Mar Vaquero inaugurates Nextland, innovation forum in Alcañiz
The Vice President of the Government of Aragon, Mar Vaquero, inaugurated the Nextland forum in Alcañiz on Thursday, November 6, a multidisciplinary initiative focused on innovation, technology, and territorial transformation. The event, driven by the Caja Rural de Teruel – Fundación Térvalis Chair of the University of Zaragoza, takes place from November 6 to 8 at the Municipal Theater of Alcañiz.
Nextland is a free forum open to both professionals and the general public. It is organized into five thematic areas: AulaNext, focused on education and family; Health and Life, about well-being and artificial intelligence; SmartGob and Society, which addresses governance and citizen participation; IndTech 360, dedicated to industry, technology, and energy transition; and ZonaZero, a space for communication and youth citizenship. The program includes conferences, practical workshops, family activities, and participatory dynamics.
The forum aims to generate an innovation community that connects professionals, companies, institutions, and citizens; to promote concrete projects for territorial development; to highlight local talent and attract new audiences; and to educate on values of innovation and sustainability. Nextland aspires to leave a lasting legacy by translating the ideas, alliances, and learnings that arise in Alcañiz into tangible actions for the future of the territory.
The initiative is powered by an academic and social chair that unites the University of Zaragoza, Caja Rural de Teruel, and Fundación Térvalis. Led by Alberto Quílez Robles, professor and director of the Department of Education Sciences at the University of Zaragoza, it was established in November 2023. In January 2025, Fundación Térvalis joined as co-sponsor, doubling resources and territorial impact. During the 2024-2025 academic year, it developed over 230 training hours through 46 actions, reaching more than 8,000 people in Aragon and 11 Spanish provinces. The chair promotes the Community of Talent, a national network of over 2,000 educators and 400 educational centers.
