Digital Innovation Zone (DIZ) participated between November 10-13, 2025, in Web Summit 2025 in Lisbon, one of the largest technology events in the world, alongside the “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași (TUIASI) and three innovative companies from the North-East region: Meta Sensys, Bramitech abd Eweb Optim.
Web Summit brought together global leaders in technology, investors, startups, universities, innovation hubs, and research centers. In this dynamic environment, the DIZ delegation had the opportunity to explore emerging trends in Artificial Intelligence, innovative solutions, potential collaborations, and new approaches that will shape the economic landscape in the coming years.
One of the key messages shared by the event’s founder, Paddy Cosgrave, emphasized the accelerated pace of technological change:
“Ten years ago, we felt that the world was changing fast, but it does not compare to the speed at which it is changing today.”
At Web Summit 2025, discussions about AI went far beyond technology. The focus was on productivity, how AI can support education, healthcare, public administration, industry, as well as on fairness, data protection, and aligning technology with real human needs. These conversations strongly aligned with Europe’s strategic directions, where EDIHs play a critical role in AI adoption, training, testing, and digital transformation.
By participating in the event’s sessions, our team identified three major trends:
1. AI for everyone – democratizing access to technology
It was emphasized that the evolution of AI must include SMEs, the public sector, and local communities. This principle reflects exactly the mission of EDIHs in facilitating the testing, adoption, and experimentation of technologies at the regional level.
2. Responsible and ethical AI
Safety, bias, digital sustainability, and data protection were central topics.
3. AI as an essential infrastructure for competitiveness
Access to advanced digital infrastructures is becoming a key element for innovation. A significant message came from Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy:
“We are establishing 19 AI Factories in the EU. In one year we will have five times more computing capacity than we have today… We can open this computing capacity for our startups and researchers to train and develop artificial intelligence solutions.”
DIZ’s presence at Web Summit was further strengthened by the active participation of companies and academia, each bringing valuable perspectives and openness to new forms of collaboration, reflected in the testimonials of the DIZ portfolio organizations that joined us at the event.
TESTIMONIALS
“Participating in Web Summit was a valuable experience that gave me an up-to-date perspective on how technology can support education. I appreciated the diversity of people and ideas, and the discussions inspired me with new directions for my projects. Being exposed to such an event helped me see more clearly how innovation can be turned into practical learning solutions.”
– Mihaela Petrariu, BRAMITECH
“Participating in Web Summit was an excellent opportunity to explore current trends in technology and innovation. This experience helped me define the next steps in developing my projects.”
– Victoria Ursu, METASENSYS
“If I had to describe the Web Summit experience in one word, it would be dynamism. There is so much happening at the same time that it’s impossible not to find something for yourself. The most valuable aspect for me was the contact with people.”
– Delia Bărbuță, TUIASI
“For me, it was an extraordinary experience. Seeing LIVE examples of success and best practices was inspiring. It proved that anything is possible, regardless of the field. Exposure to such events inspires and catalyzes action and collaboration with those who have succeeded. Their stories, especially how they turned obstacles into opportunities, are extremely important.”
– Irina Hanganu, EWEB OPTIM
Web Summit 2025 was also an insightful experience for DIZ team members:
“Artificial Intelligence dominated the Web Summit 2025 stages, but discussions were centered on people, fairness, and responsibility. I left with the conviction that AI adoption and development must be inclusive, and education in this field must become a real priority, whether you are a developer or simply a user. More than ever, I believe that innovation is born from collaboration.”
– Adelina Marinescu, DIZ NGO
“Attending Web Summit 2025 was a remarkable experience, fascinating in the impeccable coordination of all topics – from highly advanced AI to perspectives tailored for those early in their entrepreneurial journey. The energy of over 70,000 participants, each bringing their own ideas and knowledge, made Lisbon the most vibrant space of interaction and learning I’ve ever experienced.”
– Nina Topîrnac, DIZ NGO
Once again, Web Summit confirmed that innovation does not develop in isolation but within networks of partnerships, dialogue, and shared experiences. A defining message came from Brad Smith, Vice Chair & President of Microsoft, emphasizing collaboration:
“We can only move forward if we work together – big and small companies, public and private sectors, and non-profit organizations.”
For DIZ, this principle materialized through a series of meetings with international organizations, opening new opportunities for joint actions and strategic initiatives.
In conclusion, Web Summit 2025 was a space where:
- AI was discussed with responsibility
- Regional companies connected with international ecosystems
- The mission to support the adoption and development of digital technologies gained direct relevance in the broader dialogue about the future of AI.
