KPMG Global Tech Innovator Final

Global Innovators Converge at Web Summit Lisbon 2025: KPMG Crowns Tech Visionaries

Mr. Michael Bancroft, TV Host and Executive Producer at Globalive Media, opened the KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition at Web Summit Lisbon 2025. Celebrating its fifth year, this event showcased 21 pioneering companies from diverse regions including America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. These finalists, having already won national and regional rounds, presented innovations across AI, fintech, health tech, and climate tech, each with a three-minute pitch to a panel of expert judges.

The esteemed judging panel included Ms. Emily Fontaine (IBM), Mr. Owen Duan (Inside Partners), Ms. Carolyn Weiss (Plug and Play), and Mr. Eugene Malabrotsky (One Way Ventures). They expressed enthusiasm for the wide array of solutions, hoping to discover compelling stories and new investment opportunities beyond the dominant AI narrative, emphasizing the importance of strong founders and market-ready ideas.

An insightful discussion followed with Mr. Lambert Hogenhout, Global Leader in Responsible Innovation at the UN. He addressed AI misconceptions, stressing that effective AI still requires quality data and effort, not shortcuts. Drawing from his experience in disaster relief, Mr. Hogenhout underscored the paramount importance of building trust and designing technology responsibly from the outset. He advised founders to consider potential misuse and diverse stakeholder perspectives, advocating for AI models with broader linguistic and cultural representation to combat bias and enhance reasoning.

Mr. Hogenhout also highlighted concerns regarding the rapid deployment of AI in unregulated spaces and the shift towards autonomous AI agents. He emphasized the need for human oversight and common sense, suggesting that while AI can automate mundane tasks, critical decisions and personal interactions should remain human-centric. This approach ensures that technology serves humanity ethically and effectively, fostering long-term trust and preventing unintended harm.

The highly anticipated awards ceremony, hosted by Mr. Michael Bancroft and Mr. Conor Moore (KPMG Global Leader – Private Enterprise), celebrated the competition’s top performers. The Second Runner-Up was awarded to Step Out from India, represented by Mr. Jeet Karmaka. Akara from Ireland, with Ms. Naomh Donnelly, was named the First Runner-Up. The People’s Choice award went to Selection Lab from the Netherlands, represented by Ms. Lottie Welton. The prestigious title of KPMG Global Tech Innovator for 2025 was proudly presented to Rhinoflux from Japan, represented by Mr. Alex Mazawa. Mr. Moore thanked all participants and judges, inviting attendees to a celebratory reception.