EPSI Conference 2016
2016-04-30 - 2016-05-01 | Cluster Sports&Technology
EPSI Conference 2016: Crossing Borders: Innovation for economical and societal impact

On behalf of the European Platform for Sports Innovation (EPSI), Sport & Technology, Flanders’ Bike Valley, Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), the City Council of Eindhoven, SportInnovator, the province of Brabant (NL), the Province of Limburg (B) and the European projects EASY-IMP and EU4Sports Cluster Alliance, we thank all of the participants and speakers for their excellent contribution. We hope to see you next year for the 6th EPSI conference.

The 2-day event explored innovation opportunities and challenges within the sports industry, exchanging knowledge, crossing borders, learning best practices and discovering key insights. The first day took place at Cluster Sports&Technology in Eindhoven (The Netherlands), on the second day was organized at Flanders’ Bike Valley in Paal-Beringen (Belgium). During both days inspiriting site visits to Sport Field Labs and research facilities were included in the program. The program provided an excellent environment for matchmaking during the international sports matchmaking event, SportTechMatch, co-organized with the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).
The event was supported by the Dutch Government, as part of Dutch EU Presidency in 2016.

The inspiring program and presentations around “Crossing borders” in combination with a motivated professional audience created the right atmosphere for discussing innovation chances and for creating new cooperations.

Inspiring speakers and discussions
The program includes sessions with speeches from interesting guest speakers, as well a sessions and deepening discussions in topics of your choice supported in the SportTechMatch.
Matchmaking at SportTechMatch

The conference will be an excellent environment for matchmaking during the international sports matchmaking event, SportTechMatch, organized in cooperation with Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).At SportTechMatch entrepreneurs, researchers, technologists and representatives from sports organisations and clusters will be offered a chance to meet potential foreign partners active in the field of sports related technologies. In pre-arranged face-to-face meetings they will have a chance to establish profitable new cooperation opportunities in business, technology transfer and research & development. Participants will have the opportunity to publish cooperation profiles on this website and to send and receive cooperation requests. On the basis of accepted requests b2b meetings will be scheduled which will take place on June 6th in Eindhoven (the Netherlands) and on June 7th 2016 at Flanders’ Bike Valley in Paal-Beringen (Belgium).
Focus

Business creation and acceleration in sport
Wearables, sensors and data in sports
Vital cities: smart cities
Sport Performance
Aerodynamics
From idea to production
Talent community

Why to participate

Latest trends sports technologies
Short, sharp 20 minute meetings to foster effective networking
Showcase your most favorable projects, products or know-how
Initiate cross-border contacts and co-operations
Find new commercial/technological/research partners
get latest information on sports related research findings
present, discuss and develop new projects

Site visits
SportFieldLab visits
On June 6th a selection of the SportFieldLabs of the cluster Sports&Technology will be visited. These visits will provide you inspiration with state of the art technology and innovation in several SportFieldLab locations. Demonstrations of state of the art innovations will be given by entrepreneurs as part of the visits.
Visit Facilities Flanders Bike Valley
On June 7th the facilities of Flanders Bike Valley will be visited among which the state of the art wind tunnel that has recently been opened.

EPSI Conference 2017
2017-11-21 | Brussel
The 6th European Sports Innovation conference, organized by EPSI was a huge success on november 21st in Brussel. Delegates from 12 countries http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/sport in this matchmaking innovation conference. Multiple presentations illustrated both strategical and practical the theme of the conference, Sport as a driver for Industrial Modernization and Economic growth.
The strategical chances for the sector were discussed with both public an private partners. Presentations from DG Growth and DG Region illustrate the growing attention for this from public side. Figures presented by SportsEconAustria illustrate the economical importance of sports throughout the EU and can be seen as a confirmation that innovating in the sports sector is an interesting field both from public as private/economic perspective. Several EPSI partners presented their innovation strategies to inspire others and create opportunities for new collaborations. A match making session was organized for the further development of new projects and project ideas.
During the conference the ClusSport collaboration was presented as a concept of interregional cooperation for industrial modernisation in the sports area. Leading regions on sports innovation are gathered in the ClusSport collaboration to share their excellences for future collaborations.
A conclusion of the conference is surely that Sport is a driver for Industrial Modernisation and Economic growth, that deserves the growing attention from both public and private side. In several EPSI is looking forward to the 7th conference in 2018!

