Every year, the eyes of the global innovation ecosystem turn to Madrid. But in 2025 we aren’t just raising the bar—it’s reshaping the conversation. With a bold new structure, a record-breaking international presence, and a deep focus on technologies that truly matter, South Summit 2025 is poised to be the most transformative edition yet.
Over three packed days, Madrid will become a hub for founders, investors, thought leaders, and global change-makers. This isn’t just a networking event. It’s a platform where ideas scale, industries evolve, and impact begins.
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What You Can’t Miss at South Summit 2025
A New Lens for Global Progress: The Four Prisms of South Summit 2025
At the heart of this year’s summit lies a completely reimagined program. Rather than separating topics into isolated tracks, South Summit 2025 embraces a cross-disciplinary framework built on four guiding prisms: Growth, Sustainable Action, Humanity 2.0, and Tech Horizons. These thematic pillars allow attendees to navigate the complex challenges of our time with a more integrated and strategic perspective.
The Growth prism explores what it means to build and scale a business sustainably in a fast-changing world. From fostering inclusive ecosystems to attracting top talent and securing funding, the sessions here will resonate with startups, scaleups, and corporates alike.
Sustainable Action is more than a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. This axis dives into climate tech, resource management, and the future of food and energy, reminding us that innovation only matters if it works in harmony with the planet.
Under Humanity 2.0, South Summit makes a powerful statement: progress must put people first. Whether exploring the ethics of AI, the evolution of digital finance, or the role of tech in education and health, these conversations put human well-being and equity at the center.
Finally, Tech Horizons offers a glimpse into tomorrow. From advanced AI to neurotechnology, quantum computing, and virtual worlds, this prism invites us to imagine what’s next—and how to build it responsibly.
The Most Global Edition to Date
One of the most exciting developments of South Summit 2025 is its unprecedented international scope. Our Startup Competition will feature startups from 20 countries, reflecting South Summit’s role as a truly global platform. This marks a significant increase from 2024, when 16 nations were represented.
Even more striking is the maturity of the companies involved. Many of the finalists have already surpassed key revenue and fundraising milestones. Eighteen of them are generating over €1 million in revenue, while nine have raised more than €10 million in investment, tripling the figure from last year. These aren’t just early-stage ideas—they’re businesses with traction, impact, and global potential.
Artificial Intelligence at the Core
Artificial Intelligence will be the connective tissue running through nearly every corner of South Summit 2025. From robotics and education to fashion and health, the event will explore AI not as a trend, but as a core enabler of transformation.
Key sessions include a groundbreaking keynote by Dennis Hong on AI-powered robotics and the transition from specialized machines to adaptive, intelligent systems. Fernando Dominguez will delve into the fusion of AI and quantum computing, unlocking new possibilities in cybersecurity and materials science
Fashion gets a futuristic twist with Adriana Hoppenbrouwer, who will share how generative AI is reinventing the industry with sustainable, zero-waste design processes. Meanwhile, Vasco Pedro will explore the frontier of Neuro AI, showing how the convergence of artificial intelligence and neuroscience can enhance mental health and human communication.
New concepts like the AI Maturity Index and deep dives into sectors such as logistics, defense, and creativity ensure that AI remains a central and actionable topic throughout the summit.
Unicorns, Impact, and the Power of Purpose
If 2024 was the year of scaling, 2025 is the year of scaling with purpose. South Summit will host more unicorns than ever before, among them are names like Flutterwave, a fintech giant connecting 30 African countries to the global economy, and Brazil’s Creditas, a benchmark in inclusive finance.
Yet success stories at South Summit go beyond valuation. Sessions such as “Doing Well by Doing Good”, “Fintech for a Net-Zero Future”, and “Beyond Profit” highlight a critical trend: tech is no longer judged by financial metrics alone. Today’s top founders and investors are aligning impact with ROI, and South Summit is where these models are discussed, challenged, and scaled.
Creativity, Culture & the New Economy
Creativity isn’t just an artistic pursuit—it’s a business engine. South Summit 2025 puts creative industries at center stage with keynotes from Greg Hoffman, and Pinar Demirdag. Sessions will explore how digital culture, creator platforms, and immersive storytelling are reshaping marketing, brand-building, and consumer relationships. Gaming, fashion, and even virtual tourism will be examined not only as entertainment, but as catalysts for education, inclusion, and innovation.
Stories That Inspire: Real People, Real Impact
Some of the most anticipated moments of the summit will come from the first-person stories of entrepreneurs who changed the game. Marc Randolph will revisit the improbable journey from DVD rentals to global streaming dominance. Marci Zaroff will speak on building a sustainable brand with authenticity and purpose.
You’ll also hear from leaders like Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, Pedro Conrade, and Mikayel Vardanyan – founders who have scaled in tough markets, driven inclusion through innovation, and built products that resonate with millions.
Why You Can’t Miss South Summit 2025
South Summit Madrid 2025 is where the future is being written—by the most ambitious founders, the boldest investors, and the brightest minds in tech and business. Whether you’re looking to launch, invest, partner, or simply be inspired, there’s no better place to connect with the ideas and people shaping what’s next. Join us in Madrid. The future is waiting.