Rio Innovation Week highlights data-driven transport, tech alliance and social issue panels

The Rio Innovation Week 2026, held at Pier Mauá in Rio de Janeiro, featured a series of panels on using data to improve public transport, with municipal economic development secretary Osmar Lima emphasizing that better data can plan routes and connect citizens to jobs.

A new institutional alliance was announced, bringing together Assespro‑RJ, Riosoft and TI Rio to coordinate a strategic agenda for the state's 30,000‑plus IT firms and boost competitiveness, as described by Assespro‑RJ president Robert Janssen.

The event also hosted diverse discussions: the Ministry of Public of Rio presented panels on racism in schools, urban accessibility and gender equality in public service; the Liga Nacional de Futsal president Fellipe Drommond spoke on futsal’s role in sports innovation; the CRA‑RJ showcased technology as a driver for modernising administration; and a session on AI, disinformation and water examined emerging digital challenges.

Cultural and social topics were covered as well, including a fashion showcase of celebrity looks, a debate on family agriculture led by Carla Guindane of Raízes do Campo, and an “Ancestral Innovation” talk by indigenous leader Ailton Krenak warning of climate‑driven human displacement. A scientific interview highlighted researchers using AI to design new viruses, raising bio‑security concerns.