EPSI Conference 2019
2019-07-01 - 2019-07-31 | Belgium, Oude Graanmarkt 5, Brussels, Brussels-Capital, 1000, Belgium
CO-INNOVATE IN SPORT 2019 – In July a collaboration by the European Platform for Sport Innovation (EPSI) and the Enterprise Europe Network – explored innovations in relation to new technologies in the sports ecosystem.

It explored how innovation can be achieved in order to keep up with the continuous quest for performance improvement, how stimulation of active lifestyle can provide business chances, how public authorities can contribute to the innovation ecosystem in the sports sector and aims to support and develop small and medium enterprises (SME), setting up in the sector to achieve innovation in their product and service offerings and provide them with new opportunities for the establishment of joint strategic projects, partnerships and business opportunities.
SportTechMatch by Enterprise Europe Network
The conference also featured business matchmaking activities (SportTechMatch) powered by the Enterprise Europe Network – also known as business ‘speed dating’ – bringing together businesses and other organisations looking for partners to take their strategical development and projects forward. This formula has a proven track record and is an ideal opportunity to enable participants to share their partnership offers.

EPSI Conference 2021
2021-11-23 - 2021-11-26 | Belgium, Oude Graanmarkt 5, Brussels, Brussels-Capital, 1000, Belgium
Connecting European Ambitions in Sport & Entertainment
EPSI and TWIST are pleased to invite their members and partners to the Annual Conference 2021. The event will take place from 23 to 26 November, both physically – at the Circuit Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) – and virtually through several business-oriented online sessions.
We will focus on open innovation, smart specialisation, smart venues, broadcasting and other topics related to sport and innovation. Join us and take the opportunity to meet inspiring guests and stakeholders during pitches, conferences, round tables and matchmaking activities.
Live Sport & Entertainment the “new order” of the Smart Media Industry – a collaboration by European Platform for Sport Innovation (EPSI) and TWIST (Technologies from Wallonia for Image, Sound and Text) and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) – will in November 2021 explore the new realities of the media sector (turned into a smart media sector) that need to be addressed according to a triple approach based on Live sport & Entertainment contents, innovative technologies in relation to media such as digitalisation and new technologies in the sports ecosystem, and new business models (impact on business, sports equipment, media broadcasting, infrastructure manufacturing innovation process, e-sports, big data & digital in sports), funding innovation in 21st century sports, sports innovation and the future of the human-technology interface!
It will explore how innovation can be achieved in order to keep up with the continuous quest for performance improvement, fan engagements, comfort, how stimulation of active lifestyle can provide business chances, how public authorities can contribute to the innovation ecosystem in the sports sector and aims to support and develop small and medium sized enterprises (SME) setting up in the sport / media sector to achieve innovation in their product and service offerings and provide them with new opportunities for the establishment of joint strategic projects, partnerships and business opportunities.
The “Connecting European ambitions in Sport & entertainment” Conference in Collaboration with Enterprise Europe Network will also feature business matchmaking activities (Sport Innovation & Match) powered by the Enterprise Europe Network – also known as business ‘speed dating’ – bringing together businesses and other organisations looking for partners to take their commercial development and business projects forward. In the past, these matchmaking events have proven to be very successful and enable participants to share their partnership offers or requests and schedule meetings in advance through the B2Match tool. Moreover additional brokerage events will be organised in break-out sessions aimed at kick-starting European projects that will ultimately respond to the numerous call for proposals published by the European Union in the many EU financial programs such as : ERASMUS + / HORIZON EUROPE / COSME / LIFE / INTERREG / and many more.
To conclude, this year’s annual conference will equally feature social as well as sports events so as to enhance interactions between participants in a ludic, enjoyable and exciting manner.
KEY INFORMATION

