AI in Brazil

According the Brazilian government, there is an investment of 23.03 billion reais proposed as part of a wider AI investment plan from 2024 to 2028, where nearly 14 billion reais will go towards business innovation projects over the next four years, while more than 5 billion will be invested in AI infrastructure and development. A few of the key players include tech giants such as IBM, Google and Microsoft, offering cloud and AI services, often collaborating with local enterprises to drive AI adoption. Additionally, institutions like the University of Sao Paulo (USP), and Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE) are actively involved in AI research.  

Fabio Coelho, president of Google Brazil, has been an active spokesperson on the benefits of AI and the need for Brazil to invest in research and development in this sector. Luiza Trajano, president of the Board of Directors of Magazine Luiza, has supported innovation and digitization initiatives that include the use of AI to improve efficiency and customer experience. André Esteves, partner at BTG Pactual, has financed projects and startups focused on AI, highlighting the importance of private capital in technological development. 

The state of Paraná has stood out in initiatives for modernization, digitization, and the introduction of Artificial Intelligence, led by Governor Ratinho Junior and Planning Secretary Guto Silva. 

The future of Brazilian society will be shaped by the choices that the government and society itself make in relation to AI. The sense of urgency regarding AI investments and the formulation of public policies emerges as crucial priorities worldwide, encompassing both developed and developing countries. While there are many enticing opportunities in the market, there are challenges like data privacy and regulation laws, which can be complex to navigate. There is also a shortage of AI and machine learning ready talent, meaning that companies need to invest to upskill talent to bridge the gap, as well as limited access to high-quality data and computing infrastructure, which is mainly a barrier for smaller startups in less developed regions.