Last week, Lisbon buzzed with innovation as Web Summit 2024 welcomed thousands of visionaries, tech enthusiasts, and business leaders to one of the most influential technology conferences in the world. Held from November 11 to 14, the event was a gathering of over 3,000 companies, countless startups, and inspiring speakers, showcasing the latest trends and breakthroughs shaping our future. Among the attendees was our very own CEO, Anton Kuzmin, who immersed himself in the vibrant exchange of ideas, industry insights, and groundbreaking technologies.
The Web Summit in Numbers
Web Summit 2024 was nothing short of monumental:
70,000+ attendees from over 160 countries.
2,300+ startups spanning industries like AI, sustainability, fintech, and mobility.
300+ speakers, including tech pioneers, global leaders, and cultural icons.
The summit’s theme revolved around leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, from deforestation in Brazil to reducing global carbon footprints. It was a stage where creativity met purpose, and innovation was in full swing.
AI Stealing the Spotlight
This year’s summit was dominated by discussions around artificial intelligence (AI), a field often called the new Industrial Revolution. Startups and established companies alike showcased AI-driven solutions that promise to transform industries. Here are a few highlights:
WoodChat, a Brazilian startup, uses AI to combat illegal logging. By identifying wood types through WhatsApp-integrated APIs, the system ensures that only certified, legal lumber is processed and exported. This innovation not only supports environmental sustainability but also bolsters Brazil’s forestry compliance systems.
Tryp, a Portuguese startup, introduced an AI-driven platform that optimizes travel planning by creating real-time combinations of flights, trains, and buses. Travelers can now explore destinations affordably, with packages like Lisbon-Malta-Rome-Lisbon flights priced at just €66.
These companies highlighted how AI is being used not only to enhance convenience but also to tackle pressing global challenges.
Mobility and Robotics: Redefining Possibilities
The summit also showcased bold visions for the future of mobility and robotics:
Urban Air Mobility Simulator: A hybrid multicopter-airplane model aims to revolutionize urban transportation by providing faster, eco-friendly solutions for moving people and goods. With advanced semiconductor chips from Infineon, such innovations are expected to become a reality within the next decade.
Stella the Robot: Captivating attendees with her self-assembly design and 3D-printed components, Stella is a testament to the intersection of robotics and education. Designed to carry up to five kilograms and easily repairable, she’s not just functional but also an inspiring tool for teaching students about robotics and creativity.
Sustainability Front and Center
Sustainability was a recurring theme, with startups and established companies emphasizing their role in building a greener future. From reducing deforestation to creating efficient mobility solutions, the event highlighted the tech industry’s commitment to addressing global challenges.
One standout moment was the discussion of how AI is helping companies optimize energy consumption and distribution, with Infineon powering everything from electric cars to AI data centers. These efforts underscore the role of technology in creating more sustainable solutions for our world.
Anton Kuzmin’s Takeaways
As a company deeply invested in leveraging technology for operational efficiency and innovation, our participation in Web Summit 2024was both inspiring and insightful. Anton Kuzmin noted the unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and the importance of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
“The sheer diversity of ideas and solutions showcased at Web Summit is a reminder of the power of technology to drive meaningful change,” Anton shared. “From AI to robotics, the innovations presented here align closely with our mission to empower businesses with cutting-edge solutions.”
Looking Ahead: Why Events Like Web Summit Matter
Web Summit isn’t just a tech conference; it’s a global platform for shaping the future. It’s where ideas become solutions, and collaborations turn into movements. This year, it reaffirmed that the tech industry has the tools to address some of humanity’s biggest challenges—if we work together.
As we reflect on our experience, we’re reminded of the importance of staying connected to global trends and actively participating in conversations that will define the future of business and technology.
Here’s to continuing to learn, innovate, and grow—just like the companies we saw at Web Summit 2024.