Open Innovation, Smart Specialisation, Smart venues, Smart events New Live events, Broadcasting, fan engagement / experience, Digitalisation of sports (Exergaming, 5G, E-Sport, Data and AI, virtual & augmented reality, satellite connectivity), Smart Vital Cities, Green deal, Sustainability are some of the keywords this EPSI -TWIST annual conference will be focusing on.
Dates: 23 -26 November 2021
Venue: Belgium – Wallonia Region -Circuit of SPA Francorchamp – Rte du Circuit 55, 4970 Stavelot, Belgium (approximately 1,30 hour away from Brussels).
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a motor-racing circuit located in Stavelot, Belgium. It is the current venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix, hosting its first Grand Prix in 1925, and has held a Grand Prix every year since 1985.

EPSI Conference 2022
2022-10-17 - 2022-10-19 | Bergamo (Italy)
Sports Infrastructure by Europe tackling modern challenges
The European Platform for Sport Innovation (EPSI) and Associazione Impianti Sportivi (AIS) are pleased to invite their members and partners to the upcoming Annual Conference 2022, titled “Sports Infrastructure by Europe tackling modern challenges: Management, sustainability, financing, polyvalence” .
The event will take place from 17 to 19 October physically in the framework of Move City Sport (www.movecitysport.com) in Bergamo (Italy). Several B2match sessions will be organised as well, both physically and virtually.
KEY INFORMATION
Open Innovation, Smart Specialisation, Smart venues, Smart events New Live events, Broadcasting, fan engagement / experience, Digitalisation of sports (Exergaming, 5G, E-Sport, Data and AI, virtual & augmented reality, satellite connectivity), Smart Vital Cities, Green deal, Sustainability are some of the keywords this EPSI -TWIST annual conference will be focusing on.

Dates: 17 -19 October 2022
Venue: Italy – Fiera di Bergamo (Via Lunga, 24125 Bergamo BG, Italy).

EPSI Conference 2023
2023-06-05 - 2023-06-07 | Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal)
The Island of European Sport Innovation
The European Platform for Sport Innovation (EPSI) and Sport Azores invited their members and partners to the EPSI Annual Conference 2023: “The Island of Sport Innovation” .
From the 5th to the 7th of June, leaders of sports sector and sports organizations from all over the EU met in Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal) to attend one of the most important events of EPSI for the innovation of sports industry at European level, with B2match sessions both physically and virtually.
Relive the 2023 edition!
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EPSI Annual Conference 2024
2024-09-07 - 2024-09-10 | Olympia, Greece
Olympic Values & Sport Innovation
2024 marked a new chapter for the EPSI Annual Conference, and this time, we were setting the stage in the historic city of Olympia, Greece. But why this city? As 2024 was the year of the Olympics in Paris, we wanted to renew the ancient values on which the sports sector is still based today. The conference was a transformative experience where collaboration knew no bounds. In collaboration with SportCamp and the International Olympic Academy, we were grateful to see so many EPSI Members at our event, which promoted new business partnerships, exchanged best practices and project ideas, and delved into the forefront of sports innovation.
Relive the 2024 Edition!

Full Design Single Annual Conference
2024-09-07 - 2024-09-10 | Olympia, Greece
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EPSI Conference 2018
2025-02-01 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Organized by Pinnacle, Ghent University-Victoris and EPSI (European Platform of Sport Innovation) the Sports Tech Transfer and R&D Summit, embedded in a political momentum aims to promote knowledge exchange between academia and industry, to strengthen the cooperation and transfer of innovations from research labs into industrial exploitation in the field of sports.
It encouraged commercialization of innovative technologies developed at public and private research organizations and promote cooperation between research organizations and development groups in the sports sector. This tech transfer ultimately boosted cross regional business exploitation and promote collaboration.
Main Conference Goals:

Understanding the political landscape for the sport sector
Boost innovation ideas supported by public private financial partnerships
Facilitating cooperation and transfer of knowledge between universities,businesses and sports organizations
Defining strategies for the development of evidence-based sports technologies
Stimulating cross-industry innovation
Improving networks among academic researchers, R&D managers andsports scientific staff members in teams

