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 merging of these fronts. And every time humanity experienced major technological integrations, it took leaps that changed everything.
AI is not only becoming more efficient but also learning from neuroscience. It is no longer about machines performing tasks, but about systems that evolve and influence our cognition.Amy Webb, CEO of Future Today Strategy Group, called this conceptInteligência Vivaa living ecosystem where sensors, algorithms, and biological organisms learn and make decisions autonomously. In other words, AI is ceasing to be just a tool and is becoming a living agent in the innovation equation.
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, a psychoactive substance that can induce mystical experiences or perceptual changes in the brain, could inspire new forms of computational modeling and neurointerfaces. The fusion of these areas can lead to advances not only in the way we interact with technology but also 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 prostheses 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 not only affects the emotional state but can also rewrite our biology at the cellular level. The connection between the body and technology is ceasing to be external and becoming something embedded in human functioning itself.
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 such asDr. Jeanette Garcia (IBM Quantum)They discussed how this technology can revolutionize drug discovery and molecular modeling, completely transforming sectors such as health 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 we become disconnected as a society.Today, we are more connected to algorithms than to people. And what if the next frontier of AI is not just imitating human thought, but filling the emotional gaps we are leaving behind?
And in the middle of all this, a provocation:How does Amy Webb release a 1,000-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 is necessary to be calm to separate them and observe the signals.
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 the collapse of our own identity? We will know soon.
Without a doubt, theSXSWIt was a spectacular event of connections and networking. But, among so many interactions and exchanges of ideas, one undeniable highlight was theSP HouseIn addition to presenting relevant content, Brazil's space – yes, we have many good things to show – brought deep reflections ondiversity, a topic that, to my surprise, was almost 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 USAIt was a rare exception in an event that, historically, has always allowed for bolder debates. The CEO ofBluesky, Jay Graber, made a direct critique of the centralized model of social networks and the growing 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, on this matter, the debate will need to be ongoing. 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 merging of fields such as AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing not only expands possibilities but also challenges the way we understand freedom and control. If we manage to balance innovation with responsibility, we can achieve breakthroughs 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.
