AI Radar: From the Data Center Boom to Google's Visual Revolution — The Brazilian Panorama in 24h

Brazil is establishing itself as a leading player in the global artificial intelligence scene, with billion-dollar investments in infrastructure and new revolutionary tools coming to market. Meanwhile, the international competition for leadership in AI is intensifying and new training opportunities are emerging for Brazilian professionals. Let’s analyze the main news stories from the last 24 hours that are shaping the future of AI in Brazil and around the world.

Brazil on the global route: billion-dollar investments in data centers

One of the most significant highlights is the news that Brazil is definitively entering the global route of artificial intelligence with massive investments in data centers. According to Valor Econômico, the New Data Center Policy should attract up to R$2 trillion in investments over the next ten years, thanks to benefits in the import of equipment and export of services.

This movement is not just about impressive numbers, but represents a fundamental transformation in Brazil’s ability to participate in the development of AI on a global scale. For years, I have argued that without adequate infrastructure, we would be left out of the AI revolution. Now, finally, we are seeing a change in direction.

The industry’s focus is on expanding local capacity for generative AI processing, with measures to encourage sustainability and energy efficiency. This is particularly exciting news because it allows our startups and technology companies to develop and implement AI solutions locally, without relying exclusively on infrastructure abroad.

In my work with technology-based startups, I’ve seen a growing demand for local processing, especially for applications that require low latency or handle sensitive data that needs to remain within the country. This expansion of data centers will finally address this critical need.

Veo 3: Google's AI-powered visual revolution hits the market

Google last week introduced its most advanced AI-powered video generation model, Veo 3. This tool promises to transform the creation of audiovisual content by generating realistic videos from text commands, including soundtracks, background noises and even lip synchronization.

Developed by the Google DeepMind team, Veo 3 can interpret complex descriptions to generate high-quality videos with resolution up to 1080p and duration up to one minute. According to Terra, the tool is initially restricted to the US and requires a subscription to the Google AI Ultra plan, which costs US$$ 249 per month.

We are witnessing an unprecedented democratization of visual content creation. Companies that previously required entire production teams and substantial budgets can now create quality promotional materials at a fraction of the cost. For entrepreneurs and startups with limited resources, these tools represent an opportunity to compete in terms of visual quality with much larger companies.

However, it is important to consider the ethical implications of this technology. The ease of creating realistic videos raises questions about misinformation and deepfakes. As responsible entrepreneurs, we need to be aware not only of the possibilities, but also of the risks of these new tools.

Free training: Microsoft and Bradesco Foundation democratize knowledge in AI

In an initiative that deserves to be highlighted, the Bradesco Foundation Virtual School is offering free online courses with certification in partnership with Microsoft. According to CNN Brazil, classes focus on developing skills in artificial intelligence, ranging from basic concepts to solutions for developers on GitHub and AI for small and medium-sized businesses.

This initiative directly addresses one of the main bottlenecks I identify in the Brazilian innovation ecosystem: the shortage of qualified AI talent. Over the years, in my work accelerating startups, I have seen companies with excellent ideas and business models limited by the lack of professionals capable of implementing AI solutions.

The courses include modules such as fluency and AI-900 – Fundamentals of AI in Azure, as well as digital literacy and data modeling in Power BI. To register, simply access the Bradesco Foundation platform.

I strongly recommend that entrepreneurs and professionals take advantage of this opportunity. AI training is no longer a differentiator, but a basic requirement to remain relevant in the job market and to create globally competitive startups.

The global race for AI leadership intensifies

As Brazil advances in infrastructure, the global dispute for leadership in AI reaches new heights. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted that Chinese competitors in AI, like Huawei, are becoming increasingly formidable as US restrictions tighten.

Huang expressed concerns about losing significant revenue and the ability to compete in the important chip market, highlighting China’s vital role in AI research. This statement is particularly relevant considering that Nvidia is the leading supplier of GPUs for AI training worldwide.

In parallel, according to Folha de S.Paulo, Chinese tech giants such as Alibaba, ByteDance and Tencent are increasing their investments in AI, driving intense competition in the cloud services market. The growing demand for AI could drive cloud computing sales in China from US$1.50 billion to nearly US$1.4 billion by 2027.

For us in Brazil, this global dispute has direct implications. On the one hand, competition accelerates innovation and can reduce the costs of implementing AI solutions. On the other, it creates a complex geopolitical environment that Brazilian companies will need to navigate carefully, especially those with global ambitions.

AI in healthcare: outperforming doctors in administrative tasks

A particularly interesting use case comes from the healthcare sector. According to the Brazil Journal, artificial intelligence has already outperformed doctors in filling out clinical records and forms. The startup Ambience Healthcare, which uses technology from OpenAI, demonstrated that its AI system annotated data 27% more efficiently than human professionals.

This is a perfect example of what I always advocate in my mentoring sessions: AI is not here to replace professionals, but to free them from repetitive, low-value tasks. Doctors did not study for a decade to fill out forms – they should focus on diagnosing and interacting with patients.

The platform promises to reduce errors and improve efficiency in the delivery of medical services, with the potential to save billions in wasted time due to inaccurate records in the healthcare industry. For healthtech startups, this case demonstrates the potential to create significant value by focusing on specific, well-defined industry problems.

Advances in Brazilian AI legislation

In the regulatory field, Congresswoman Luísa Canziani, president of the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence, stated that the discussion of the legislation should not address political issues. During a meeting with businesspeople, she emphasized the need for a technical regulatory framework for the AI sector, aiming to provide legal certainty and attractiveness for investors.

This is a positive development for the Brazilian innovation ecosystem. As I argued in my participation in the construction of the national startup policy, we need a regulatory environment that balances protection and innovation. An overly restrictive regulatory framework would stifle nascent startups, while the absence of regulation would create legal uncertainty for investors.

The technical and non-ideological approach mentioned by the deputy is exactly what we have been defending: public policies based on evidence and built with the active participation of the ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, investors, academia and civil society.

Preparing for the AI-Driven Future

The news of the last 24 hours reinforces what I have been observing for years: we are experiencing a profound transformation driven by AI, which will affect all sectors of the economy and society. In my mentoring sessions with startups, I always emphasize three pillars to prepare for this future:

• Infrastructure and training: Continuously invest in AI knowledge and the tools needed to implement it
• Focus on real problems: AI only generates value when it solves concrete problems for users and customers
• Ethics and responsibility: Build AI solutions that are transparent, fair, and human-centered

Brazil has a unique opportunity to position itself as a leader in AI applications in sectors where we already have competitive advantages, such as agribusiness, finance, healthcare and renewable energy. To achieve this, we need a vibrant ecosystem of startups, adequate public policies and skilled talent.

In my mentoring programs, I have helped startups identify opportunities for AI applications that can generate significant impact. Whether you are building an AI-based solution or want to understand how to implement it in your existing business, I am available to share insights and experiences gained over years of working with innovative entrepreneurs.

The future of AI in Brazil is being written now, and we all have a role to play in this transformative journey.