Topics Addressed:

ClusSport and regional collaboration through Sports Clustering
Connecting Sport & Innovation
Research Impact in the Sports Tech Industry
Commercialization of Academic Science in Sport
Early Stage Innovation and Industry-Academia Collaboration
Startups Acceleration, Incubation and Mentorship – Sports Industry Perspective
Financing Sports Industry Startups & SMEs
Scale-up Strategies – From Startup to Scale-up?
Innovation Hubs Enabled by Sporting Clubs & Organizations
Cost & Economics of Technology Licensing / Transfer – Understanding Best Practice to Achieve Success
Achieving Effective R&D Consortia – International Strategic Alliances to
Facilitate Technology Advancements in Sport
Role of Social Media & Digital Marketing – Digitalization in Sport Technology Transfer

The power of crowdfunding: A practical introduction
2025-05-23 11:00 UTC
Are you new to crowdfunding or looking to sharpen your understanding of how it works? Join us on May 23rd for an insightful webinar designed to help you understand the fundamentals of crowdfunding and how to make it work for you. You’ll learn:

What crowdfunding really is and how it’s evolving across Europe
The different models and which ones suit your goals
Who can benefit, and how to identify your target
Key elements that make a campaign stand out and succeed

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a non-profit leader, or just exploring new funding avenues, this session will give you the tools and inspiration to take the first step. Wrap up the session with a live Q&A to get answers tailored to your needs! Don’t miss this opportunity to explore crowdfunding as a catalyst for your next big idea.

Agenda:

Welcome & introduction to crowdfunding: definition & market size in the EU
Crowdfunding models and features
Type of beneficiaries and target groups
Important elements in a crowdfunding campaign
Q&A & conclusion

Speaker

Francesca Passeri (Crowdfunding and Business Development Expert – EPSI)

Entrepreneurship and funding opportunities with EIT Digital
2025-06-12 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | online
Are you new to digital entrepreneurship or looking to sharpen your understanding of how it works? Join us on June 12th to discover EIT Digital and how it supports entrepreneurs and innovators across Europe. Learn about their entrepreneurial support programs and funding opportunities tailored to help startups and scaleups succeed in competitive digital markets. Discover how EIT Digital contributes to closing the European skill gap through Master programs and professional education initiatives.
This webinar is dedicated to anyone who wants to understand funding pathways, gain strategic insights, and accelerate their projects. Subscribe via the form below.
Agenda:

General introduction of EIT Digital
Ecosystem activities – how EIT Digital builds and helps innovation ecosystems across Europe
Entrepreneurial support activities – how EIT Digital helps startups and scaleups succeed with programs and funding opportunities
Education – learn how EIT Digital contributes to close the European skill gap though master programs and professional education
Q&A & conclusion

Speaker

Diva Tommei (Chief Innovation and Investment Officer – EIT Digital)
Siddesh Krishnan (Education Lead – EIT Digital)
Dénes Csiszár (Startup and Scaleup Support – EIT Digital)

The power of crowdfunding pt.2. Advanced strategies and application in sports
2025-06-27 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | online
Building on the foundation of our initial webinar, this session will explore advanced techniques and insider tips to help you maximise your crowdfunding efforts. Whether you’re looking to refine your strategy, attract more backers, or achieve your funding goals, this webinar is your next step toward crowdfunding success.
Join us on June 27th for a follow-up session designed to deepen your understanding of crowdfunding. Register via the form below.
Agenda:

Combining crowdfunding and other sources of funding
Crowdfunding ecosystems set-up
Operational steps to design and launch a crowdfunding campaign
Successful crowdfunding campaigns in sports
EPSI Crowdfunding checklist
Q&A

Speaker

Francesca Passeri (Crowdfunding and Business Development Expert – EPSI)

