At this year’s Web Summit, artificial intelligence (AI) stole the show. From the main stage to breakout sessions, AI’s transformative potential dominated the conversation, leaving no doubt that it’s shaping the present and future.
AI Is Here to Stay
“AI will become commonplace. Web Summit proves it, and makes one thing abundantly clear—AI is transitioning from a trend to a fundamental aspect of how we work, innovate, and live”, says Serhiy Tokarev, an IT entrepreneur and co-founder of Roosh Ventures. “This transformation is not just on the horizon; it is happening now,”
Data from McKinsey underscores this reality: 65% of enterprises now use generative AI—a figure that’s nearly doubled in just ten months. Meanwhile, global funding for AI startups surged to $127 billion in 2024, according to PitchBook. Tech giants like Microsoft and Google are making major commitments, investing in infrastructure, research, and education to accelerate AI’s adoption.
The New Business Standard
For businesses, AI is not just an advantage—it is a requirement. Companies leveraging AI are seeing gains in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and innovation. Those that resist risk falling behind. Serhiy Tokarev puts it bluntly: “Companies that ignore AI risk obsolescence, while those who embrace it are at the forefront of a new era.”
AI is revolutionizing:
- Operations: Automating tasks and improving workflows.
- Customer Support: Using chatbots and AI assistants to enhance service.
- Personalization: Delivering tailored recommendations and products.
- Data Analysis: Identifying trends and opportunities with unprecedented speed.
- Business Models: Enabling disruptive innovation.
Beyond Business: AI’s Broader Impact
AI’s applications go far beyond business. It is driving breakthroughs in science, advancing sustainability, and enabling real-time responses to environmental challenges. It is also changing how we create, with AI-powered tools allowing artists, musicians, and writers to push their boundaries.
However, these advancements come with challenges. As AI becomes integral to daily life, cybersecurity will be critical. “Cybersecurity and cyber hygiene will become the new normal for everyone in their personal lives and a necessity for companies,” Serhiy Tokarev explains.
Everyday AI and the Road Ahead
From tools like ChatGPT to the rapidly growing smart home market, AI is becoming an everyday companion. It’s also reshaping the workforce, creating millions of new jobs while automating others.
“AI is transforming the job market,” the IT entrepreneur says, “The urgency is clear: to thrive in the future, we must learn to make the most of AI’s potential in our personal lives and for work.”
The conclusion from Web Summit is clear: AI is no longer just a possibility—it is the present. The industries and individuals that embrace it now will lead the way into the future.