The fifth edition of Rio Innovation Week, widely regarded as the world’s largest technology and innovation conference, opened on Tuesday (August 12). Hosted at Píer Mauá in Rio de Janeiro, this year’s event centers on the theme “A Perspective Through Ethics,” connecting industries, ecosystems, and more than 3,000 speakers to discuss trends and solutions shaping both present and future landscapes.
Organizers estimate the four-day event will generate over R$ 4 billion ($700M+) in business volume and attract approximately 185,000 visitors. The lineup features 40 simultaneous stages, 400 exhibitors, and around 2,000 startups. Confirmed speakers include prominent national figures such as Rebeca Andrade, Carlos Nobre, Luiza Helena Trajano, Teodoro, and Ney Matogrosso, alongside international keynotes including Sebastian Vettel, António Damásio, Graça Machel, John Maeda, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege.
According to Jerônimo Vargas, co-founder and general director of the event, this edition aims to drive strategic sectors, mobilize leaders, and create a positive impact both in Brazil and globally. “We have gathered renowned national and international experts, along with immersive experiences that bring us closer to the opportunities and trends shaping the global future,” he stated.
Curated by physicist and astronomer Marcelo Gleiser, the “Science for All” conference features speakers like James Daniel Whitfield, Adam Frank—an astrophysicist who consulted on the movie Doctor Strange—and Rick Doblin, focusing on scientific and technological breakthroughs. The impact of technology on culture is also highlighted in the RIW Pop & Tech track, hosting events such as Brazil Immersive Fashion Week (BRIFW), Music Forward, and BPOM (Brasil Para o Mundo).
Immersive Experiences and Activations
This edition covers the largest footprint in the event’s history, extending to the Brazilian Navy vessel NAM Atlântico (A140), which hosts a specialized schedule featuring simulators, stages, and exhibitions. Confirmed installations include:
- LedPulse – Dragon O²: A volumetric LED installation creating 3D images suspended in mid-air.
- Immersive Conferences at Kobra: 360-degree projections focusing on sustainability, urban mobility, and sports.
- Projection Mapping: Works by artist Ferdi Alici projected onto the hull of the NAM Atlântico.
- RIW Music Session: Daily live performances featuring artists such as Ferrugem and Paralamas do Sucesso.
- Energy In Transition: An interactive experience on energy transition developed by the German Consulate.
- Removed: A photographic exhibition by artist Eric Pickersgill exploring human relationships with digital devices.
- Tattoo Truck Tour: Complimentary services focused on covering breast cancer surgery scars.
- Game Season Rio (GSR): A gaming hub featuring panel discussions and the finals of the FERJEE Esports Circuit.
- Delusional Garden Experience: A performance blending fashion and peripheral technology.
- UFRJ Science Park: Interactive attractions connecting the history and future of innovation.
- Virtual Reality Diving Helmet: An underwater educational experience presented by Sinergia Educação.
In addition to the interactive showcases, attendees can join book signings with figures such as Marcelo Rubens Paiva, Daniel Goleman, Paulo Niemeyer, Peter Diamandis, Leandro Karnal, and Carla Madeira, alongside masterclasses, networking events, and business matchmaking rounds.
Rio Innovation Week 2025 runs through Friday (August 15), reinforcing its role as a premier gathering point for global leaders, founders, and tech enthusiasts.
Event Details
- Event: Rio Innovation Week 2025
- Dates: August 12–15, 2025
- Location: Píer Mauá – Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Schedule subject to change.