EPSI Annual Conference 2025
2025-10-29 - 2025-10-31 | Jokiväylä 11, 96300 Rovaniemi, Finland, Jokiväylä 11, Rovaniemi, 96300, Finland
Sports & Nature: The Arctic Innovation Adventure
This 2025 edition was an unforgettable experience at the breathtaking landscape of Rovaniemi (Finland) where nature and sports innovation came together in a truly unique setting.
Leaders, pioneers, and changemakers from across Europe gathered to explore the future of sports, innovation, technology, and business opportunities, in a location unlike any other. This year’s conference was a journey into the Arctic, where we discussed cutting-edge ideas in brokerage tables, discovered new funding opportunities, and closed strategic deals with European and global partners (from China).
WE hope all the numerous attendees returned home filled with new connections, inspirations and insights. We can’t wait to see you next year!
Relive the 2025 Edition!

From Europe to the World. New Business Frontiers with EPSI & HiG Sports
2025-11-14 09:00 - 10:00 (Europe/Paris) | online
The European Platform for Sport Innovation (EPSI) and HiG Sports (a Mumbai-based B2B consulting agency that specializes in sports, fitness, media, and leisure innovations, you can see their portfolio here) invite members and partners to an exclusive webinar marking the launch of their collaboration. This session will explore business opportunities connecting the European and Indian sports ecosystems and fostering cross-border partnerships, including a special visiting program in India.

📌 Agenda

Welcome & Introduction – EPSI and HiG Sports representatives

Partnership Presentation – Benefits, objectives, and ecosystem overview

Selected Pitch Sessions from European and Indian members.

Discover India Program (Powered by HiG Sports): 16-19 Feb 2026

Q&A and Open Discussion – Exploring next steps and collaboration opportunities

✈️ About the Discover India Program (Powered by HiG Sports): 16-19 Feb 2026
Hosted by HiG Sports, this four-day visit offers a unique immersion into India’s dynamic and evolving sports ecosystem. Participants will engage in strategic discussions, connect with broadcasters, sport teams, leagues, federations, government, conglomerates, sports tech companies, investors, and other relevant stakeholders.
A 4-day business immersion in India’s sports ecosystem:

Travel to Mumbai (16-17 Feb) and Bangalore (18-19 Feb)
Site visits to professional sports organisations like the Mumbai Indians, Knightriders, Pro Kabaddi League, Reliance Centre for Sports Medicine, BCCI Centre of Excellence
B2B Meetings with government officials, broadcasters, conglomerates, sports tech firms – E.g. JioStar, Fancode, JSW Sports, Tata Sons, SportVot, Sportz Interactive
Opportunities to pitch your solutions to key buyers, influencers and investors
Attendance at the Sports Innovation and Tech Summit, Bangalore
Attendance at a Sporting Event (subject to availability)
A tailored package of pre- and post-event awareness sessions
Informal breakfast/cocktail chats with key thought leaders, trade bodies

🔎 Why INDIA?
Being the fastest growing economy in the world, with over 1.4 billion people (majority of which are Gen Z’s), India offers a massive audience and talent pool. This is evident in India’s consumption patterns in sports (particularly digital content) and the growing participation in sports activities. The Indian sports industry is currently valued at USD 19 billion (FY24–25).It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12–14 percent, crossing USD 40 billion . While cricket maintains its stronghold, 90% of 650+ mn Indian sports fans now follow multiple sports .The popularity of sports leagues in Kabaddi, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Table Tennis, European Football, NBA further underscores this trend. This landscape presents ripe opportunities for relevant companies and stakeholders to enhance fan experience, player performance, youth development, community empowerment, and infrastructure.

