Another edition of the SIM Conference (Startups & Investment Matching) has come to a close, cementing its place as one of the leading gatherings for entrepreneurship and innovation in Portugal. On May 8 and 9, the iconic Alfândega do Porto was transformed into a vibrant stage for networking, knowledge sharing, and inspiration, bringing together over 3,500 participants — including investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem leaders.
The event concluded with the much-anticipated Pitch Battles, which recognized the most promising startups across several categories. Among the winners, two startups from the Porto region stood out, winning in the following areas:
- Impact & Foodtech: Omniflow, creator of Omniled, a smart energy solution powered by proprietary solar and wind technology. The platform offers multiple services — including public lighting, sensors, Wi-Fi, and video surveillance — positioning itself as a meaningful contribution to more sustainable and connected cities.
- SaaS, AI & Machine Learning: Bandora, which uses artificial intelligence to help building managers optimize automation systems based on real-time data. The technology enables more efficient and sustainable building management, aligned with the challenges of the energy transition.
Porto’s Strong Presence at SIM Conference: Showcasing Strategic Initiatives
Porto was also represented at SIM Conference through a stand coordinated by Porto Digital, bringing together four of the Municipality’s strategic initiatives: ScaleUp Porto, Porto Innovation Hub, TERA, and InvestPorto.
We support the growth of startups through collaboration with universities, businesses, and public institutions. Porto Innovation Hub positions the city as a living lab for urban experimentation. TERA stands as a reference platform for the development and retention of talent. InvestPorto leads the attraction of foreign direct investment — a mission recognized by the fDi Intelligence ranking (Financial Times), which places Porto at the top of the “fDI Strategy – Large Cities” category.
This participation reflects a clear, long-term municipal strategy based on five core pillars: attracting investment, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, enabling sustainable growth of startups and scaleups, developing and retaining talent, and promoting the internationalization of the local economy. The stand sparked strong interest among participants and became a key meeting point for those looking to better understand Porto’s vision for the future of entrepreneurship, talent, and investment attraction.
The closing session featured remarks from Filipe Araújo, Vice Mayor of Porto, who emphasized the conference’s impact:
This year, we’ve reached impressive numbers — more than 3,500 participants, 400 startups, 230 investors, 200 speakers, and over 50 incubators. Here, visionary ideas meet the right people. Here, the next wave of entrepreneurship takes shape. And here, Porto reinforces its role not only as host city but as an active agent and partner in building a more dynamic, inclusive, and forward-looking economy.
Filipe Araújo, Vice Mayor of Porto
The SIM Conference will return in 2026 with even greater ambition, fresh ideas, and new opportunities to drive the startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem forward.
