
<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-more-than-five-years-web-summit-has-been-a-key-moment-for-the-ibm-team-to-connect-directly-with-over-70-000-attendees-including-startups-governments-and-industry-leaders">For more than five years, Web Summit has been a key moment for the IBM team to connect directly with over 70,000 attendees, including startups, governments, and industry leaders.</h3>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>“Web Summit is a reference point in the technology world, and in the startup world, and it&#8217;s a place where we can show what we do best. Partnering with Web Summit is a completely must for us&#8221;, – Ricardo Martinho, Country Manager of IBM Portugal.</p>
</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/01_IBM_Ricardo-Martinho-President-IBM-at-the-IBM-booth-during-day-two-of-Web-Summit-2025-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-100008" srcset="https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/WfCRzw5l-01_IBM_Ricardo-Martinho-President-IBM-at-the-IBM-booth-during-day-two-of-Web-Summit-2025-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/01_IBM_Ricardo-Martinho-President-IBM-at-the-IBM-booth-during-day-two-of-Web-Summit-2025-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/01_IBM_Ricardo-Martinho-President-IBM-at-the-IBM-booth-during-day-two-of-Web-Summit-2025-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/01_IBM_Ricardo-Martinho-President-IBM-at-the-IBM-booth-during-day-two-of-Web-Summit-2025-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/01_IBM_Ricardo-Martinho-President-IBM-at-the-IBM-booth-during-day-two-of-Web-Summit-2025-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/01_IBM_Ricardo-Martinho-President-IBM-at-the-IBM-booth-during-day-two-of-Web-Summit-2025-1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/01_IBM_Ricardo-Martinho-President-IBM-at-the-IBM-booth-during-day-two-of-Web-Summit-2025-1.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ricardo Martinho plays with the F-1 simulator, one of the most popular experiences at the IBM booth</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-web-summit"><strong>Why Web Summit?</strong></h3>



<p>IBM considers Web Summit as a must-attend event due to its unparalleled position in the global tech and startup ecosystem. </p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>“Even with AI everywhere, getting people together face-to-face is still incredibly important. Technology is meant to connect people, not divide them. Our stand is always packed because people want that direct, shared experience.”</p>
</blockquote>



<p>Every year at Web Summit, IBM shares its vision for cutting-edge technologies, positioning itself as a leader driving industry transformation.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>“It’s more than just a show. We have meetings scheduled all week with major customers, startups, new projects, and even the government representatives. It’s where business becomes real.”</p>
</blockquote>



<p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Attendees-playing-and-smiling-at-IBM-Booth-Web-Summit-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-100013" srcset="https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/au2woB5D-Attendees-playing-and-smiling-at-IBM-Booth-Web-Summit-300x200.jpg 300w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Attendees-playing-and-smiling-at-IBM-Booth-Web-Summit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Attendees-playing-and-smiling-at-IBM-Booth-Web-Summit-768x512.jpg 768w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Attendees-playing-and-smiling-at-IBM-Booth-Web-Summit-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Attendees-playing-and-smiling-at-IBM-Booth-Web-Summit-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Attendees-playing-and-smiling-at-IBM-Booth-Web-Summit-1400x934.jpg 1400w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Attendees-playing-and-smiling-at-IBM-Booth-Web-Summit.jpg 2047w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Each year, IBM consistently hosts one of Web Summit’s busiest stands</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ibm-as-web-summit-s-official-2026-ai-partner"><strong><strong>IBM as Web Summit’s Official 2026 AI Partner</strong></strong></h3>



