Lisbon came alive from November 11 to 14, 2024, as over 71,000 attendees from over 150 countries gathered for the Web Summit 2024. Web Summit, is one of the world’s largest and most influential and transformative tech conference. Held at the iconic Altice Arena, the event spans four days with various dynamic sessions, startup showcases, and unparalleled networking opportunities. The event featured 3,050 exhibiting companies, 1,066 investors, and 953 speakers over four days as reflected in the sold-out event. The event witness global thought leaders, visionary startups, groundbreaking ideas and industry leader among which are the likes of Chelsea Manning (Nym Technologies), Thomas Wolf (Hugging Face), and other prominent figures. This year summit further solidified its reputation as the ultimate meeting point for innovation and collaboration and as a key platform for discussions on artificial intelligence and it’s integration, open-source solutions, blockchain, cybersecurity, and the future of decentralized technologies.
Highlights That Defined the Summit
Artificial Intelligence at the Forefront
AI took center stage at this year’s Web Summit of the 3,050 exhibiting companies, with thought-provoking discussions on generative AI, ethical dilemmas, and the societal shifts it will bring. According to a report by Web Submit x Crunchbase, other most represented industry following AI are Saas, fintech, healthtech and, clean tech. AI as 16% increase in representation which further underscore its continuous momentum. Keynote speakers such as Chelsea Manning from Nym Technologies emphasized digital security and privacy, while Hugging Face’s Thomas Wolf celebrated the power of open-source innovation. The focus was not just on technological advancement but on ensuring AI development aligns with human-centric values, a narrative that resonated with attendees across industries. Further report shows that 43 percent of investors believe AI and machine learning will be the most disruptive technology over the next 5-10 years while 39% of the investors despite increase interest rate and election impacts shows no decline in the pace of their investment solidifying the sector community’s adaptability.
Blockchain’s Expanding Influence
Blockchain technology emerged as a cornerstone of the Web3 ecosystem. From decentralized finance (DeFi) to secure data-sharing solutions, blockchain startups impressed investors and tech enthusiasts alike. Hyperchains emerged as a startups with key innovation. Hyperchains offer a straightforward and customizable solution redefining Blockchain adoption. It’s innovation supports seamless integration with existing systems like SAP and Oracle financial, it also allow users and enterprises to create private chains without coding using the Aeternity ecosystem thus revealing Blockchain technology practicality and accessibility. It uses Zero-knowledge proofs (zkSync) to improve blockchain scalability and interoperability – increases speed and data availability while also enabling assets to be transferred between hyperchains with trust. 
Further discussions explored its potential to empower marginalized communities, enhance supply chain transparency, and drive financial inclusion globally.
Startups Shine Bright
The summit’s startup program broke records, with over 3050 companies showcasing innovations in fields like fintech, healthtech, and climate tech. Among the startups that stood out are Hyperchains, and Porto Edutech . Their solutions that seamlessly combined technology and sustainability. Attendees lauded the summit’s ability to connect promising entrepreneurs with over 1,000 investors, 2,005 media and 953 speakers fueling the next generation of disruptive ventures.
Commitment to Diversity
This year marked a turning point in inclusivity. Side events spotlighted women in tech and underrepresented founders, ensuring diverse voices were heard. Women were duely represented with 42 percent of attendees, and 37 percent of speakers. Delegations from Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America brought unique perspectives, demonstrating the summit’s role in leveling the playing field in the global tech landscape.
Night Summit: Networking creating meaningful connections
Lisbon’s vibrant culture amplified the summit experience through Night Summit gatherings. Attendees connected over local cuisine, music, and iconic landmarks, proving that meaningful collaborations often happen beyond the conference floor. These informal interactions laid the foundation for partnerships that could redefine industries. Every attendee, from CEOs and founders, to media and investors connects through community meetups thy aligned with their interests. With examples ranging from “CleanTech Meetup,” “FashionTech Meetup,” “Women in Tech Connections,” “Tech in Education”, and much more.
Notable Speakers and Partnership
The Web Summit 2024 hosted an impressive lineup of speakers and brought about impactful partnerships, which further reinforce its global significance. Visionaries like Pharrell Williams shared insights on the intersection of commerce and creativity, while Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, reflected on the internet’s evolution. Other standout speakers included Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, and Rúben Dias, the renowned Premier League and Champions League footballer.
The summit attracted extensive media coverage, with partners such as The Washington Post, CNBC, and Fortune represented among the 2,005 journalists in attendance. Corporate giants including IBM, Adobe, Meta, Huawei, SAP, and Qualcomm showcased their latest innovations, while sustainability-focused organizations like Re:wild and the World Climate Foundation led discussions on climate action and education, highlighting technology’s potential to drive global change.
Key Takeaways for the Future of Innovation
Purpose-Driven Technology
The emphasis on ethical AI development and climate tech reflected a shift toward purpose-driven innovation, underscoring that technology should benefit humanity and the planet.
Global Collaboration
Cross-border partnerships showcased the power of uniting diverse perspectives to solve universal challenges, such as digital inequality and climate change.
The Rise of Web3
Blockchain’s increasing prominence in discussions signaled its potential to revolutionize industries beyond finance, offering secure, transparent, and decentralized solutions
Web Summit’s Impacts
The Web Summit’s impact extended far beyond the Altice Arena. Across Lisbon, over 260 side events transformed the city into a vibrant innovation hub. From workshops to themed meetups, these events nurtured connections and fostered dialogue on tech’s role in shaping the future
As the dust settles on this extraordinary event, one thing is clear: Web Summit 2024 was not just a tech conference but a rallying cry for global innovation. Its message was loud and clear—collaboration, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility will define the future of technology.
Final Thought
The countdown to Web Summit 2025 has begun, promising even more transformative discussions and groundbreaking ideas. Whether you’re an innovator, investor, or enthusiast, the next wave of tech evolution awaits. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary movement!
