About SIM
The SIM Conference is an event designed to connect entrepreneurs, startups, and investors, both nationally and internationally.
Focused on creating networking opportunities through carefully curated content, SIM offers a unique experience for founders and investors to establish meaningful connections.
For more information: simconf@startupportugal.com
About Porto
Porto is home to one of Europe’s most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems:
- A thriving community with over 700 active startups and scaleups across the Porto Metropolitan Area;
- Key sectors include enterprise software, healthcare, fintech, energy, and
marketing; - The region is home to 8 unicorn companies with significant operations, including Portuguese-founded scaleups and international tech leaders..
A leading hub for talent creation and research & development (R&D):
- More than 80 higher education institutions and research centers;
- A strong capacity to attract and retain entrepreneurial talent, with most founders remaining in the region as their companies grow.
A region attracting sustained investment:
- The ecosystem has now reached a value of €7.5 billion, having grown over 8.5x
since 2019; - €557.5M in VC funding was raised between 2019 and 2024, with the healthcare sector being the most funded;
- More than 90 national and international investors are actively engaged in the region.
Source: Characterization of the Startup Ecosystem in the Region of Porto (2025)
About Portugal
Portugal holds prominent positions in several international rankings, such as:
- 6th most attractive country for foreign investment, according to the EY Survey ’24
- 7th most peaceful country in the world among 163 nations, according to the Global Peace Index
- 7th in Quality of Life, according to Expat Insider 2024
The country:
- Has 5,091 startups, 8% more than in 2024
- The startup ecosystem generates a combined turnover of €2.856 billion
More than 140 incubators accredited by Startup Portugal across the country.
How to get to SIM
To get to Alfândega do Porto, you can choose between public transport or taxi/ride-hailing services.
- From Porto Airport, the most affordable option is the metro (Line E) to Trindade, transferring to Line D to São Bento, followed by bus 500 to Alfândega (around 35 minutes in total). Alternatively, a taxi/ride-hailing service takes approximately 25 minutes.
- For those arriving by train, from Campanhã, you can take the metro to São Bento and then bus 500 (about 15 minutes), or a taxi in 12 minutes. If arriving at São Bento, simply take bus 500 (5 minutes).
- For those driving, the easiest option is to follow this link using GPS.
Where to stay
Porto offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to boutique stays and more budget-friendly choices. Whether you prefer to stay in the historic center, by the river, or in the surrounding areas, there’s something for everyone.
For SIM Conference participants, we have exclusive partnerships:
- Vincci Hotels Porto: Get a discount for event days by booking through this link or using the promo code SIMCONF2026 on the hotel’s website.
- Eurostars Hotel Company: Get a discount for event days by booking through this link or using the promo code SIM26OPO on the hotel’s website. Valid for Eurostarts Porto Douro and Eurostars das Artes.
About Startup Portugal
Startup Portugal is a non-profit organization with the mission to develop activities of public interest to promote entrepreneurship, in close collaboration with public and private entities within the national ecosystem.
Startup Portugal supports the Portuguese Government in the creation and implementation of the National Strategy for Entrepreneurship, and monitors the design and implementation of public policies to support entrepreneurship, promotes entrepreneurship and Portuguese startups in national and foreign territory, seeks and implements European funding aimed at boosting the entrepreneurial fabric, among other activities.
Startup Portugal works across sectors with a broad network of partners, including entrepreneurs, startups, incubators, investors, companies, academia, and public institutions, through initiatives that help grow the startup ecosystem and strengthen the culture of entrepreneurship in Portugal. It is also a founding member of the Europe Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA).