Opening remarks

Web Summit Lisbon 2025: Zivile Einikyte Unveils a Future Forged by Human Connection and Technological Frontiers

Ms. Zivile Einikyte, Creator and MC of the Perception Paradox podcast, warmly greeted attendees at the Machine Stage for Web Summit Lisbon 2025. She described the stage as a dynamic nexus where creative innovation, technological advancements, and even a touch of chaos converge, setting an engaging tone for the day.

The Machine Stage aims to explore the synergy between humanity and technology, addressing current realities and shaping future possibilities. The morning’s agenda promised deep dives into autonomous vehicles, robots transforming factories, satellites powering new infrastructures, and air taxis redefining personal mobility.

As Web Summit Lisbon 2025 entered its second day, Ms. Einikyte urged attendees to pause and reflect. She emphasized that the event’s true value extends beyond navigating pavilions, lying instead in fostering genuine connections that can spark new opportunities, insights, or pivotal career shifts.

She encouraged active networking, reminding the audience that behind all sophisticated hardware and intricate code are people. These individuals, often described as “crazy” and brave, are the driving force behind world-changing innovations. She prompted reflection on their networking efforts thus far.

The upcoming session would pivot to an exciting new domain: space. Ms. Einikyte highlighted that Europe’s next significant frontier is orbital, challenging the outdated notion that space exploration is exclusive to a select few, such as scientists, the wealthy, or specific nations.

In 2025, access to advanced technology is rapidly expanding, making the potential impact of space-related tools massive and widely accessible. This shift signifies a democratization of space, transforming it from a distant, inaccessible concept into a tangible area for innovation and development for a broader audience.

Before the next session, Ms. Einikyte invited attendees to take a brief moment for introspection. She encouraged them to set a personal intention for their time at Web Summit, considering what they wished to contribute, learn, or gain from the experience to maximize their engagement and focus.

She advised participants to identify what sparks their curiosity and whom they aspire to meet, leveraging the Web Summit app effectively. This tool facilitates connections with a diverse range of professionals, from investors and media representatives to fellow entrepreneurs, ensuring a productive summit experience.

Concluding her opening, Ms. Einikyte introduced the panel for the session on Europe’s orbital frontier. She welcomed Mr. Volodymyr Levikin, CEO of Skyrora; Ms. Maureen Haverty, Investment Principal at Serafin Space; and Mr. Diogo Teixeira, Co-founder and Publisher of Raza Automobile, who would moderate.