At the invitation of Empowered Startups, with whom I have collaborated throughout the year, I had the privilege of attending and participating in moments that marked the global discussion on the direction of artificial intelligence, energy, and the digital economy.

The dominant theme was Artificial Intelligence and all that it represents, from opportunities to regulation, from new infrastructures to the data that feeds this new universe. One of the moderators compared the era of AI to that of real estate, recalling the old maxim "location, location, location". Now, he said, the mantra is another: "data, data, data."

But what made the debate particularly relevant was the balance between innovation and responsibility. At the last conference of the day, the European Commission admitted that it needs to adjust its AI Act, making it "more innovation-friendly". The European Commissioner for Technological Sovereignty and Security was clear in stating that Europe wants to protect democracy and privacy, but without suffocating startups with bureaucracy. The simplification of rules, especially around cybersecurity and data, will be the first step in a new phase that promises to make the continent more competitive and open to investment.

Breathing innovation

While Brussels is looking for the right balance, Lisbon is already breathing innovation. The Portuguese Minister of State Reform said that Portugal is ready to be a hub of excellence in Artificial Intelligence, underlining the economic and strategic potential that the country has. With investments estimated at more than 16 billion euros linked to AI and data centers, Portugal wants to assert itself as one of the main technological hubs in Europe, also reinforcing European digital sovereignty.

The country offers something rare: stability, talent, clean energy, and global connectivity. Lisbon is today a central point of transatlantic connections, a crossroads of submarine cables and human knowledge. This vision was shared at the event by several international participants, who highlighted Portugal's role as a bridge between continents and cultures, between technology and humanity.

During the event, I also had the opportunity to review partners and attend the signing of important new agreements for the future of innovation in Portugal, including the partnership between Empowered Startups and the Polytechnic of Santarém, a region that is very close to me, as I have family roots in Torres Novas, Ribatejo. It was a special moment, which reminded me that, even in a global event, the world remains small and deeply human.

There was also time to talk to representatives of the University of Algarve and the Algarve HUB, all with the same positive energy and confidence in a technological and sustainable future for the country.

Inspiring

One of the most inspiring moments of the day was listening to Omer Wilson, CMO of Startup Campus, on stage, where he praised Portugal for its talent, renewable energy, strategic location, and the promising future that the country has ahead. It was a speech that made the room enthusiastic and, for me, deeply proud. After your speech, I had the opportunity to greet you personally and exchange a few words. He told me that he liked my articles very much and wanted to keep in touch. We exchanged cards and agreed to meet again after the Web Summit to continue the conversation about the Portuguese ecosystem and its potential for global growth.

Credits: Supplied Image;

I leave these events with a renewed certainty: Portugal is transforming before our eyes. It is no longer just a sun and sea destination, but an ecosystem of innovation, talent, and opportunity. Seeing this change up close, as a participant, consultant and observer, fills me with pride.

The world is looking for a refuge to grow, expand and invest. And that refuge may well be called Portugal.