Please register by 10 January 2026 via the event page. After registration you will receive the final programme and practical information.