IDEX NXT is the defence AI platform at IDEX 2027, introduced for the first time at this edition. It is part of IDEX and NAVDEX 2027, which run from 25 to 29 January 2027 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. It brings AI innovators and technology companies together with defence organisations, and exhibitors choose from four experience zones.
- IDEX NXT is new for 2027: the defence AI platform at IDEX 2027, which runs from 25 to 29 January at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
- It covers seven sectors, including AI and decision advantage, autonomy, defence software and data, and semiconductors and compute.
- Four experience zones, from interactive desks for hardware to premium double islands beside the main stage.
- Want to exhibit at IDEX NXT? Write to karan@bridgeexhibitions.com.
IDEX NXT is the new home for AI in defence at IDEX 2027, which opens at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on 25 January.
If your company builds AI, autonomy, defence software or the compute behind them, this is the part of IDEX made for you.
What is IDEX NXT?
IDEX NXT is what IDEX calls its Defence AI Platform: a dedicated innovation hub for AI-driven defence technologies, from intelligent systems and autonomous operations to advanced decision-making.
It brings AI innovators and technology companies together with defence organisations, through showcases, live demonstrations, expert-led content and collaborative opportunities.
When and where is IDEX NXT 2027?
IDEX has not published separate dates for IDEX NXT. It is part of IDEX and NAVDEX 2027, which run from 25 to 29 January 2027 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
IDEX is a tri-service defence exhibition, organised by ADNEC Group in association with the UAE Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council. IDEX NXT is its defence AI platform, and 2027 is its first edition. For the rest of the week, from NAVDEX to the conference, see our guide to IDEX and NAVDEX 2027.
What does IDEX NXT cover?
IDEX lists seven sectors for IDEX NXT:
- Artificial Intelligence & Decision Advantage
- Autonomy & Human-Machine Teaming
- Multi-Domain Integration & Interoperability
- Defence Software, Data & Digital Infrastructure
- Semiconductors, Compute & AI Infrastructure
- Defence Innovation, Procurement & Adoption
- Future Capability, Partnerships & Technology Convergence
Supply chips or compute, or build defence software and data tools? Your field is on the list.
Which IDEX NXT zone fits your company?
IDEX NXT has four experience zones, each with its own job on the floor.
| Zone | Built for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Enablers Zone | Hardware | Interactive desks that put your hardware front and centre, with edge-processing samples on display. |
| Scale-up Pod Clusters | Software platforms | High-visibility cluster hubs with built-in digital showcases, designed to launch your software platform. |
| Innovation Primes | Key meetings | Custom-curated islands on the main walkways, with dedicated VIP roundtables for your key meetings. |
| Platform Leaders | A flagship position | Premium double islands on either side of the main stage, which IDEX pitches at senior procurement delegations. |
Hardware belongs in the Tech Enablers Zone, software platforms in the Scale-up Pod Clusters. Building your week around senior meetings? Look at Innovation Primes and Platform Leaders.
IDEX NXT 2027 agenda themes for defence tech companies moving into AI
IDEX has published four agenda themes for IDEX NXT 2027: Build, Connect, Deploy and Scale. Which ones matter to you depends on where you start. The pairings below are our reading of the themes, sectors and zones IDEX has published.
If you are a defence company adding AI
Build and Deploy are your themes. Build is about creating and controlling the capability base, from autonomous systems and advanced manufacturing to sovereign technology, talent, data and critical infrastructure. Deploy is about operating effectively in contested environments, through autonomous systems, resilient infrastructure, distributed operations and integrated counter-drone capabilities.
Your closest sector is Autonomy & Human-Machine Teaming. Bringing hardware? The Tech Enablers Zone is built for it.
If you build military AI or sell AI into defence
Scale is your theme: moving new technology from trials and demonstrations into deployable, sustainable defence capabilities, backed by procurement and industry collaboration.
Connect matters too if your product moves data. It covers software-defined and space-enabled networks that carry trusted data across the battlespace, for resilient communications and faster, better-informed decisions.
Your closest sectors are Defence Software, Data & Digital Infrastructure and Defence Innovation, Procurement & Adoption. The Scale-up Pod Clusters are designed to launch software platforms.
Want to exhibit at IDEX NXT?
Bridge Exhibitions, created by Arabian World Events and Orchestra Media, supports companies going into new markets through shows like IDEX.
Tell us what you want to show and which zone you have in mind. Write to karan@bridgeexhibitions.com or start a conversation.
Defence AI sits where two of our sectors meet: defence and aerospace, and technology and AI. See our markets and what we do.
Planning beyond Abu Dhabi? Our 2027 calendar covers the other shows running next year, and every show we work with is on the Shows page.
About Bridge Exhibitions
Bridge Exhibitions is an international sales, marketing, event management and market development business created by Arabian World Events and Orchestra Media. Its multilingual team helps event organisers grow international participation, develop new markets, and connect with exhibitors and industry partners worldwide.
Common questions
What is IDEX NXT?
IDEX NXT is the defence AI platform at IDEX 2027, introduced for the first time at this edition. It brings AI innovators and technology companies together with defence organisations through showcases, live demonstrations, expert-led content and collaborative opportunities.
When and where does IDEX NXT 2027 take place?
IDEX has not published separate dates for IDEX NXT. It is part of IDEX and NAVDEX 2027, which run from 25 to 29 January 2027 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
What is the difference between IDEX and IDEX NXT?
IDEX is the tri-service defence exhibition organised by ADNEC Group in Abu Dhabi. IDEX NXT is its defence AI platform, new at IDEX 2027 and held at the same venue, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
What are the IDEX NXT experience zones?
IDEX NXT has four experience zones: the Tech Enablers Zone for hardware, Scale-up Pod Clusters for software platforms, Innovation Primes with VIP roundtables for key meetings, and Platform Leaders, premium double islands beside the main stage.
Which sectors does IDEX NXT cover?
IDEX NXT covers seven sectors: Artificial Intelligence & Decision Advantage; Autonomy & Human-Machine Teaming; Multi-Domain Integration & Interoperability; Defence Software, Data & Digital Infrastructure; Semiconductors, Compute & AI Infrastructure; Defence Innovation, Procurement & Adoption; and Future Capability, Partnerships & Technology Convergence.
How can Bridge Exhibitions help with IDEX NXT?
Bridge Exhibitions, created by Arabian World Events and Orchestra Media, supports companies going into new markets through shows like IDEX. To exhibit at IDEX NXT, write to karan@bridgeexhibitions.com.
Tell us what you want to show and which zone fits. Write to karan@bridgeexhibitions.com.
