AI in Action: Alexa+ and Google Co-Scientist Transform the Tech Landscape

The day AI surprised us once again

I have always been fascinated by how artificial intelligence advances at a dizzying pace. In the last 24 hours, we have witnessed significant developments that confirm that we are in the midst of a profound and accelerated transformation of the global technological ecosystem.

After more than a decade without major changes, Amazon has finally revamped its Alexa assistant, now powered by generative AI. Meanwhile, Google has introduced a tool capable of solving in 48 hours a scientific problem that took researchers ten years to solve. These are concrete examples of the transformative power of AI in our daily lives and at the frontier of human knowledge.

In my journey of following technological transformations and guiding entrepreneurs, I have rarely seen a time so ripe for disruptive innovation. Let’s take a deeper look at what these developments mean for the future of business, science, and society.

Amazon reinvents Alexa after a decade

Amazon has just revealed its biggest bet since the original launch of Alexa in 2014: the Alexa+, a revamped version of the voice assistant that now incorporates generative artificial intelligence. This move represents much more than a simple update — it’s a strategic reorientation of a billion-dollar investment that the company has been making for more than a decade.

The project, known internally as “Banyan,” aims to make Alexa truly conversational, capable of storing user preferences and connecting more seamlessly with Amazon products. It’s no coincidence that this redesign comes at a time when Apple and Google are stepping up their presence in the virtual assistant space.

The market reacted positively to the announcement, with Amazon shares rising about 2% to $217.02. This moderate optimism reflects the perception that the company is finally responding in kind in the field of generative AI.

In my work with startups, I always emphasize the importance of keeping an eye on how tech giants move their pieces around on the board. Amazon is betting billions that voice interfaces, now powered by generative AI, will continue to be a strategic channel for increasing sales in its e-commerce ecosystem. This bet offers valuable lessons about strategic persistence that entrepreneurs should heed.

Google Co-Scientist: When AI Accelerates Science by 120x

If Alexa’s redesign was enough news for one day, the story of Google’s “co-scientist” tool is even more impressive. A team of microbiologists at Imperial College London, led by Professor José R. Penadés, spent a decade investigating why certain superbugs are immune to antibiotics. Using Google’s new AI tool, they came to the same conclusion in just a few days. two days.

The discovery confirms that these superbugs create a tail-like structure that allows transmission between different species — a crucial mechanism for understanding antibiotic resistance, one of the greatest challenges in contemporary medicine.

Professor Penadés does not hide his enthusiasm: “I feel that this will change science, for sure.” This statement perfectly captures the inflection point we are living in.

In my mentorships with healthcare and biotech startups, we often discuss how AI can accelerate discovery and streamline research processes. The Google co-scientist case is a perfect example of this promise coming to fruition. We are witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in the generation of scientific knowledge, with the potential to revolutionize how we approach complex problems in healthcare, sustainability, and beyond.

Nvidia: The Financial Engine Behind the AI Revolution

As new AI applications emerge daily, it’s important to understand who is providing the infrastructure that makes it all possible. Nvidia continues to be the financial driver of this revolution, with numbers that impress even the most optimistic analysts.

The company provided revenue guidance of approximately $43 billion for the current quarter, reassuring investors about the robustness of its AI computing spending. Its net income for the latest quarter was $22.1 billion, up $80.3 billion from the same period a year earlier.

These spectacular results come despite the emergence of new players such as DeepSeek, which recently announced price reductions of up to 75% for off-peak usage of its AI services. This dynamic pricing strategy could put pressure on other players in the market, potentially democratizing access to AI technology.

In my work with the Brazilian innovation ecosystem, I often emphasize how crucial it is to understand the technology value chain. Nvidia has built a dominant position by providing the critical infrastructure that enables AI applications that reach the end consumer. For entrepreneurs, understanding where to position themselves in this value chain is as important as mastering the technology itself.

Democratization of AI: from code to everyday work

In addition to major advances in virtual assistants and scientific research, recent news points to a clear trend towards the democratization of AI tools.

Google has launched a free version of Gemini Code Assist, a tool that uses AI to complete code in a variety of programming languages. This initiative has the potential to significantly lower the barrier to entry for new developers while increasing the productivity of more experienced developers.

