The tenth edition of Web Summit opened in Lisbon on 9 November, bringing together the global technology community for four days. This year’s event marks a new phase, with a stronger focus on physical artificial intelligence (AI).
For the first time, humanoid robots are taking part as official speakers, highlighting China’s growing role in this field. The country has sent its largest-ever delegation to the technology conference. Developed by Chinese companies, the robots will deliver presentations and take part in practical demonstrations and public interactions at stands in the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and the MEO Arena.
One of the robots on display, developed by Galbot, is equipped with wheels and two arms and is designed to work shifts in shops, pharmacies and factories. Delegations from China’s Ministry of Commerce and Cyberspace Administration are also attending.
The programme covers the use of AI agents, technology-supported scientific research, digital regulation and the transformation of working models.
Organisers expect nearly 70,000 participants, including 900 speakers and more than 2,000 start-ups. The event opened at 16:30, with the first presentations on the main stage scheduled for 18:00. The opening session was led by Gonçalo Matias, Minister Delegate for State Reform.
Portuguese-speaking delegation
Around 300 Brazilian start-ups are taking part, 100 of them as part of a mission organised by Sebrae and ApexBrasil. On Tuesday, the organisations are due to announce up to 20 start-ups selected for an incubation programme in Lisbon, scheduled to begin in March 2027.
The initiative aims to strengthen links between Brazil’s technology ecosystem and European investors operating in international markets.
Portugal is represented by 78 companies, mainly from the AI and health technology sectors.
Web Summit in Lisbon until at least 2028
Paddy Cosgrave, Web Summit’s chief executive and co-founder, has yet to confirm whether the event will remain in Portugal beyond 2028, when the €110 million contract with the Portuguese Government and Lisbon City Council expires.
Speaking to Portuguese newspaper Expresso last week, Cosgrave said he was in talks with most major European cities and planned to announce the event’s future host at the 2027 edition.
The capacity constraints of the Lisbon venue will be a factor in the decision. Cosgrave noted that the event had been operating at full capacity for years and had required the construction of 30,000 square metres of temporary structures.
Source: euronews
