01 / The programme

Twelve months, one full cycle, one method

From the launch at the EuroSIMA Surf Summit 2026 to Demo Day 2027. A dedicated mentor, monthly workshops, a bootcamp in the Cévennes, two public checkpoints. The rhythm is demanding but calibrated. Each startup keeps its own line.

Duration
12 months
Cohort
5 startups
Kick-off
Oct 2026
Demo Day
Autumn 2027
Support

Three dimensions, one programme

One-to-one for depth, cohort for energy, continuous support for funding and network. All three run in parallel, every month.

One-to-one

Your line, held by two

Each startup works with a dedicated lead mentor on a yearly plan. A 45-minute call every two weeks to decide, not debate.

  • Strategic calls1 every 2 weeks (45 min)
  • Lead mentorDedicated, chosen with the team
  • Expert poolAvailable on demand
  • Async supportPrivate Slack channel
Cohort

Five teams on the same rope

A monthly workshop led by an operator from the industry, plus a peer-to-peer co-development session. The five teams progress together, on concrete problems.

  • Workshops1 per month, half-day
  • Peer sessions1 per month, co-development
  • Cévennes bootcamp4 days, summer 2027
  • Mid-term + final2 public Demo Days
Continuous

Funding, visibility, network

Services that run throughout the year, independent of the monthly agenda. Public grants, investors, editorial visibility, access to the three-party network.

  • InvestorsIntros from month 6
  • NetworkEuroSIMA, Mont X, AST
  • LabelPowered by ASCENT
  • VisibilityInPulse, EuroSIMA newsletter, AST LinkedIn, Mont X network
  • InternationalOptional Mont X mission (Mont-Tremblant)
Planning

Month by month, autumn 2026 to autumn 2027

The cycle runs through four phases: base camp, ascent, ridge, summit. Each month carries a clear focus and a key event.

PeriodPhaseFocusKey event
Late Sept 2026 Base camp Official launch EuroSIMA Surf Summit, Belambra Club Les Estagnots, Seignosse
Oct 2026 Base camp Kick-off and 360° diagnostic Cohort 1 starts
Nov 2026 Base camp Product and MVP Pitch deck workshop
Dec 2026 Base camp Market validation Cohort peer session
Jan 2027 Ridge Tech and data EuroSIMA event
Feb 2027 Ridge Tech and data Data workshop
Mar 2027 Ridge Marketing and go-to-market Growth workshop
Apr 2027 Ridge Mid-term Demo Day Public mid-term pitch
May 2027 Ridge Finance and fundraising Investor intros
Jun 2027 Ridge Sustainability and impact Eco-design workshop
Jul 2027 Summit 4-day bootcamp Cévennes immersion
Aug 2027 Summit Demo Day prep Dress rehearsal
Oct 2027 Summit Final Demo Day Pitch EuroSIMA Surf Summit 2027 and wrap-up
Selection

Six weighted criteria, a three-party jury

Eight jury members in total, two ActionSporTech, two EuroSIMA, two Mont X, one finance expert and one sustainability expert. Mont X nominates one of the external experts. Each member scores every application individually before collective deliberation.

01 Innovation and originality 30%
02 Environmental and social impact 20%
03 Economic viability 20%
04 Scalability and internationalisation 10%
05 Team quality 10%
06 Action sports industry fit 10%
Speakers

Operators, not theorists

Workshops are led by people who built, launched, sold or operated products in the industry. Cohort 1 mentors combine AST operators with invited experts from EuroSIMA and Mont X.

Applications

Five seats, twelve months, three partners. Submit your application now.

Apply now