If there is one thing that became clear at SXSW 2025, we are no longer facing isolated technological revolutions. The future is not AI on one side, quantum computing on one side and biotechnology in a distant corner. What is happening now is the merging of these fronts. And every time humanity has experienced great technological integrations, made leaps that changed everything
AI is not only becoming more efficient, but learning from neuroscience. It's no longer about machines performing tasks, but of systems that evolve and influence our cognition. Amy Webb, CEO of Future Today Strategy Group, called this concept ofInteligência Vivaa living ecosystem where sensors, algorithms and biological organisms learn and make decisions autonomously. That is to say, AI is no longer just a tool and is becoming a living agent in the equation of innovation
But it doesn't stop there. The relationship betweenpsychedelics and quantum computingit 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, psychoactive substance that can induce mystical experiences or changes in perception in the brain, can inspire new forms of computational modeling and neurointerfaces. The fusion between these areas can result in advances not only in the way we interact with technology, but in the very definition of what it means to be intelligent
A biotechnology and roboticsthey are also crossing their own borders. We are no longer just creating prosthetics or manipulating genes, but blending the organic and the synthetic in ways that redefine what it means to be human. No Brain-Skin Connection Seminar, Dr. Emily Fowlershowed how stress affects not only the emotional, but can you rewrite our biology at the cellular level. The connection between body and technology is shifting from being external to becoming something incorporated into human functioning
In the field ofquantum computing, the CEO of IBM, Arvind Krishna, stated 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, on the panel"Preparing for a Quantum Leap", specialists likeDr. Jeanette Garcia (IBM Quantum)they discussed how this technology can revolutionize drug discovery and molecular modeling, completely changing sectors such as health and advanced materials
But are we ready for these integrations? Esther Perel, renowned psychotherapist, made an alertthe further we advance in technology, but we disconnected as a society. Today, we are more connected to algorithms than to people. And if the next frontier of AI is not just to imitate human thought, but filling the emotional gaps that we are leaving behind
And in the midst of all this, a provocationhow Amy Webb releases a 1000-page trends reportThis is 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 is necessary to stay calm to separate them 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 know soon.
Without a doubt, theSXSWit was a spectacle of connections and networking. But, among so many interactions and exchanges of ideas, an undeniable highlight was theSP House. In addition to presenting relevant content, the space of Brazil – yes, we have a lot of good things to show – brought deep reflections ondiversity, a theme that, to my surprise, was practically absent in the other panels. Kond e Malheiroswere accurate in addressing the importance ofaccess and inclusion, proving that innovation without diversity is an empty concept
Few speakers have had the courage to address issues such as thedominance and influence of big techsand thecurrent political moment in the USA. It was a rare exception at an event that, historically, always opened space for bolder debates. The CEO ofBluesky, Jay Graber, made a direct criticism of the centralized model of social networks and the growing concentration of power of digital platforms. According to her, "if a billionaire decides tomorrow to change everything", "people should have the option to migrate to another place", reinforcing the need for decentralization to ensure digital freedom
AND, on this subject, the debate will need to be constant. At the same time that 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 expand the 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
