3WX took part in Web Summit, the world's largest technology and entrepreneurship conference, where we got a glimpse of the future.
Taking part in the world's largest technology and entrepreneurship conference and feeling the vibrant energy of those who create the future is always a great adventure.
This year it grew again, reaching 70,469 participants, 2,150 startups and 239 partners, exceeding the organisers' expectations: there were 20% more startups than the previous year and above the 1,800 projected.
These are clearly impressive numbers, not only because of the interest generated but also because of the impact they have on society in Portugal, actively helping to attract new investment from several multinationals to the country. This year, Nokia announced during the event the creation of a centre of excellence in our country and the hiring of 100 professionals.
One of the fruits of Web Summit that I would highlight most is how it attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world to create or move their startups to Portugal, something we can easily see in the most diverse Portuguese incubators.
One aspect I highlight this year is the rate of female participation, which continues to grow, reaching 46.3% this year, very close to parity. A clear demonstration that the measures implemented by the organisation have been successful.
At this edition I highlight the video-conference presentation by Edward Snowden, who warned about the dangers of citizen surveillance, especially the abuses committed by Google, Amazon and Facebook, claiming that the big technology companies have a business model that is an abuse, due to the permanent collection of data about citizens.
Another major highlight of this edition was the president of Microsoft, Brad Smith, who warned that we are the first generation in human history to give computers the power to make decisions that until now were made by humans, and presented several technologies that will be trends in the next decade, from quantum computing, which will allow machines to process data at unprecedented speed, to 5G, which will bring faster internet access and enable computing as ubiquitous as electricity is today.
As usual, there was also some controversy. This year it was related to the merchandise for the tech conference, including coffee cups, water bottles and T-shirts, with prices of around 25 and 30 euros. There were also two models of traditional Irish wool sweaters, often worn by the founder of the summit, which attracted a lot of criticism because of their high prices, between 750 and 850 euros, and which sold out quickly.
The last day featured the European Competition Commissioner and next Vice-President of the European Commission for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager, who said there are no limits to how artificial intelligence can help humans, highlighting its use in tackling climate change and in healthcare.
As always, the best startup competition could not be missing; this year it was won by the Swiss company Nutrix, which developed a small sensor placed on the back of a tooth to monitor glucose levels in saliva, communicating through an app.
Web Summit ended with the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, recalling that in 2016 he spoke of a silent revolution and that today it is already a noisy revolution, an open-minded revolution, and that Portugal and the world will change with Web Summit.
They were very busy days, in which I attended various presentations, learned a lot about the most diverse subjects and spoke with people who are changing the world. This year it was a real adventure to make the most of everything this event has to offer. I highlight 5G as the main topic covered. Web Summit is inventing the future.