The Power of AI in Business: Big Bets and New Challenges

Over the past week, I have been following a series of significant developments in the world of Artificial Intelligence that deserve our attention. As someone who has been actively observing and participating in technological developments in Brazil and around the world, I see clear signs that we are at a decisive moment for companies and organizations.

Recent data shows that companies that have embraced AI are reaping impressive results. An IBM study revealed that 511% of organizations that use open-source AI tools reported positive returns on investment. It’s no wonder that tech giants are increasing their investments in this field.

The Current State of the Market

Some important movements draw attention:

• OpenAI is considering a transition to a for-profit model amid talks with Microsoft — a move that could redefine the competitive landscape.
• A Chinese startup called DeepSeek has released a new language model that is outperforming products from Meta and OpenAI, demonstrating that innovation can come from anywhere.
• Only 71% of companies, according to MIT, have actually integrated AI into their decision-making processes – a number that highlights the enormous growth potential that remains untapped.

Practical Impacts and Trends

What amazes me the most is seeing how AI is branching out into different industries:

• In security: AI systems are being implemented to detect suspicious activity and protect employees and customers.
• In construction: In Durham, a 27-story skyscraper is being built with the help of AI to optimize project management.
• In education: Universities are revamping their curricula to prepare students for an AI-driven future.

Regulation and Governance

One aspect we cannot ignore is the growing movement for regulation. In Texas, for example, a law has been proposed for responsible governance of AI, something that reminds me a lot of the discussions we had during the creation of the Legal Framework for Startups in Brazil. It is essential to find the balance between innovation and responsibility.

Reflections and Learnings

In my experience working with startups and innovation, I have learned that moments of technological transformation like this are crucial for companies to position themselves. I see many similarities with the beginning of the commercial internet or the popularization of smartphones – those who adapt quickly come out ahead.

What makes me especially optimistic is seeing how ripe the market is for this transformation. During my years supporting startups at Startup Farm and Start-Up Brasil, I have rarely seen a moment with so many clear opportunities for practical application of a technology.

For companies that are still hesitant, my advice is clear: start small, but start now. Identify processes that can be optimized with AI and conduct controlled tests. The important thing is to gain practical experience and understand how the technology can benefit your specific business.

Conclusion

We are living in a unique moment in the history of technology. Companies that know how to seize this moment, investing intelligently in AI and focusing on practical results, will have significant competitive advantages in the coming years.

The future of AI isn’t just in the hands of big tech companies – it’s in the decisions every organization makes today to prepare for tomorrow. How are you preparing for this transformation?