<p>IBM is Web Summit&#8217;s Official AI Partner across all 2026 events. As part of this collaboration, it will host a series of activations and a content programme focused on AI and quantum for businesses.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>“Our strong commitment to AI in sports is driving innovation, and this challenge encourages startups to showcase their technology and solutions for sports”.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>If you&#8217;re a startup bringing incredible ideas to sports, make sure to apply for the <strong>IBM Sports Tech Challenge</strong> <a href="https://websummit.com/startups/ibm-sports-tech-challenge-at-web-summit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p>IBM has also partnered with tennis legend Maria Sharapova. In 2024, she took part in an improvised game challenge with attendees at the IBM booth.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Maria-Sharapova-plays-tennis-with-Web-Summit-attendees-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-100009" srcset="https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/vyz33TNU-Maria-Sharapova-plays-tennis-with-Web-Summit-attendees-300x200.jpg 300w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Maria-Sharapova-plays-tennis-with-Web-Summit-attendees-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Maria-Sharapova-plays-tennis-with-Web-Summit-attendees-768x512.jpg 768w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Maria-Sharapova-plays-tennis-with-Web-Summit-attendees-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Maria-Sharapova-plays-tennis-with-Web-Summit-attendees-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Maria-Sharapova-plays-tennis-with-Web-Summit-attendees-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/Maria-Sharapova-plays-tennis-with-Web-Summit-attendees.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Maria Sharapova, entrepreneur and tennis legend, playing at IBM stand</figcaption></figure>



<p>With immersive experiences and cutting-edge activations with brands like Ferrari, IBM’s stand is often one of the most talked-about and high-traffic spots throughout the days of Web Summit.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>“People need to feel the tech to understand it. The F1 Ferrari partnership (announced at Web Summit) where fans can experience the data collected from a race car in our booth, it&#8217;s like driving an F1 Ferrari yourself! So it&#8217;s amazing to bring this opportunity to everyone.”</p>
</blockquote>



<p>IBM showcases innovation globally and year-round. So what sets Web Summit apart for them?</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>&#8220;What sets Web Summit apart is its focus on new companies and startups. Bringing companies of every size together is truly unique&#8221;.</p>
</blockquote>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/IBM-Vancouver-Vancouver-Conference-Centre-Web-Summit-Vancouver-2025.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-100010" srcset="https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/i2hlOLTs-IBM-Vancouver-Vancouver-Conference-Centre-Web-Summit-Vancouver-2025-300x200.jpg 300w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/IBM-Vancouver-Vancouver-Conference-Centre-Web-Summit-Vancouver-2025-768x513.jpg 768w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/IBM-Vancouver-Vancouver-Conference-Centre-Web-Summit-Vancouver-2025.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Innovation meets play: attendees always stop by the IBM stand</figcaption></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-presence-equals-a-bigger-return"><strong>Bigger presence equals a bigger return</strong></h3>



<p>If there&#8217;s any advice to give to other companies planning to join Web Summit, Ricardo Martinho is direct:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>“If you&#8217;re doing big things, show them big. Bigger presence equals a bigger return. I remember IBM presenting the first quantum computer, and everyone was blown away. I think that IBM understood that from the beginning.”</p>
</blockquote>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/IBM-Happy-Hour-attendees-playing-table-tennis-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-100015" srcset="https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/5uUBXF3y-IBM-Happy-Hour-attendees-playing-table-tennis-300x200.jpg 300w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/IBM-Happy-Hour-attendees-playing-table-tennis-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/IBM-Happy-Hour-attendees-playing-table-tennis-768x512.jpg 768w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/IBM-Happy-Hour-attendees-playing-table-tennis-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/IBM-Happy-Hour-attendees-playing-table-tennis-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/IBM-Happy-Hour-attendees-playing-table-tennis-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https://websummit.com/wp-media/2026/01/IBM-Happy-Hour-attendees-playing-table-tennis.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>As we head into 2026, this successful partnership is set for even greater things, and we are thrilled to be part of what&#8217;s next.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-join-ibm-and-other-major-companies-at-web-summit-become-a-partner">Join IBM and other major companies at Web Summit. <a href="https://websummit.com/partners/">Become a partner</a>. </h5>



<p></p>


IBM: “Web Summit is where business becomes real”

Replit: “Web Summit helps us grow our brand and mindshare in Europe”

LinkedIn: “Web Summit help us to engage directly with decision-makers”