Web Summit in Lisbon focuses on AI, robotics and Chinese tech companies

The new edition of the Web Summit opened in Lisbon on Monday and will run through next Thursday, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers and representatives of major digital companies from around the world. Organizers expect more than 70,000 participants from over one hundred countries, along with about 10,000 startups and roughly 800 speakers, with the MEO Arena and the Lisbon International Fair (FIL) serving as the main venues.

Artificial intelligence will again occupy a central place in the program, with this year's debate marked by the shift from generative models to autonomous agents capable of executing tasks, making decisions and operating in different digital environments. Humanoid robotics will also have a prominent role, with announced participation from robots such as Agibot A3 and Galbot G1.

“The star companies of the future no longer come from California, but from China.”

Companies and executives from the Chinese technology ecosystem will attend, including representatives from Xiaomi, Tencent, Unitree, Agibot, Galbot and Pony.ai. Before Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas spoke, Web Summit CEO and founder Paddy Cosgrave took the stage minutes after a group of Chinese humanoid robots had danced.

Cosgrave said this is the edition with the greatest country diversity ever, counting participants from 164 countries and the largest number of investors from around the world. He stressed that future star companies no longer come from California but from China, naming artificial intelligence, robotics, automobiles, energy and more as areas where Chinese firms lead.

Moedas officially opened the summit, telling attendees that it does not matter who they are, where they come from or what they believe, they belong in Lisbon. He also said Lisbon attracts unicorn companies to install offices and technology centers, creating jobs, and that he is proud of what the participants achieved.

The program also includes debates on AI agents, new programming tools, the transformation of work, energy, health and the application of emerging technologies to different economic sectors. Technological autonomy will be another focus of the summit.