Meanwhile, a Pew Research survey revealed how the use of tools like ChatGPT is rapidly expanding in the workplace. Among the main applications are research and text editing, tasks that are part of the daily lives of professionals in a wide range of areas.

This democratization brings opportunities and challenges. In my mentoring programs, I have observed how Brazilian startups are incorporating AI into their products and services, often with surprising results in terms of efficiency and new functionalities. On the other hand, this requires constant updating of skills and reflection on how to preserve unique human value in an increasingly automated world.

The changing job market

Despite the advances in AI on several fronts, it is interesting to note that cybersecurity continues to be the technology area with the highest demand for professionals in Brazil. According to a recent survey, salaries for these specialists range from R$6,000 to almost R$20,000, reflecting the growing concern about data protection after the pandemic.

This information reminds us that the AI revolution does not happen in isolation. As more processes migrate to digital environments and are enhanced by artificial intelligence, the need for protection against vulnerabilities increases proportionally.

In my workshops with companies undergoing digital transformation, I always emphasize that security is not an add-on, but a fundamental element of the technology strategy. For entrepreneurs developing AI-based solutions, incorporating robust security principles from the beginning can be a significant competitive differentiator.

The political dimension of the AI revolution

Like all transformative technologies, AI also sparks political debates. President Lula recently criticized the monopoly of artificial intelligence, stating that “large corporations do not have the right to destabilize nations.” He advocated for AI that respects human rights and cultural diversity, as well as for a broader sharing of the benefits of the digital revolution.

This position reflects a global debate about AI governance that is just beginning. Who sets the rules for increasingly powerful systems? How can we ensure that the benefits are distributed broadly and not just concentrated in the hands of a few corporations or countries?

In my experience working on innovation policies, I have seen how crucial it is for Brazil to actively participate in these debates. We need to develop our own vision of how AI can contribute to our specific development challenges, rather than simply importing models or regulations from other regions.

What this means for Brazilian entrepreneurs and innovators

The news of the last 24 hours confirms what I have been observing for some time: we are experiencing an unprecedented acceleration in the adoption and evolution of AI. For Brazilian entrepreneurs and innovators, this scenario presents extraordinary opportunities, but also significant challenges.

I see at least three promising paths:

• • Specific vertical applications: While big techs develop general models, there is a vast space for specialized AI solutions in sectors such as agribusiness, health, education and finance — areas where Brazil already has considerable expertise.

• • Humanization of technology: As more processes are automated, the value of the human dimension grows. Solutions that combine AI with a meaningful human touch can gain ground in a market increasingly saturated with purely digital experiences.

• • Infrastructure and security: As we have seen, the demand for cybersecurity professionals remains strong. Developing solutions that ensure the security, privacy, and compliance of AI systems represents a substantial opportunity.

In my mentoring programs for startups, I have emphasized that the current moment demands more than simply incorporating AI into existing products. It requires fundamentally rethinking business models, processes, and value propositions in light of these new capabilities.

Conclusion: Navigating Technological Acceleration

The news we’ve covered today—from the reinvention of Alexa to the remarkable case of Google’s co-scientist—is just the tip of the iceberg of a much deeper transformation. We’re witnessing not just the evolution of technology, but a redefinition of how we generate knowledge, work, and interact with intelligent machines.

For us in Brazil, the challenge is twofold: we need to stay up-to-date with the global technological frontier while developing solutions that are relevant to our specific reality. This requires a combination of strategic vision, technical expertise, and sensitivity to the unique sociocultural issues of our context.

In my startup acceleration and mentoring programs, I have the privilege of working with Brazilian entrepreneurs who are facing this challenge with creativity and determination. I see every day how local talent, when properly supported, can create innovative solutions that compete globally.

Whether you’re building a technology-based startup or leading innovation at an established organization, remember: the speed of technological change demands continuous learning, but it also offers unprecedented opportunities for those willing to reimagine the future.

How are you preparing to navigate this world of technological acceleration? What AI applications are already transforming your business or industry? Share your experiences or schedule a mentoring session to discuss how your organization can make the most of these new capabilities.