# Web Summit 2026 opens in Lisbon

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/web-summit-technology-conference-in-lisbon
> Updated: 2026-11-08T18:30:00.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2.

The 11th edition of Web Summit has commenced in Lisbon, Portugal, running from November 9 to 12. The event features approximately 70,000 participants, 900 speakers, and over 2,000 startups, with a notable emphasis on the transition of artificial intelligence from software to physical machines. This shift is highlighted by the inclusion of humanoid robots as official speakers for the first time. During the opening ceremony, Chinese companies such as Agibot performed demonstrations.

Founder and CEO Paddy Cosgrave described this as the most global edition to date, with participants representing 164 countries. Cosgrave noted the growing influence of Chinese technology, stating that the future of super-companies is increasingly centered in China rather than California. China maintains a major presence with its largest delegation to date, focusing on AI, advanced robotics, and quantum computing.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas opened the event, emphasizing that diversity and inclusion are essential drivers of innovation. 

Brazil is participating with a large delegation of approximately 300 startups supported by Sebrae and ApexBrasil, covering sectors such as health, fintech, agrotech, bioeconomy, and sustainability. Portugal is represented by 78 national startups through the Road2Web Summit program, with AI and healthtech being the most prominent sectors.

Economic reports from EY indicate that over the last decade, the conference has generated an estimated 2.5 billion euros for the Portuguese economy, contributing approximately 250 million euros annually through spending, job creation, and tax revenue.

## Claims

- Web Summit 2026 is taking place in Lisbon from November 9 to 12. (reported by 12 sources)
- Paddy Cosgrave stated that the future is increasingly Chinese. (reported by 8 sources)
- The summit includes participants from 164 countries. (reported by 6 sources)
- 78 Portuguese startups are participating via the Road 2 Web Summit program. (reported by 5 sources)
- Web Summit has generated approximately 2.5 billion euros for the Portuguese economy over the last ten years. (reported by 4 sources)
- Artificial intelligence and healthtech represent 18% and 16% of the Portuguese startup selection respectively. (reported by 3 sources)
- The Brazilian delegation includes about 300 startups. (reported by 2 sources)
- Humanoid robots are serving as official speakers at the summit for the first time. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-08: Web Summit 2026 opens in Lisbon with record Chinese presence

Web Summit 2026 has opened in Lisbon, featuring 70,000 attendees and a record presence of Chinese AI and robotics firms, alongside significant delegations from Brazil and Portugal.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/web-summit-generates-25-billion-euros-for-portuguese-economy

### 2026-11-06: Coimbra selects 12 startups for Web Summit

Coimbra will send a delegation of 12 startups to the Web Summit in Lisbon, featuring innovations in biotech, AI-driven fire prevention, aerospace, and sensor technology.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/coimbra-selects-12-startups-for-web-summit

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Cite as: Web Summit 2026 opens in Lisbon. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/web-summit-technology-conference-in-lisbon