Brazil and Portugal are investing in AI and global innovation.

Brazil and Portugal are stepping up their investments in technological innovation and artificial intelligence (AI), highlighted by Brazil's participation in the Web Summit 2025 in Lisbon and the launch of national AI strategies in both countries. These events demonstrate how the technology is being used to boost businesses, transform governments, and address climate challenges.

Brazil at Web Summit: more than 300 startups

With over 300 startups in attendance, Brazil reinforces its position as a hub for technological innovation at Web Summit 2025. The delegation, coordinated by ApexBrasil and Atlantic Hub, includes companies from various sectors, such as technology, health, and social impact. According to Eduardo Migliorelli, CEO of Atlantic Hub, the Brazilian ecosystem has matured and now actively participates in the global debate on AI, sustainability, and ESG.

Companies like Ultracom, which already operates in Portugal, and Instituto Priority, which opened a pilot clinic in the country, exemplify the success of the internationalization of Brazilian startups. The goal is to facilitate access to the European market and expand investment opportunities.

Portugal wants to be a global AI hub.

Portugal also announced its national AI strategy, with three pillars: digital infrastructure, skills development, and responsible use of technology. The government projects an economic impact of €2.3 trillion by 2030 and is applying to host European AI gigafactories, with an investment exceeding €16 billion. The focus is on creating a more agile, transparent, and people-centered state.

AI and climate challenges

At COP30 in Belém, the use of AI to address the climate crisis was widely debated. The Brazilian government is mapping best practices, such as flood warnings and satellite monitoring of methane emissions. The technology is also being applied to help farmers manage water resources, as in the case of Laos, where an AI-based irrigation system was awarded a prize by the UN.

Despite the advances, experts warn of the increasing energy and water consumption caused by the expansion of AI, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions.

Convergence between science and the market

At Tecnopuc Experience 2025, discussions reinforced the importance of transforming scientific discoveries into businesses. Cases like BioHub and Celeiro Hub show that the convergence between government, entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists is essential to accelerate innovation and generate social impact.

Photo by Kvalifik on Unsplash