SIM Conference reinforces Porto’s growing role in Deep Tech and Entrepreneurship
InvestPorto joined the international event that brought together startups, investors and innovation leaders at Alfândega do Porto
SIM Conference returned to Porto for its third edition, bringing together startups, entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem leaders from Portugal and abroad at Alfândega do Porto.
One of the key moments of the conference was the announcement that Porto will host the operational base of Tech Foundry Portugal, described as the country’s largest acceleration programme dedicated exclusively to deep tech startups. Developed by Startup Portugal in partnership with Hello Tomorrow, the programme aims to support startups and teams developing advanced technologies with strong industrial and market potential.
During the opening session, Porto Mayor Pedro Duarte highlighted the city’s ability to attract talent, investment, technology and new businesses, while positioning itself as a hub for innovation and advanced industries. The Mayor also emphasised Porto’s entrepreneurial culture and the growing maturity of its startup ecosystem, which now includes more than 700 startups and over 20,000 jobs across the region.
The conference also highlighted the importance of strengthening the connection between academia, science, industry and investment as part of the city’s long-term strategy for sustainable economic growth and international competitiveness.
As part of the conference programme, InvestPorto also participated in the session "The Portugal Playbook: The Ecosystem & What It Actually Takes to Make It Here”, held on 14 March, contributing to the discussion around Portugal’s innovation ecosystem, international investment attraction and the factors driving the growth of companies in the country.
