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If you follow technology news, you’ve probably noticed that artificial intelligence is gaining speed. And it’s not just a perception: hard data shows that it’s advancing faster and faster than experts predicted just a few months ago. We’re witnessing a true transformation in the AI ecosystem, with two parallel movements that deserve our attention: the fragmentation of the market with the emergence of specialized and regional solutions, and the democratization of access to the most advanced tools.

The fragmentation of the AI market: the end of the monopoly of the giants?

One of the most interesting phenomena we are observing is the acceleration of AI model development by smaller, regionally focused companies. The market, previously dominated by giants such as OpenAI and Google, is beginning to see the emergence of specialized competitors that challenge this oligopoly.

According to Pedro Doria's recent column in O Globo, three recent releases illustrate this trend well:

• Manus (China): an autonomous agent capable of controlling computers, with emphasis on its ability to analyze resume data and send recommendations directly;
• Sesame (USA): model specialized in voice conversation;
• Mistral Saba (France): LLM trained specifically for the Arabic language.

This fragmentation raises an important question: can regional and specialized models be more relevant to specific needs than generic solutions from large foreign companies? How does this impact the development of Brazilian AI solutions?

I believe we are entering a phase where the value of specialization and a deep understanding of regional contexts will be increasingly decisive for the success of AI applications. For Brazil, this represents both a challenge and a unique opportunity to develop solutions adapted to our linguistic, cultural and business reality.

Democratizing access to advanced AIs

In parallel with the fragmentation of the market, we are seeing a movement towards democratizing access to the most advanced AI tools. A prime example comes from Microsoft, which recently expanded free access to Copilot's premium features.

Copilot Voice and Think Deeper, previously only available to paid subscribers, can now be used for free and unlimited. This strategy not only democratizes access to advanced technologies, but can also influence other companies to follow the same path., promoting greater innovation and competitiveness in the sector.

When big players like Microsoft decide to make powerful tools available for free, it creates a new level of expectation for the market. The question remains: are we moving towards a model where basic AI functionalities will be free commodities, while monetization will only occur at more advanced or specialized levels?

Box Magenta: a Brazilian case of intelligent AI application

As we debate global movements, it is essential to look at Brazilian success stories in the application of AI. Magenta Box is an example of how national companies are using artificial intelligence to create real value for their customers.

The company has developed its own AI that personalizes the customer experience, optimizing product combinations based on subscriber profiles. The result? A projected revenue of R$45 million by 2025. This case demonstrates how the intelligent application of AI can transform business models and create sustainable competitive advantages., even in traditional sectors such as beauty.

Box Magenta’s success illustrates a crucial point: you don’t have to be a big tech company to reap the benefits of AI. Brazilian startups and mid-sized companies that can implement custom AI solutions, even if they’re not building fundamental models, can achieve significant results.

The Future of Work in the Age of AI: Transformation, Not Elimination

One of the most recurrent topics when we talk about AI is its impact on the job market. Once again, the debate about how many jobs will be eliminated by technology is gaining ground. According to recent report by Estadão, although there are alarming predictions, history shows us that technological changes generally do not eliminate work, but transform it.

This is a vision that I have shared for years in my talks and mentoring sessions. The key question is not whether AI will eliminate jobs, but how we can adapt and seize the new opportunities that will emerge.. The dynamics of change in employment and the ability of companies and professionals to adapt will be crucial in this process.

Here in Brazil, I see an urgent need to prepare our professionals and companies for this transformation. It’s not just about technical training in AI, but about developing what I call CACACA skills (Creativity and Autonomy; Collaboration and Adaptability; Connection and Affection) – precisely the human skills that machines will have the most difficulty replicating.

The evolution of autonomous agents: a new paradigm in human-machine interaction

Another significant development that deserves our attention is the launch of Operator by OpenAI. As reported by Earth, this tool allows AI agents to perform tasks in the browser autonomously, interacting with different platforms.

Operator represents an important step in automating everyday tasks such as online bookings and purchases. We are moving towards a future where delegating routine tasks to virtual assistants will be as natural as using a smartphone today.. However, this advancement also raises important questions about the security and privacy of user data.

In my experience working with startups, I see that companies that can create natural and secure interfaces for these autonomous agents will have a significant competitive advantage. There is a huge opportunity for Brazilian startups to develop specialized agents to solve problems specific to our context.

What can we expect in the coming months?

Looking at recent trends, I believe we will see an even greater acceleration in AI development and adoption in the coming months. Here are some of the trends we should watch:

• Proliferation of specialized and regional models, focusing on specific needs;
• Greater democratization of access to advanced AI tools, with more companies adopting freemium models;
• Rapid evolution of autonomous agents, with the ability to perform increasingly complex tasks;
• Emergence of new AI applications in traditional sectors, following the example of Box Magenta;
• Intensifying debate on regulation and ethics in AI, especially in relation to privacy and security.

For Brazilian companies, this is the time to invest in the understanding and strategic application of AI. It’s not just about adopting technology because it’s trendy, but about identifying where it can generate real value for your business and your customers..

How can your company prepare for this scenario?

In my experience supporting more than 10,000 startups throughout my career, I have noticed that companies that are successful in adopting new technologies share some characteristics:

• Focus on real problems: they use technology to solve customers’ real problems;
• Continuous experimentation: testing different applications on a small scale before making large investments;
• Talent development: they invest in the continuous training of their teams;
• Attention to ethics and privacy: consider ethical and legal implications from the beginning of development.

In my mentoring work with companies and startups, I have helped organizations develop their AI strategies in a pragmatic way that is aligned with their business objectives. More than just knowing the technology, it is essential to understand how it can be applied to generate value in your specific context.

The fragmentation of the AI market and the democratization of access to the most advanced tools create a scenario of unprecedented opportunities for Brazilian companies. Those that are able to navigate this complex environment, identifying the right technologies for their specific challenges, will be in a privileged position to compete in the global market.

And you, how are you preparing your company to take advantage of these opportunities? What challenges in your business could be solved with intelligent AI applications?