19 Nov DOit at Web Summit Lisbon 2025: Innovation, Insights, and a Bit of Lisbon Magic
This year, Lisbon once again became the global hub for technology, innovation, and bold ideas as it hosted Web Summit 2025, one of the world’s largest and most influential tech conferences. Held at FIL (Feira Internacional de Lisboa) in the heart of Parque das Nações, the event welcomed more than 70,000 attendees from over 160 countries, including founders, investors, policymakers, corporates, and journalists.
The atmosphere was electric, even with some “biblical weather,” as the event’s producer jokingly noted. Still, nothing stopped the momentum of big announcements, thought-provoking sessions, and unforgettable networking moments.
From AI-driven transformations and sustainability in tech to discussions about data privacy and automation, the talks at Web Summit 2025 were nothing short of inspiring. Keynotes from leaders at Microsoft, OpenAI, and Siemens highlighted how digital innovation continues to redefine how we work, collaborate, and serve our communities.
These conversations reinforced how rapidly digital innovation is reshaping industries, governments, and daily life around the world.
Brazil made one of the strongest impressions at this year’s summit. More than 340 Brazilian startups attended, thanks to a coordinated effort between ApexBrasil and SEBRAE.
The state of Piauí stood out proudly, leading the largest Brazilian delegation and showcasing innovative solutions emerging from Brazil’s Northeast. Their presence highlighted the diversity, strength, and maturity of Brazil’s fast-growing tech ecosystem.
For DOit, this vibrant Brazilian participation was especially inspiring, reinforcing the country’s role in shaping the future of global technology, including in the pharmaceutical and ERP sectors.
One of the most talked-about moments in Lisbon came from Paddy Cosgrave, founder of Web Summit, who called Brazil’s PIX instant payment system “the biggest financial surprise of recent years.”
During the opening ceremony, Cosgrave emphasized how PIX, created by Brazil’s Central Bank, has become a revolutionary, free, instant, 24/7 payment model that is challenging traditional banks and global payment giants.
A dedicated panel titled “The $7 trillion PIX shock: why the United States is rattled” made waves across the summit, highlighting PIX’s:
- Global ambitions
- Potential to disrupt entrenched financial models
- Role as a symbol of digital sovereignty
- Adoption by more than 80% of Brazilians
According to multiple attendees, PIX represents a powerful example of public-sector-led innovation succeeding at global scale.
As always, Web Summit served as a launchpad for startups from around the world. Pitch competitions, masterclasses, and hundreds of 1:1 networking opportunities allowed founders to meet investors, collaborators, and future clients.
We also had the pleasure of meeting clients at the event, such as Justin Binu from Drugzone.
Of course, being in Lisbon made the experience even more special. The city’s charm with its pastel-colored streets, delicious pastries, and ocean breeze, gave us plenty to enjoy outside the conference halls. (Although we have to say: it’s a bit unfair that the Belem Tower started renovations just when we visited! Still, we managed to discover Lisbon in a truly unique way.)
For DOit, attending Web Summit 2025 wasn’t just about witnessing innovation, it was about being part of the conversation on how technology can drive smarter, safer, and more efficient operations in the pharmaceutical industry.
We left Lisbon inspired, re-energized, and ready to bring new ideas to life. Here’s to innovation, collaboration, and to finding beauty, even when the landmarks are under construction.