PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA – The seventh edition of Brazil at Silicon Valley (BSV) kicks off today, April 22, 2025, under the theme "Embracing Resilience." This year’s focus on innovation amid adversity resonates strongly with the current realities faced by immigrant students in the United States, who are the driving force behind this notable event. The BSV, which runs until April 23, aims to bridge the innovation ecosystems of Brazil and Silicon Valley, fostering connections among entrepreneurs and investors.
Founded in 2018 by students from Stanford and Berkeley, BSV has quickly become a significant platform for exchanging ideas and networking. This year’s agenda features crucial discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and investment strategies, reflecting the interests and challenges of today’s tech landscape.
The backdrop to this event is a turbulent political climate in the United States, where tensions are rising between former President Donald Trump and elite universities. The Trump administration's push to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, alongside efforts to reform admissions processes to remove racial criteria, has sparked considerable debate. Federal funding freezes further complicate the situation, making the BSV’s mission of inclusivity even more pertinent.
Key figures in the innovation sector, such as Chris Larsen from Ripple, Divesh Makan from ICONIQ Capital, and James Manyika from Google, will be participating in the event. Other notable companies involved include Qualcomm, Endeavor Brasil, Hyperplane (recently acquired by Nubank), Moises AI, Carnegie Mellon University, and Google for Startups, which is also a sponsor. The event is expected to gather around 600 participants, emphasizing the importance of networking and idea exchange.
"We see many businesses emerging from informal interactions, such as a lunch where participants discover that an accelerator is looking for a startup with the exact profile of the group sitting at the table," said Kiss, a long-time participant of BSV. This highlights the unpredictable yet fruitful nature of networking at such gatherings.
Kiss also underscores the continuous efforts to make BSV more inclusive. Partnerships with organizations like Fundação Lemann and Carreiras em Movimento aim to finance the participation of black women and students from diverse backgrounds. "We want to ensure that peripheral voices also have a space to share their experiences and learnings. BSV plays a crucial role in placing Brazil on the global innovation map, connecting our entrepreneurs with best practices and international networks," she added.
The event is taking place at the Google Event Center in Sunnyvale, California, where discussions will not only revolve around technology but also sustainability. Topics such as green economy, biotechnology, and startups focused on climate change solutions will be at the forefront of the agenda.
As BSV continues to grow, it has become a reference point for Brazilian innovation, showcasing the resilience of its entrepreneurs. The conference has previously sparked initiatives like the Institute of Technology and Leadership (Inteli), which emerged from connections made at the event.
With renewed interest from foreign funds in Brazilian startups, the 2025 edition of BSV is set to attract more partnerships and investments. The event is backed by influential figures such as Jorge Paulo Lemann, Luciano Huck, and Hugo Barra, and sponsored by companies including Estadão, Pinheiro Neto, Google for Startups, SoftBank, and Boticário.
"We aim for BSV to be more than just an event; we want it to be a movement that connects, inspires, and propels Brazilians into the global arena," said Kiss. The enthusiasm surrounding BSV is palpable, and if the initial days in Sunnyvale are any indication, the innovation passport for Brazil is well on its way to being stamped.
