MEDFEST 2025 attracts over 50,000 attendees as Olbia becomes Mediterranean capital of science, culture and sustainability

With more than 50,000 attendees, 16 hours of global live streaming, and over 300 speakers and guests from across five continents, the event saw significant growth from its inaugural edition. The festival's inclusive programme engaged institutions, businesses, scientific communities, civil society, and citizens alike. Through live-streamed panels, B2B meetings, and high-level discussions, MEDFEST tackled major issues shared by countries bordering the Mediterranean – from the green and digital transitions, to biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, responsible tourism, and the strategic use of culture as a diplomatic tool.

International speakers, buyers from four continents, representatives from academia, science, and institutions including the EU, as well as private-sector leaders, all helped position MEDFEST as both a think tank and a launchpad for collaborative initiatives. Olbia’s mayor, Settimo Nizzi, expressed pride in the city’s transformation, stating, “I am deeply proud that Olbia played host to such an important event. Over these four days, our city became a crossroads for dialogue, opportunity, and Mediterranean leadership. My thanks go to the organisers, participants, and the entire community for making this extraordinary experience possible.”

Science and innovation took centre stage at this year’s edition. Over 10,000 visitors explored A Look into the Deep Universe, an exhibition dedicated to the Einstein Telescope project – a groundbreaking European scientific infrastructure. Following a welcome address by University Minister Anna Maria Bernini, Sardinia’s President, Alessandra Todde, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to hosting the Einstein Telescope. She noted the collective efforts underway among the Regional Government, the Italian Government, universities, research institutes and local communities, highlighting Sardinia's unique geological conditions and the project’s potential impact on the international scientific community.

Other major attractions included The Virtual Universe, which offered immersive, augmented-reality experiences, combining science, technology, and education, alongside BYD’s Sustainable Mobility installation, showcasing the future of green transport. The National Research Council’s immersive exhibition AQUAE drew attention to the fragility and richness of marine ecosystems, encouraging sustainable resource management. Meanwhile, WWF’s European Shark installation explored the role of sharks in marine ecosystems, challenging myths and informing the public on their ecological importance.

A strong focus was placed on youth engagement through the MED YOUNG programme, which involved 30,000 students during the school year and brought over 2,000 young people to Olbia for educational experiences, creative workshops, and interactive talks. In collaboration with LIBRI Progetti Educativi and the Italian Content Creators Association (AICDC), young attendees had the opportunity to meet with digital creators and communication professionals, discovering new ways to express themselves and actively participate in global discussions on sustainability, innovation, and citizenship.

With this second edition, MEDFEST has not only reinforced Sardinia’s role as a natural bridge between Europe and the Mediterranean, but also as a growing hub of innovation, culture, and sustainability. The next edition of the festival is already confirmed for 2026, with new goals and even greater ambitions in pursuit of a shared sustainable future.

MEDFEST extends its gratitude to all partners and supporters, including Acquirente Unico, ARTLED, Barilla, BYD, CNR, HUGEGROUP, IFNS, ISN, LITTLEGIANT, Mancini Worldwide, MOBY, NEXMIL, Radio RDS, Trenitalia, and WWF. The event was promoted with the support of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia – Department of Tourism, Handicrafts and Commerce, and the Municipality of Olbia.

 

 

PS