RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Innovation is not necessarily linked to great discoveries or only to cutting-edge technology. The president of the Rio Innovation Week Organizing Council and one of the creators of the event, Fábio Queiróz, says that innovation can be changing something that is done every day and, with creativity, improving a product or service.
Improving a product or service? Yes, please. The man should turn to City Hall as soon as possible and put his theory into practice, because Rio de Janeiro is in reality one thing, and one thing only: same old, same old. Corrupt and dangerous, dysfunctional and overpriced, living off its glorious past as the “former” Brazilian capital and losing ground every day to the truly up-and-coming Brazilian cities and states where Brazil’s future is being shaped.
Still, Rio de Janeiro is a world brand and a great one. Maybe even one of the greatest there is.
And this is undoubtedly the reason why more than 500 speakers are confirmed, in addition to 1.2 thousand startups and 190 exhibitors.
Among them are Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin group, who will talk with Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Marcos Pontes; Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple; and Francis Suarez, mayor of Miami, who will participate in a conversation with Rio’s mayor, Eduardo Paes.
Showing that technology and innovation can be easier and more accessible than you think is one of the goals of Rio Innovation Week, which begins today (13) and runs through Sunday (16) in the capital city of Rio de Janeiro, according to Fábio Queiróz.
It will actually be possible to tap into technology. The event will feature virtual reality spaces, which can be experienced by visitors, as well as robots that will circulate around the venue.
Among them will be Robozão, which is three meters tall and is a success in social networks; Icebot, from Roboteria, which serves ice cream; and Tinbot, the first interactive Brazilian robot that brings together artificial intelligence, cognition, and the internet of things.
The event also aims to draw attention to Rio de Janeiro and put the city on the path of science and technology. The intention is to engage with the various market and government representatives to stimulate investment.
However, given the severe pollution of air, water, sea and beaches, coupled with rampant crime, corruption and inflated prices, as well as the nasty habit of most Cariocas of wanting to take advantage of every gringo they meet, this venture seems doomed from the start.
According to Queiróz, despite excellent universities, the city and state of Rio continue to lose personnel to other states such as talent magnet São Paulo and the pristine wonderland of Santa Catarina, where the crime- and favela-free coastline offers a combination of beauty, tranquility, outdoor activities and quality of life unparalleled in all of Brazil and beyond.
The complete program of this unlikely event is available on the Internet. It is also possible to follow the highlights through social networks.
And as first little proof of how innovative they really are in Rio de Janeiro, you might look in vain for an English version of the program. But you can try.