The Italian Trade Agency supported Italian technological excellence at an event that attracted over 70,000 visitors from around the world
The 2024 edition of the Web Summit in Lisbon, one of the world’s most important events for innovation and technology, has just concluded. This year, from November 11 to 14, it attracted over 70,000 participants, with more than 3,000 exhibiting companies and the presence of industry leaders, investors, and international media.
In this global context, Italy stood out with a delegation of 32 innovative companies, supported by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the government body that promotes the internationalization of Italian companies and attracts foreign investments. The Italian pavilion, organized in collaboration with the Italian Embassy and Invitalia, served as a showcase for Made in Italy technologies and solutions, offering participating startups and SMEs a platform for visibility, networking, and new opportunities for international collaboration.
The Web Summit: A Global Stage for Innovation and Technology
Founded in Dublin in 2011 and now held in Lisbon, the Web Summit is one of the most prestigious and influential tech events in the world, described by TIME as “the largest tech conference on the planet.”
Every year, CEOs, startup founders, investors, industry professionals, and institutional representatives gather to discuss emerging technologies and the challenges of the digital future. Over the years, the summit has established itself as an essential meeting place for anyone interested in learning about the latest technological innovations, offering participants an unparalleled platform to expand their network and find investment opportunities.
Alongside hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors, the Web Summit represents a privileged window into the world of innovation, providing each edition with the opportunity to discover the future of technology in an environment that combines entrepreneurial spirit and international vision.
2024 Edition: A Focus on Artificial Intelligence and the Social Impact of Technology
The recent 2024 edition of the Web Summit saw a record participation of over 70,000 visitors, with more than 3,000 exhibiting companies from 90 different countries.
This year, the central theme was artificial intelligence (AI), seen as one of the most revolutionary technologies of our time, with the potential to profoundly change the way we live and work. From material certification via WhatsApp to flying vehicles promising to transform air transport, AI applications demonstrated how innovation knows no boundaries. During the conferences, Jack Conte described this historical moment as the “wild west” of AI, sparking a debate not only on the immense possibilities offered by these tools but also on the risks and the need for regulation that balances innovation and responsibility. In a vibrant atmosphere of curiosity and discussion, participants explored how AI can transform the creative economy, enabling even small creators to access advanced tools previously reserved for large industries.
The presence of over 1,000 investors and 2,000 media representatives underscored the growing importance of this sector, with particular attention to balancing technological development and social impact.
ITA – Italian Trade Agency: Italian Excellence at the Web Summit
Once again this year, Italy played an important role at the Web Summit thanks to the initiative of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the government agency that supports the international development of Italian companies and promotes foreign investment in Italy.
With the support of the Italian Embassy and Invitalia, the agency organized a pavilion that hosted 32 Italian startups and companies, representing the technological and innovative excellence of our country. ITA, with its 87 offices in 74 countries, is a pillar for small and medium-sized Italian enterprises, offering assistance, consultancy, and promotion in foreign markets. Participating in the Web Summit represents a unique opportunity for these companies to increase their international visibility, connect with potential partners, and attract the attention of investors. Claudio Martinello, chargé d’affaires at the Italian Embassy in Portugal, attended the inauguration, reaffirming the Italian institutional commitment to supporting tech companies in an international context.
This year’s edition also offered a dedicated space for Italian excellence in artificial intelligence, sustainable technology, and digital business solutions, creating opportunities for exchange and cooperation with foreign companies present.
Participant Statements
Francesco Epifania, CEO and co-founder of WhoTeach, comments: “The Web Summit in Lisbon was an exceptional showcase for WhoTeach, our Digital Learning platform. Participating in this global event allowed us to expand our network and engage with other innovative players in the sector. The stimulating conferences and interactions with experts provided us with valuable insights for our product, bringing new ideas on how to make our B2B Digital & Intelligent Learning solution even more effective for businesses. We took the opportunity to showcase how Artificial Intelligence can be a strategic resource for work, contributing to a digital transformation that is both effective and sustainable.”
Gherardo Fagioli, CEO & Founder of Nextflag, states: “Nextflag is a travel and local discovery platform for those who want to explore new places with confidence. Thanks to our proprietary AI developed in-house, boasting 94% accuracy unmatched by anyone, and authentic community recommendations, we offer real-time personalized suggestions tailored to your ever-evolving preferences. Our AI is not just a feature but the beating heart of the platform, learning from your interactions to provide contextual suggestions based on time, location, and season. At the Web Summit, we are seeking global partners to further accelerate our growth and revolutionize the way people explore the world.”
Imre Guaglianone, Founder of Fred the UXR Shepherd, comments: “Fred the UXR Shepherd is an all-in-one platform that simplifies user research, offering advanced tools for data collection, analysis, and team collaboration. Our goal is to make the work of designers and researchers more efficient and accessible. At the Web Summit, we expected to network and gain visibility, and these expectations were fully met: we created valuable connections and received enthusiastic feedback from industry professionals. As in the past, the Web Summit proved to be an extraordinary experience, rich in stimuli, opportunities, new connections, and ideas. After this participation, we will focus on completing product development, scheduled for the end of January, and then proceed with the public launch in February 2025. We are ready to transform how user research is conducted with Fred!”
Conclusions
The 2024 Web Summit in Lisbon was an exceptional showcase for Made in Italy innovation, providing an international stage to highlight the advanced solutions and innovations of Italian startups. Thanks to the commitment of the Italian Trade Agency, these emerging companies were able not only to promote their technologies but also to open new horizons for collaboration in the global tech sector. Events like the Web Summit are not just moments of exposure and networking but true laboratories of ideas where trends shaping our future are defined: the next international event will be SLUSH 2024 in Helsinki, from November 20 to 21. See you there!