EPSI & ACES | Crowdfunding and Match-funding
2026-04-10 11:30 - 12:30 UTC | online
ENGLISH SESSION 🇬🇧
The session aims to helps public authorities learn how to use crowdfunding and match-funding alongside traditional public financing to support local sports projects. It offers a concise, practical format with frameworks, models, and real examples that municipalities can adapt to mobilise resources, involve citizens, and boost the impact of their initiatives.
Agenda
11.30-11.35 | Welcome
EPSI and ACES Representatives
11.35 – 11.50 | Introduction to Crowdfunding
– Definition, actors and types
– Value for the public sector
11.50 – 12.10 | Introduction to Match-Funding and Match-Funding Models
– What it is and how it differs from crowdfunding
– Types (public, private, hybrid)
– Role of public authorities
– First-in, Bridging, Top-up, 1:1
– Implementation logic
12.10 – 12.20 | Case Studies
– European examples
– Success factors 12.30 | Closing and Follow-up indications
– Key takeaways and follow-up services for public authorities
– How to get in touch with EPSI for follow-up support

We look forward to seeing you there! 🚀

EPSI & ABSG | Introduction to Crowdfunding
2026-04-22 09:00 - 22:30 UTC | online
This webinar introduces the fundamentals of crowdfunding, helping you understand the main models, who it’s for, and what makes a campaign successful.

Welcome from ABSG and EPSI (10 minutes)
Keynote speaker – Investment partner (Omar El Zayat – EPSI Strategic Advisor) (15 minutes)
Intro to crowdfunding (definitions + market size in EU) (5 mins)

Crowdfunding models and features (15 mins)
Type of beneficiaries and target groups (15 mins)
Important elements in a crowdfunding campaign (10 Mins)
Overview of best practices for crowdfunding in sports (10 Mins)
Q&A (10 mins)

We look forward to seeing you there 🚀

EPSI & ISCA | EU Advocacy in Sport Policy, Practice, and Influence
2026-05-11 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | online
This joint webinar by the European Platform for Sport Innovation and International Sport and Culture Association explores how the sport sector can influence EU decision-making. From an overview of EU sport policy to a practical case on MFF advocacy, the session combines theory and real examples. Insights from European Aquatics will complete the discussion with hands-on experience in engaging with EU institutions.
Agenda
12.00 Welcome & Introduction

Joint introduction by ISCA & EPSI representatives

12.05 – 12.15 Introduction to EU Sport Policy– Laura-Maria Lehiste (ISCA)

Historical evolution of EU involvement in sport (EPSI)
Institutional framework
Current policy priorities
Key upcoming milestones, trends, and policy windows

12.15 – 12.30 Advocacy in Practice: The MFF Case – Laura-Maria Lehiste (ISCA)

Overview of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
How sport stakeholders influence EU budget priorities
Concrete advocacy actions taken by the sector

12.30 – 12.40 External Perspective – António Silva (European Aquatics)

The role of advocacy in ensuring recognition and support for aquatic sports at European level
The engagement with EU institutions and policy processes for EA
Concrete examples or experiences

12.40 – 12.50 Q&A and Conclusions

Encourage sharing of experiences across ISCA and EPSI networks
Key takeaways
Closing remarks from organisers

We look forward to seeing you there 🚀

Pitching Together | EPSI and EBAN’s Collaborative Path to Sports Innovation
2026-06-15 09:00 - 10:00 UTC | online
Selected start-up pitch session brought by EBAN Sports and EPSI dedicated to pre-selected startups of the sports sector.

This reserved online session is designed to create a focused and high-quality exchange between innovative startups active in the sport and sport-related ecosystem and business angel investors from the EBAN community.
This unique opportunity is one of the most significant outcomes of the formal collaboration between EPSI and EBAN, leading to impactful joint actions that further promote effective solutions and products developed by innovative sports companies.

EPSI Annual Conference 2026
2026-09-23 - 2026-09-25 | Peace & Friendship Stadium, Piraeus 185 47, Greece
Where sport innovation meets funding, partnerships and impact
We work for a more sustainable future of sport in Europe, turning funding into real action and collaboration into measurable impact
Join the flagship event of the European Platform for Sport Innovation. Fundraisers, sport organisations, companies, institutions and investors20+ sessions, pitches and matchmaking moments in 3 days of full immersion in the sport ecosystem. A unique format combining knowledge exchange, business opportunities and community celebration!
If you believe that sport can drive innovation, sustainability and growth across Europe this is your place.
