Algarve Tech Hub Summit to showcase state-of-the-art technology

A new event called Algarve Tech Hub Summit will take place between March 28 and April 3 in Faro and Loulé.

The summit will unveil the technological “ecosystem” known as Algarve Tech Hub, which features around 50 technology companies that account for around €120 million in annual revenue.

The goal is to attract investment, generate new business ideas, inspire entrepreneurs and promote knowledge amongst business owners.

Organiser Jorge Cabaço explains the objective is to show that “there is an ecosystem of technological companies growing in the Algarve”, which the event aims to share with the biggest names in the game on a national and international level.

The Algarve Tech Hub Summit will focus on “areas that can benefit from new digital tools and practices, such as health, energy, agrofood, sea, digital, culture and tourism.”

For one week, a series of conferences, debates and exhibitions will be held, followed by networking events at the end of every afternoon with the support of the Recreational and Cultural Association of Musicians (ARCM) in Faro at the old beer factory (Fábrica da Cerveja).

There are several highlights, such as a conference about sustainable food systems, a Museu Zero digital art conference, an international tourism and innovation conference organised by business association NERA, startup competition Disrupt’22, and a series of themed talks. The full programme, including schedules and venues, can be found online at www.algarvesummit.com

Among the lecturers and guests are big names such as renowned Portuguese artist Pedro Cabrita Reis, digital strategist Claudio Calveri, cultural producer Pablo Berástegui, and Brazilian artist Emanuel Pimenta.

Cabaço also highlights the ‘WorkAnywhere’ lecture scheduled for April 1, which will focus on digital nomads and their lifestyle, and showcase the Algarve as a destination that has many advantages over other countries and regions.

“We want to highlight everything the region can provide such as its quality of life, along with the technological ecosystem which has all the right conditions for those working remotely,” the organiser said.

The lecture is open to the public and free – both in person and online. Around 500 people from all over the world are expected to attend in person.

“We have been learning that people who work at large multinationals such as LinkedIn, Zoom and WeWork want to participate,” Cabaço said.

Another interesting aspect is that Algarve Tech Hub Summit participants will be given an app which they can use to interact with each other.

Cabaço also provided more insight into Disrupt’22, a contest which at first will see specialists presenting the Algarve as a “smart destination”. This will be followed by themed sessions and mentoring which will bolster entrepreneurial innovation by providing access to investors – the so-called business angels.

There will be €20,000 in prize money for the most innovative ideas presented.

The event’s agenda also includes lectures and workshops focusing on hot topics such as the metaverse, cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“What sets the Algarve Tech Hub Summit apart is the fact that it is unique in the region and was able to bring together so many entities with different social goals, but which recognise the potential for growth linked to technology and innovation,” said Vanessa Nascimento, vice-president of the Algarve Evolution association.

“This is the opportunity to show the world what exists in the Algarve and, at the same time, attract investment and stimulate the internationalisation of companies,” Nascimento added.

The Algarve Tech Hub is a consortium bringing together Algarve STP, the University of Algarve and Algarve Evolution as well as local councils, business associations and public entities. It is a brand that promotes the Algarve as a technological, innovation and lifestyle destination.

Original article written by Bruno Filipe Pires for Barlavento newspaper.