100 participants, 24 speakers and guests, four startup competitors, three strategic partners. The strength of this event lies precisely here: no tedious speeches, no ephemeral encounters, no large, distracting venues, only valuable speakers who speak genuinely, only workshops where you can get your hands dirty, only networking organised to REALLY connect people. The EPSI Annual Conference 2025 brought together EPSI Members, Finnish sports organisations, new business partners, and European companies for three days of high-value exchanges, strategic partnerships, and unforgettable experiences in the cold of Lapland. And not only: On our last evening, we had a unique experience, in keeping with Finnish tradition, enjoying a sauna and an ice bath.
European and Finnish Sports Excellence
The first part of the conference set the tone with inspiring voices from both the European and Finnish sports ecosystems. European excellence was highlighted through insights about the evolving role of sport in EU policies, with the contribution of, among others, Glenn Micallef, EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. The Finnish excellence showcased, instead, a remarkable project rooted in the Arctic region, business models from Finnish investors, and personal journeys of Finnish athletes and entrepreneurs.
Strategic Partnerships for EPSI members
This year’s conference marked a significant milestone with three new international collaboration agreements, reinforcing EPSI’s role as a key connector in the global sports innovation ecosystem.
- Mike Yang, Founder & CEO of AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group (ABSG) 🇨🇳
- Audra Elena Shallal, Board Member of European Business Angel Network (EBAN) 🇧🇪
- Jesús Contreras, COO of 28 Digital, formerly known as EIT Digital 🇧🇪
These agreements will support organisations, companies, and startups in scaling up in the European and Asian SportTech markets, thanks to investment programs, funding opportunities, and educational activities. These new partners were also protagonists of the Strategic Business Partners Panel, moderated by Samir Ceric (EPSI Steering Committee), who led a powerful discussion on sports as a global asset class, private investments, emerging sports markets, and the digital transformation shaping the industry.
A stage for innovative talent: The new EPSI Innovation Competition
One of the most anticipated moments of the conference was the EPSI Innovation Competition, where four groundbreaking startups showcased solutions set to disrupt the sports industry, led by Omar El Zayat (EPSI Strategic Advisor). After dynamic pitches and live audience feedback, and voting by the official jury, O-Damp (Italy) was awarded the 2025 title.
- 1st place: O-DAMP 🇮🇹
- 2nd place: NORTH 3 🇪🇸
- 3rd place: Eliterro 🇨🇿
- 4th place: Myfithub 🇬🇷
The jury and the public awarded O-Damp’s advanced helmet safety technology as a cutting-edge solution for traumatic brain injuries. The prize: 3k€ cash + 1 year of free EPSI membership (value = 1k€), as well as 1 free business service and brand visibility on EPSI channels to support their growth and visibility in the EU market.
Navigating the EU funding landscape nowadays to build new projects
The funding system from major public entities is changing rapidly. To address this shift, the EPSI Annual Conference aimed to clarify the current European landscape and identify effective strategies for managing available resources. Kristiina Jokelainen, an expert on navigating the EU funding ecosystem and Founder of SmartNorth, highlighted four key aspects: 1. The significant transformations on the horizon; 2. The importance of integrating funding plans with national and regional partners; 3. The need to reframe cohesion policy, and 4. The role of industrial clusters and Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) in fostering connections.
We also explored the idea of sports as a cross-cutting innovation ecosystem. Francesca Passeri, an EPSI crowdfunding and business development expert, presented several valuable funding schemes such as Horizon Europe, LIFE (focused on sustainability), and Interreg Europe. Tiziano Giordano, Sustainability and CSR Manager at SCARPA, introduced a project funded through the LIFE program, called Re-Shoes. While public funding is essential for developing innovative ideas, private funding is equally important. Antonio Rodenas, Manager of the ESA BASS Sports & Tourism Working Group, discussed funding opportunities from the European Space Agency for sports and its integration with space technology.
As fundraising is one of the EPSI’s strongest pillars, we also give the chance to pre-selected project ideas to be pitched and discussed in front of the public, with live feedback and comments. From safeguarding in sports to physical activity intervention protocols for individuals with mental health conditions, five representatives pitched their project ideas on the stage. But not only: attendees discussed these at the table, better, at brokerage tables, forming new consortia and starting to prepare the basis for new applications to be submitted in the coming funding calls.
We don’t talk about sports only. We do it.
After exchanging contacts thanks to the concentric circles activity, participants climbed the walls of the Väki Climbing & Yoga Center, doing some bouldering. After the exertion, we relaxed with a guided session of yoga. What truly set this edition apart was the human-centred experience: from networking activities in unconventional settings to icebreaker activities designed for meaningful connections. The aim was simple and achieved: to reconnect people, ideas, and purpose. The Arctic surroundings amplified the sense of community and inspiration, making this conference not just productive but unforgettable.
Looking ahead
The EPSI Annual Conference 2025 was a reminder that the most powerful innovation happens when people come together with a shared mission. With new partnerships established, bold ideas launched, and a stronger network than ever, the foundation for 2026 is already in motion. Once thing we should change: Calling it just a “conference” is simplistic. It is a catalyst for new experiences – both for work and for life.
