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!

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.

UEFA Champions Innovate: Budapest 2026
2025-11-24 09:00 - 10:00 (Europe/Brussels) | online
EPSI, in collaboration with UEFA, is hosting an exclusive webinar to guide innovators through the application process for UEFA Champions Innovate 2026 — a programme designed to address meaningful, modern challenges and strengthen the football ecosystem. The 2026 edition focuses on grassroots football, in partnership with the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ), calling on innovators to create positive, empowering environments across all levels of the game. Applications close on 30 November: this webinar is your final opportunity to understand how to submit a successful proposal.

🎯Agenda

Welcome & Introduction
Inside Champions Innovate 2026: programme presentations, requirements and useful tips to get in
Q&A Session
Wrap-up & Key Takeaways

🚀 Why Join? Benefits for Selected Innovators
Selected innovators will:

Receive €25,000 to further develop and pilot their idea
Benefit from Mentorship from UEFA experts
Participate in onsite workshops in Hungary
Test with local football organisations in Hungary
Have a chance to present their solution at a showcase event, in Budapest, ahead of the 2026 UEFA Champions League Final
Have a chance to possibly implement their solution across other European National Associations

LIFE Programme: The way to fund sustainability projects
2026-01-19 10:00 - 11:00 UTC
LIFE Programme is the EU’s key funding instrument for environmental protection, climate action and clean energy. This webinar, led by Fernando Gomez Hermoso from Euro-Funding (EPSI project partner), will give a clear overview of the program, its priorities, deadlines and useful tips, to not miss this unique opportunity relevant to the sports entities interested in financing their projects.

Agenda

LIFE: The engine of the green transition.
Supporting the implementation of EU environmental and climate policies.
2021-2027 Structure: The four sub-programmes: Nature and Biodiversity, Circular Economy and Quality of Life, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Clean Energy Transition.
How it works: Practical details

Types of projects: Standard Action Projects (SAP), Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP/SNAP), Technical Assistance.
Eligibility and funding: Who can apply? (Companies, NGOs, Public Administrations, etc.).
Co-financing: Typical EU grant percentages.
Success Criteria: Demonstration, replicability, and sustainability of the impact.

Success stories and impact in sports. Presentation of 2-3 specific examples of LIFE projects relevant to EPSI. Emphasis on the results achieved and the lessons learned.
Conclusion and summary of LIFE’s strategic value and useful resources for consultation (EC website, project databases).
Questions and Answers (Q&A): Open discussion, including technical or contractual eligibility questions

Speaker
Fernando Gómez Hermoso
Technical Manager at Euro-Funding EU Projects

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.
Agenda coming soon.
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 🚀

EPSI Annual Conference 2026
2026-09-23 - 2026-09-25 | Peace & Friendship Stadium, Piraeus, 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.
