EPIC-X to launch Acceleration+ Programme at SIM Conference 2026 in Porto

EPIC-X will participate in the Startups and Investment Matching (SIM) 2026, taking place on 14 and 15 May at Alfândega do Porto. The conference is one of Portugal’s key meeting points for startups, investors, corporates, incubators, and innovation ecosystem builders. It is designed to create meaningful connections through curated content, matchmaking activities, workshops, and networking opportunities (SIMConf, 2026). 

One of the key highlights of EPIC-X’s participation will be the launch of our Acceleration+ Programme, scheduled for the 14^th of May during the EPIC-X activities taking place alongside the SIM Conference. The programme is one of the project’s central actions to support women-led deep tech startups, combining financial support, business coaching, networking, and cross-border collaboration opportunities. The launch will be followed by a thematic speed dating, a futures thinking workshop, and dedicated flash interviews, exclusive to the EPIC-X participants.  

EPIC-X will also host a public session on the 15^th of May at 10h titled “Impact as Strategy: Designing Value Creation Models with ESG and Gender Equality”. The interactive workshop, led by Rute Frade from HER Venture Hub, will explore how impact can be embedded directly into business strategy, moving beyond compliance to show how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and gender equality can influence revenue, margins, risk management, market access, governance, and investment readiness. 

Designed for ecosystem builders, founders, and investors, the session will provide practical frameworks and applied exercises to help participants translate ESG and gender considerations into concrete business decisions across product development, operations, go-to-market strategies, and governance models. The session reflects EPIC-X’s broader ambition to support resilient, inclusive, and investment-ready ventures aligned with European expectations for sustainable and responsible growth. 

By joining SIM Conference 2026, EPIC-X will be present where startups, investors, corporates, and ecosystem actors come together to shape future partnerships. The event offers an important platform to connect with the wider Portuguese and European startup ecosystem, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to conversations on inclusive growth, impact-driven strategy, and the future of Europe’s deep tech ecosystem. 

SIM Conference 2026 will take place at Alfândega do Porto from 14 to 15 May 2026. Tickets are available through the official 3cket ticketing page: https://3cket.com/en/event/sim-conference-2026  

Find out more about the project here!