Tech leaders are arriving in Lisbon as Web Summit opens its tenth edition with high expectations and early tension. The city is welcoming thousands of visitors, yet private jet owners face frustration as the airport reroutes aircraft due to overloaded runways. Organisers warned of severe slot shortages, forcing some flights to divert to distant airports, including locations across the Spanish border.
Star names draw attention
The event began with a packed opening night featuring leading figures such as the CEO of vibe-coding firm Lovable, former tennis champion Maria Sharapova, and global influencer Khaby Lame. Their presence signals the scale of the gathering, which blends technology, sport, and celebrity appeal in one of Europe’s most significant digital showcases.
Racing leaders join the line-up
Motorsport adds further prominence as major Formula 1 personalities take the stage. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull Racing chief Laurent Mekies are among the high-profile speakers, drawing strong interest from fans and industry watchers.
Tech giants and start-ups share the spotlight
More than 70,000 attendees are expected, alongside 2,500 start-ups and 900 speakers. Global heavyweights such as Meta, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Boston Dynamics are present, while start-up representation continues to shift. Organisers noted strong participation from Poland, contrasting with reduced numbers from Germany, and highlighted growing representation from China as competition in artificial intelligence intensifies.
AI dominates the debate
Artificial intelligence remains the central theme, with deep discussions planned on regulation, ethics, and accelerating energy demands. Experts will explore how governments can manage AI risks and how Europe can strengthen its infrastructure through renewable data centres and advanced computing systems, as soaring energy use reshapes the sector’s future.
