Focus on Women in Tech and AI as Web Summit Kicks Off in Rio

The future of artificial intelligence, technology to fight climate change, and other cutting-edge innovations took center stage at the Web Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Dubbed as the “Davos for Geeks,” the conference kicked off its second edition in the vibrant Brazilian beach city, attracting over 600 tech experts, public figures, and entrepreneurs from more than 1,000 startups.

Breaking away from the male-dominated tech industry, a record 45 percent of the startups featured at the event were founded or led by women. Women tech entrepreneurs from countries like Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, and Uruguay received applause as they took the stage, marking a significant shift in the industry’s landscape.

The conference director, Artur Pereira, highlighted the discussions on technology’s pivotal role in addressing global issues such as artificial intelligence, fintech, climate change, and human rights. The event aims to bring together Latin America’s tech leaders with global players, fostering innovation and collaboration in the rapidly growing tech scene.

With giants like IBM, BYD, Salesforce, Huawei, and JP Morgan participating, the Web Summit serves as a platform for startups to connect with established industry players. Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes emphasized the city’s ambition to become the innovation capital of Latin America, leveraging technology and innovation to drive economic growth.

The event is expected to draw 40,000 attendees daily and inject millions into the local economy, showcasing Rio’s potential as a hub for tech innovation. As the conference unfolds, attendees can expect to delve deeper into the future of technology and its impact on society, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.