Written By: FASEEH URREHMAN (SENIOR REPORTER)
The Web Summit Rio 2024, held from April 15 to 18 at Riocentro, was a landmark event in the global tech industry. As the second edition in Rio de Janeiro, the summit gathered over 34,000 participants from 102 countries, reinforcing its position as one of Latin America’s most significant technology conferences.
A Thriving Startup Ecosystem
This year’s event featured more than 1,000 startups from 42 countries, showcasing groundbreaking innovations in various sectors. Impressively, one-third of these startups were founded by women, highlighting the increasing gender diversity in the tech world.
Key Themes and Discussions
The conference covered a wide range of topics, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on different industries
- Energy transition and sustainability
- Digital inclusion and its importance in modern society
- Technology in health and education, driving social change
These discussions provided valuable insights into how technology can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Notable Speakers
The event featured a stellar lineup of industry leaders, innovators, and cultural icons, including:
- Justina Nixon-Saintil (Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at IBM) – Discussing AI’s role in shaping the future
- Marcio Aguiar (Director at Nvidia Latin America) – Exploring the latest AI advancements
- Gilberto Gil (Musician and Former Minister of Culture) – Sharing cultural perspectives on innovation
- Luiza Trajano (Founder of Magazine Luiza) – Talking about the impact of technology on Brazil’s economy
Startup Competition: PITCH
One of the most anticipated events at Web Summit Rio was PITCH, a competition for early-stage startups, sponsored by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
The winner of PITCH 2024 was deco.cs, a Rio-based SaaS platform that simplifies the creation of e-commerce websites with ready-made templates, making online business accessible to more entrepreneurs.
What’s Next? Web Summit Rio 2025
Following the success of this year’s event, Web Summit Rio 2025 is already scheduled for April 27-30. The next edition aims to further establish Rio de Janeiro as a global tech hub, fostering even more innovation, investment, and collaboration.
Conclusion
Web Summit Rio 2024 was a powerful showcase of technological advancements and entrepreneurial talent. With a strong focus on diversity, innovation, and global collaboration, the event solidified its reputation as a key driver of tech development in Latin America and beyond. As the world looks ahead to Web Summit Rio 2025, Brazil continues to shine as a leading destination for technology and business growth.
