Following a third edition that drew over 9,600 participants from more than 80 countries in June 2026, Nexus Luxembourg will reconvene in spring 2027 under the thematic banner "Building AI, Sovereignty & Growth". The event, co-founded by Mike Koedinger of Paperjam and Kamel Amroune of The Dots, has evolved into the country's premier international business summit, backed by the Luxembourg government, the City of Luxembourg, the Chamber of Commerce and Luxinnovation.

The June 2026 gathering showcased the event's scale: more than 400 speakers addressed audiences across five stages, while over 80 exhibitors and 240 startups and scaleups occupied 13,500 m² of exhibition space. Attendance nearly doubled from the inaugural 2024 edition, which drew 5,600 participants.

From strategic ambition to operational reality

The 2027 programme addresses three interconnected priorities. AI shapes contemporary economies, security and democratic systems. Sovereignty reflects Europe's continued dependence on technologies developed and controlled elsewhere. Growth demands that the continent not merely regulate innovation but actively develop, acquire and expand its own reliable alternatives capable of competing on the global stage.

Multiple thematic tracks will structure the agenda, covering AI infrastructure, digital sovereignty definitions, cybersecurity, regulatory frameworks, workforce development and labour's future. Additional sessions will examine financial transformation, moving artificial intelligence from experimental phases to productive deployment, cultivating Europe's next generation of technology leaders, and technology's role in reshaping industrial and urban landscapes.

The event maintains its established "4-in-1" structure: the Intelligence Forum, the Fintech Sphere, the Launchpad Arena dedicated to emerging companies, and the "Luxembourg Makes It Happen" institutional component.

Who's on stage

The 2026 programme featured high-profile speakers including European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, who characterised AI as "a question of technological sovereignty", alongside OVHcloud's Octave Klaba, Odoo's Fabien Pinckaers, NVIDIA's Eva-Maria Hempe, Paytm's Vijay Shekhar Sharma and UNESCO's Dr Tawfik Jelassi.

Previous editions welcomed Mistral AI's Arthur Mensch, Coinbase's Brian Armstrong and Rakuten's Mickey Mikitani. Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden and government representatives have attended every edition since the event's launch, underscoring the nation's institutional commitment.

For 2027, Brevo founder Armand Thiberge has been announced as an opening speaker. Thiberge's advocacy for "a true European champion in AI" reflects the edition's emphasis on construction rather than critique. Additional speakers will be revealed in coming weeks.

A stage for 240 startups - and the clock is ticking

The Startups & Scaleups Awards represent the most direct opportunity for founders. Approximately 240 companies will be selected to present before investors, corporate leaders and expert judges in the Launchpad Arena, competing for a Grand Prize exceeding €125,000.

The competition welcomes applications from startups and scaleups worldwide across 12 categories:

  • RegTech & LegTech
  • FinTech & InsurTech
  • Cybersecurity & Data Sovereignty
  • Digital Society & GovTech
  • Enterprise AI & Workflow Automation
  • SpaceTech
  • Industrial AI & Smart Logistics
  • Smart Mobility
  • GreenTech & ClimateTech
  • Digital Health & Platforms
  • Clinical & MedTech Innovation
  • EdTech & Future of Work

Participating companies pay €99 for a comprehensive package including an exhibition booth for both days, a live pitch opportunity and attendance at the awards ceremony on day two.

The application deadline is 16 November 2026 at 12:00 CET, with selected participants announced on 10 December. Interested founders can submit applications via the Nexus Luxembourg website.

Why Luxembourg, why now

Nexus Luxembourg's distinctive character stems from its scale relative to its host nation. In a country of approximately 680,000 residents, the event assembles government officials, financial sector leaders, European Union institutions, innovation specialists and international entrepreneurs under one roof for two days. The organisers believe this concentration of stakeholders facilitates the conversion of dialogue into tangible business outcomes.

Nexus Luxembourg 2027 runs 9–10 March 2027 at Luxexpo The Box in Luxembourg-Kirchberg, with programming for international delegations on 8 March. Ticket information and programme details are available at nexusluxembourg.com.

Source: Tech.eu