Text: Maxi Media Communication
Image: Press release/AMAZ
In a scenario where AI is no longer a technology restricted to large companies and is beginning to reshape work routines, managers and impact entrepreneurs – working in the areas of food, cosmetics, fashion, crafts, and logistics in the Amazon – participated in a meeting promoted by AMAZ, an impact business accelerator coordinated by... Idesam, in partnership with Singulari Consulting to discuss the strategic use of artificial intelligence in business management.
The meeting fostered reflection on innovation, organizational culture, data security, and the challenges of digital transformation in the Amazonian context. Gabriela Souza, Innovation Leader at Idesam and Operational Manager of AMAZ, highlighted the importance of broadening the debate on artificial intelligence among businesses supported by the accelerator, considering the different levels of familiarity with the tools.
“AI has already been used in different ways within Amazon and also by the portfolio businesses. So this meeting was very much aimed at bringing this discussion to the table, promoting exchanges between entrepreneurs and understanding how these tools can be adapted to different realities and business models,” he stated.
Throughout the program, Luciana Minev, co-founder of Singulari Consultoria, highlighted that artificial intelligence is already part of the routine of most organizations, although it is still used without strategic direction in many cases.
“Today, 88% of organizations use artificial intelligence in some way. But only a small percentage of these projects generate real value for the business. Companies are using AI, but not yet in a strategic, structured, and secure way,” he stated.
According to Luciana, the main challenge lies not only in accessing the tools, but in how people and organizations understand the role of AI within work processes. "Our understanding is that the adoption of AI is a matter of strategy and culture, not technology," she explained.
She further highlighted that there are different ways to incorporate AI into business, ranging from acquiring platforms to strengthening the individual capabilities of teams.
“"There is a path linked to the acquisition of technology, but there is another, less explored path that generates a lot of value, which is literacy and individual empowerment for the use of these tools," he said.
Data Security and Digital Sovereignty
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss data security, digital sovereignty, and the impacts of technology on Amazonian territories. During the conversation, Tucum's CEO, Amanda Santana, drew attention to the problems of data circulation and the use of artificial intelligence in contexts related to the Amazon and indigenous peoples.
“It’s important to maintain a critical perspective because this concerns national sovereignty, the sovereignty of territories, and the Amazon. When these technologies operate within indigenous territories, for example, there is also a discussion about data, collective intellectual property, and risks linked to biopiracy,” he stated.
The exchanges fostered during the meeting also sparked new perspectives among the participating entrepreneurs, especially regarding the practical possibilities of using AI in daily business operations. Representing Manioca, Joanna Martins shared how her relationship with technology changed after closer contact with the tools.
“It was great. It’s a whole new world. It’s almost like learning to read again,” she said. Joanna recounted that, despite initial resistance, she began to see new possibilities through practical experimentation.
“At first I resisted a bit because I didn’t understand that we needed to feed the tool. But when I started teaching it, it began to make sense and made life much easier. Today I use it a lot at Manioca and the Institute, mainly for research and conversations. And you have opened up another universe here that I will begin to explore,” he stated.
Amaz drives impact businesses in the Amazon.
The activity was part of the agenda to strengthen the businesses supported by Amaz Impact Accelerator, which works to promote ventures committed to the sustainable development of the Amazon region.
Through mentorship, strategic connections, training, and specialized support, the accelerator supports businesses that combine innovation, socio-environmental impact, and the appreciation of the territories and knowledge of the Amazon.
Add a Comment