Web Summit 2024 delivered a clear message: artificial intelligence (AI) is not a passing trend but a transformative force that it’s reshaping industries and everyday life. From bold declarations on the main stage to the insights shared by industry leaders, the event underscored AI’s rapid journey from innovation to necessity.
“AI Will Become Commonplace,” Says Sergey Tokarev
“AI is transitioning from a trend to a fundamental aspect of how we work, innovate, and live,” says Sergey Tokarev, an IT investor and co-founder of Roosh Ventures. “This transformation is not just on the horizon; it is happening now.”
A McKinsey report reveals that 65% of enterprises are already using generative AI, a staggering rise from just ten months ago. Investors are following suit, with global funding for AI startups reaching $127 billion in 2024—a 45% year-over-year increase (PitchBook).
Tech giants are also doubling down. Microsoft is dedicating $1.3 billion to AI initiatives over the next three years, while Google partners with European research institutions to advance the field further. These moves signal that AI isn’t just the future; it’s the present.
AI: A Business Imperative
For companies, adopting AI is no longer optional. Those who ignore AI risk being left behind, Sergey Tokarev warns. Technology is revolutionizing how businesses operate, innovate, and compete.
Key areas of impact include:
- Efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks to save time and resources.
- Customer Experience: Enhancing service with AI-driven tools and personalization.
- Data Insights: Analyzing massive datasets to uncover trends and opportunities.
- Personalized Solutions: From tailored product recommendations to AI-powered health trackers.
- Disruptive Models: Enabling new platforms and services that redefine industries.
Beyond Business: Science, Sustainability, and Creativity
AI’s influence extends well beyond the corporate world. In science, it accelerates breakthroughs in areas like genomics, drug discovery, and climate research. It also plays a crucial role in sustainability, optimizing resource use, enabling precision agriculture, and aiding biodiversity conservation.
Creativity, too, is being redefined. AI tools are empowering artists, writers, and musicians to push boundaries and explore new creative horizons.
However, the rise of AI also brings challenges, particularly in cybersecurity. As AI becomes integral to daily operations, safeguarding sensitive data and systems becomes paramount. “Cybersecurity and cyber hygiene will become the new normal for everyone in their personal lives and a necessity for companies. We must realize this, accept it, and start implementing it in our daily lives and businesses,” Sergey Tokarev advises.
AI in Everyday Life
AI’s growing presence is evident in consumer technologies. ChatGPT and similar tools are helping millions communicate, learn, and create. Generative AI apps are gaining traction among users of all ages, while smart home technologies continue to expand, with the market projected to grow annually by over 17% through 2028.
The job market is also undergoing a transformation. According to the World Economic Forum, AI will create 97 million jobs globally by 2025 while automating 85 million existing roles. “That’s why we founded SET University in Ukraine,” the IT investor says, “To provide innovative higher education for future leaders of the technology industry.”
The Future of AI: Opportunity and Responsibility
The path forward is clear: AI will play an increasingly central role in our world. From personalized education to smarter healthcare, its applications are limitless. But as its influence grows, so does the responsibility to use it wisely.
“AI opens up a lot of new opportunities,” Sergey Tokarev explains. “We must learn to make the most of AI’s potential in our personal lives and for work.”
The message from Web Summit is simple: AI is no longer a choice—it’s the foundation of the future.
