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 another, and biotechnology in a distant corner. What’s 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 just about machines performing tasks, but about systems that evolve and influence our cognition. Amy Webb, CEO of 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 is 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 event’s most unexpected panels, researchers discussed how the effects of psilocybin, a psychoactive substance that can induce mystical experiences or altered perceptions in the brain, could inspire new forms of computational modeling and neurointerfaces. The fusion of these areas could lead to advances not just in how we interact with technology, but in the very definition of what it means to be intelligent.
biotechnology and robotics are also crossing their own boundaries. We’re 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 doesn’t just affect emotions but can rewrite our biology at a cellular level. The connection between body and technology is shifting from external to something embedded in human functioning itself.
In the field of quantum computing, IBM CEO Arvind Krishnastated that we are less than three years away from a major breakthrough. The race to achieve quantum supremacy is accelerating, with companies like AWS and Microsoft heavily investing in infrastructure to make these systems accessible. Meanwhile, at the panel “Preparing for a Quantum Leap”, experts like Dr. Jeanette Garcia (IBM Quantum) discussed how this technology could revolutionize drug discovery and molecular modeling, completely transforming sectors like healthcare and advanced materials.
But are we ready for these integrations? Esther Perel, renowned psychotherapist, issued a warning: the more we advance in technology, the more disconnected we become as a society. Today, we are more connected to algorithms than to people. What if the next frontier of AI isn’t just mimicking human thought but filling the emotional gaps we’re leaving behind?
And amid all this, a provocative question: how does Amy Webb release a 1000-page trends report? Is this a reflection of the absurd speed of change or a warning that we’re overloaded with possibilities? Are we truly heading in the right direction or just running aimlessly? There’s a lot of noise in this world, and it takes calm to sift through it and notice the signals.
I still believe deep tech enhances human capabilities, but for that to happen, we need to evolve as humans, remove the hype from technology, and create real connections. Are we facing an evolutionary leap or a collapse of our own identity? We’ll know soon.
Undoubtedly, SXSW was a spectacle of connections and networking. But among all the interactions and idea exchanges, one undeniable highlight was the SP House. Beyond presenting relevant content, Brazil’s space—yes, we have a lot of good stuff to show—brought profound reflections on diversity, a theme that, to my surprise, was practically absent in other panels. Kond e Malheiros nailed it by 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 like the dominance and influence of big tech and the current political moment in the US. It was a rare exception at an event that historically has always made space for bolder debates. The CEO of Bluesky, Jay Graber, gave a direct critique of the centralized model of social networks and the growing concentration of power in digital platforms. According to her, “if a billionaire decides tomorrow to change everything, people should have the option to migrate elsewhere”, reinforcing the need for decentralization to ensure digital freedom.
And this subject will require constant debate. While these technologies promise us a more connected and efficient future, it’s essential to reflect on the consequences of this evolution. The fusion of areas like AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing not only expands possibilities but also challenges how we understand freedom and control. If we can balance innovation with responsibility, we may achieve advances that truly transform our lives for the better. But for that, we need to ensure these technologies serve humanity, not the other way around.
