BNDES Approves R$ 1 Billion for AI as Market Faces Realities and Opportunities — The Outlook of the Last 24h

R$ 1 billion. This is the amount that the BNDES approved credit for Artificial Intelligence between 2024 and June 2025. But before we celebrate this historic milestone, we need to look at the full context that the last 24 hours have revealed to us about the real state of AI in Brazil and the world.

Because while the Brazilian government is betting heavily on technology — with the ambitious Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan forecasting R$23 billion by 2028 — we discovered that a British startup used 700 Indian engineers to simulate AI and deceive investors who contributed US$1.445 million.

The Innovation Paradox: Between Real Investment and Technological Illusions

The story of Builder.ai should give us pause. A company that promised revolutionary automation, but in practice employed hundreds of people to manually perform what it claimed was artificial intelligence. This is not just a scam — it is a mirror of what happens when hype surpasses substance.

But here’s the interesting thing: while some pretend to have AI, Brazil is laying the real foundations for it. The R$561 million approved by BNDES for integrators and developers shows where the real value lies — in the practical application of the technology in sectors such as fintech and healthtech.

In my career supporting more than 10,000 startups, I have seen this pattern repeat itself: the value is not in the technology itself, but in its application to solve real problems. And that is exactly what the BNDES data reveals.

AI Agents: The Next Frontier Is Here

Speaking of real applications, one of the most fascinating news stories of the last few hours was about artificial intelligence agents — systems that not only answer questions, but make decisions and perform complex tasks autonomously.

These agents represent a fundamental evolution of the chatbots we know today. While ChatGPT answers your questions, an AI agent can proactively monitor your business, predict demand, and automate entire workflows.

For entrepreneurs, this represents a huge opportunity. Imagine having a digital “employee” who:

• Constantly monitor your business metrics
• Identify patterns you would otherwise miss
• Takes preventive action without you having to intervene
• Continuously learn from every interaction

It's not science fiction. It's reality available today.

AI in Mental Health: Between Promises and Responsibilities

Another interesting development was the debate about AI therapy. Psychologists warn of the risks, but recognize benefits when used appropriately.

This case perfectly illustrates what I call “scalable responsibility.” When we develop solutions that impact human lives — especially mental health — we can’t afford to “break things and fix them later,” as is common in tech.

The report of BBC on chatbot therapy reinforces this point: while useful as support tools, they will never completely replace human interaction in mental health matters.

The lesson for entrepreneurs? AI is a powerful tool for amplification, not total replacement. Use it to enhance what already works, not to eliminate the human element where it is essential.

The Future Is Here: Recording Life with AI

One of the most intriguing experiences reported was that of record an entire day of your life with AI. The Plaud device automatically transcribes all conversations, creating a complete digital archive of our existence.

This raises profound questions about privacy, but it also reveals incredible opportunities for productivity and self-awareness. Imagine having access to insights into:

• Patterns in your business conversations
• Recurring themes in meetings
• Moments of greatest creativity throughout the day
• Automated feedback on your communication

For leaders and entrepreneurs, tools like these can be transformative — as long as they are used wisely and transparently.

Google Democratizes Creation: AI-Made Films

Google didn't stand still. The launch of Flow, a tool that transforms text into cinematic video, together with the Veo 3 for ultra-realistic videos, shows how content creation is being democratized.

This has huge implications for startups on tight budgets. Today, a company can create professional-quality visual content without hiring a production company. Tomorrow, it could create entire marketing campaigns with a few lines of text.

But be careful: democratization also means that your competitors have access to the same tools. The difference will no longer be having access to technology, but knowing how to use it strategically.

AI in Selection Processes: The New Normal

Another trend that is consolidating is the use of AI in selection processes. Both candidates and recruiters are using AI tools, creating a new dynamic in the job market.

For hiring entrepreneurs, this means:

• Need for more sophisticated processes to identify real talent
• Opportunity to automate initial screenings
• Growing importance of assessing critical thinking, not just knowledge

For candidates, it means learning to use AI as a support tool, without losing the authenticity that really matters.

Practical Lessons for Entrepreneurs

After analyzing this panorama of the last 24 hours, some lessons clearly emerge:

1. Strategic Investment is Reality

With R$1 billion approved by BNDES, there is capital available for those with solid proposals. But note: most of it went to integrators and application developers, not to “generic AI.” The market rewards specific solutions to specific problems.

2. Authenticity Beats Hype

The case of Builder.ai is a reminder: building real value is more sustainable than creating illusions. In my experience accelerating startups, I have seen that the ones that survive are those that solve real problems, not those that simply ride the technological waves.

3. AI is a Tool, Not a Destiny

Whether in therapy, recruitment processes or content creation, AI works best as an amplifier of human capabilities. The future is not “AI vs humans”, but “humans enhanced by AI”.

4. Privacy is a Competitive Advantage

As tools like Plaud become commonplace, companies that ensure responsible and transparent use of data will gain a competitive advantage. Trust will be the most valuable asset.

What This Means for Your Business

If you are an entrepreneur or lead a company, this overview of the last 24 hours offers a clear map of opportunities:

For Startups: There are resources available (BNDES, investors) for those who can articulate practical applications of AI. Focus on specific sectors — health, finance, education — where you can demonstrate clear ROI.

For Traditional Companies: AI agents can automate processes that take up your team’s time. Start small, test, learn, scale.

For Professionals: Learn how to use AI as a productivity tool. Not to replace your work, but to do what you already do better.

Building the Future Responsibly

What strikes me most about this panorama is how intelligently Brazil is positioning itself. While other countries are chasing numbers and headlines, we are building real infrastructure — R$258 million for hardware, R$180 million for infrastructure, including data centers and cloud computing.

This reminds me of the early days of the internet in Brazil. We weren’t the first, but when we arrived, we arrived to stay. With AI, I see the same pattern: strategic arrival, investment in solid foundations, focus on practical applications.

As Aloizio Mercadante, president of BNDES, said, AI brings “productivity gains and opportunities for qualified employment.” But this only happens when we combine smart investment with responsible execution.

The news of the last 24 hours shows that we are living in a unique moment: capital is available, technology is mature, and opportunities are enormous. But it also shows that having access to technology is not enough — it must be used wisely, ethically, and focused on real value.

In my mentoring work with startups and enterprises, I see that the organizations that thrive in this landscape are those that can balance technological innovation with clear purpose and solid execution. It’s not about having the most advanced AI, but about using the AI available to create genuine value for real people.

What about you? How are you preparing to take advantage of this historic moment of investment and opportunities in AI? The future is being built now, and there is room for those who arrive with real solutions to real problems.