If there’s one thing that became clear at SXSW 2025, it’s that we are no longer facing isolated technological revolutions. The future is not AI on one side, quantum computing on the other, and biotechnology in a distant corner. What is happening now is the fusion of these fronts. And every time humanity has experienced major technological integrations, it has made leaps that changed everything.
AI is not just becoming more efficient, but learning from neuroscience. It’s no longer about machines performing tasks, but about systems that evolve and influence our cognition. Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Strategy Group, called this concept Living Intelligence: a living ecosystem where sensors, algorithms, and biological organisms learn and make decisions autonomously. In other words, AI is no longer just a tool but becoming a living agent in the innovation equation.
But it doesn’t stop there. The relationship between psychedelics and quantum computing may seem like a science fiction concept, but both explore the limits of perception and reality. In one of the most unexpected panels of the event, researchers discussed how the effects of psilocybin, a psychoactive substance that can induce mystical experiences or alterations of perception in the brain, can inspire new forms of computational modeling and neurointerfaces. The fusion of these areas can lead to advances not only in how we interact with technology but in redefining what it means to be intelligent.
The biotechnology and robotics are also crossing their own boundaries. We are no longer just creating prosthetics or manipulating genes, but blending the organic and synthetic in ways that redefine what it means to be human. At the Brain-Skin Connection Seminar, Dr. Emily Fowler showed how stress not only affects the emotional but can rewrite our biology at the cellular level. The connection between the body and technology is transitioning from being external to becoming something incorporated into human functioning itself.
In the field of quantum computing, IBM CEO, Arvind Krishna, stated that we are less than three years away from a major breakthrough. The race to achieve quantum supremacy is moving quickly, with companies like AWS and Microsoft heavily investing in infrastructure to make these systems accessible. Meanwhile, on the panel “Preparing for a Quantum Leap”, experts like Dr. Jeanette Garcia (IBM Quantum) discussed how this technology can revolutionize drug discovery and molecular modeling, completely transforming sectors like healthcare and advanced materials.
But are we ready for these integrations? Renowned psychotherapist, Esther Perel, issued a warning: the more we advance in technology, the more we disconnect as a society. Today, we are more connected to algorithms than to people. And what if the next frontier of AI is not just to mimic human thinking, but to fill the emotional gaps we are leaving behind?
In the midst of it all, a provocation: how does Amy Webb release a 1000-page trend report? Is this a reflection of the absurd speed of changes or a warning that we are overwhelmed with possibilities? Are we really heading in the right direction or just running aimlessly? There is a lot of noise in this world, and it takes calmness to filter them out and observe the signs.
I still believe that deep tech enhances human capabilities, but for that, we need to evolve as humans, take the excitement out of technology, and create real connections. Are we facing an evolutionary leap or a collapse of our own identity? We will soon find out.
Undoubtedly, the SXSW was a spectacle of connections and networking. However, among so many interactions and exchanges of ideas, an indisputable highlight was the SP House. Besides presenting relevant content, the Brazil space – yes, we have a lot of good things to show – brought deep reflections on diversity, a theme that, to my surprise, was practically absent in other panels. Kond and Malheiros were spot-on in addressing the importance of access and inclusion, proving that innovation without diversity is an empty concept.
Few speakers had the courage to touch on issues such as the dominance and influence of big tech and the current political moment of the USA. It was a rare exception at an event that historically always allowed space for more daring debates. The CEO of Bluesky, Jay Graber, directly criticized the centralized model of social networks and the increasing concentration of power of digital platforms. According to her, “if a billionaire decides to change everything tomorrow, people should have the option to migrate elsewhere”, reinforcing the need for decentralization to ensure digital freedom.
And, in this matter, the debate will need to be ongoing. While these technologies promise us a more connected and efficient future, it is essential to reflect on the consequences of this evolution. The fusion of areas such as AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing not only expands possibilities but also challenges the way we understand freedom and control. If we can balance innovation with responsibility, we can achieve advances that truly transform our lives for the better. But, for that, we need to ensure that these technologies serve humanity, and not the other way around.
