Atlantic Infinity is committed to using immersive technologies to modernize sectors such as education, developing digital solutions that enable more practical, secure, and interactive learning experiences. “Augmented reality, together with Artificial Intelligence, allows us to create a different approach to conventional education,” emphasizes Paulo Santos, CEO of the company, who also highlights the role of Nonagon and the recognition of the start-up on platforms such as “Link to Leaders.”

Correio dos Açores – What motivated the creation of Atlantic Infinity, and what was the initial vision when you founded the company in 2024?

Paulo Santos (CEO of Atlantic Infinity) – Atlantic Infinity was born out of a lack of investment in Artificial Intelligence and technologies such as augmented, virtual, and mixed reality. Our vision was (and continues to be) to transform existing technologies to improve processes and overall quality of life, with a strong focus on education. We are not looking to “reinvent the wheel,” but rather to optimize it and make it more accessible to everyone.

How would you describe Atlantic Infinity’s purpose? What is the company’s work based on?

Atlantic Infinity focuses on improving and refining existing technologies and methods using tools such as Artificial Intelligence and augmented reality. We believe that areas such as education still have significant room for improvement, which is why we focus on smart, efficient digitization when creating programs and games. Despite our natural inclination towards education, we also create customized websites and innovative solutions across a wide range of areas.

Atlantic Infinity focuses on virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. How can these technologies transform traditional sectors, such as education?

All these technologies have great potential in education, as they remove risks and costs and make teaching more interactive. Augmented reality can be used to transform theoretical components into practical ones where risk or expense is high, such as in healthcare, where procedures must be practiced as realistically as possible but carry a high risk. Augmented reality, together with Artificial Intelligence, offers a different approach to conventional education, allowing users to learn through their smartphone cameras by gathering information directly from the elements in front of them, such as buildings and objects.

Mixed reality brings together “the best of both worlds” in a single system, allowing digital interaction with objects in front of the user. This system can assist in areas where detailed knowledge of components or processes is required.

What are the biggest technical and creative challenges in working with immersive technologies?

The biggest technical challenge is the lack of references, as we are creating innovative solutions in a largely unexplored market. Despite this challenge, we are proud of our ability to redefine horizons, enabling us to develop solutions tailored to our customers’ vision. In terms of creative challenges, the biggest one is how to use these technologies in a relevant way, i.e., in a way that offers more benefits than conventional technologies. Most implementations of these technologies do not provide a clear advantage over normal technologies. This makes the technologies irrelevant and pointless. We want to use these technologies in a way that delivers clear, structured benefits to those who use them.

What has been Nonagon’s role as an “Azorean ecosystem” in the start-up’s growth?

Nonagon has been a key partner in terms of the regional framework, promoting our mission and enabling a vast network of contacts and new partnerships. Since the day we first contacted their team, Nonagon has been committed to helping us execute our vision in the Azores and even in Europe. Nonagon has provided us with support in several areas through its experts. In addition, they have made great efforts to strengthen communication between companies, an important factor in business success.

How does the recognition from “Link to Leaders” validate the company’s trajectory so far?

The fact that Link to Leaders, a reputable business newspaper, has recognized us is tangible proof that we are indeed “making waves” in a market that is still far from reaching its full potential. The use of these technologies is crucial to revolutionizing areas such as education, culture, and tourism.

Can you share a specific example of a project the company has developed that is already having a real impact?

One project we carried out that had a major impact was “ViReTrain,” in which we worked closely with a German company, Ingenious Knowledge, to develop a module for nursing schools to simulate a scenario in which nurses care for a patient. The module covers all the necessary steps, including assessing the patient’s symptoms and behavior, responding appropriately, providing the right treatment, and communicating with the patient, colleagues (such as doctors), and family members. The module combines all the benefits of virtual reality. For example, the pulse is simulated using haptic controllers, and measuring devices can be better simulated by the user’s own hands. This tool is being actively used in nursing schools. We also provide several other services. For example, we are currently performing technical maintenance on an application with a large database used to research diseases based on symptom chains.

The company has ambitions to take technology “from the Azores to the world.” Which international markets are currently on Atlantic Infinity’s radar?

We are very open to establishing partnerships with companies and institutions that are innovative in their respective fields and want to explore and optimize the use of modern technology. We have already established productive partnerships with companies in Germany that share our vision. In recent years, Germany has made major investments in the digitization of its education system, providing us with the perfect opportunity to showcase the potential of the Azores on the international stage. We are ready to expand our experience and solutions to a broader global stage.

What advice would you give to other Azorean entrepreneurs who want to launch start-ups?

For me, two key concepts have helped me get where I am today. The first is very common, but perhaps the most important: “No is always guaranteed,” so it’s worth taking the risk. It is normal for things not to go well at first, so you need to learn from your mistakes and use negative responses to improve and rethink what may have gone wrong. This concept taught me the second key point: sometimes you have to wait for the right time. The idea may be revolutionary, but if it comes at the wrong time, you risk losing relevance.

Entrepreneurs need to use the tools and resources at their disposal. Partner entities, such as business incubators, other companies, or even public institutions, have the means and resources that can help solidify ideas and projects.

What are the next goals?

We aspire to be a leading company in the use of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, and Augmented Reality. We want to be part of people’s daily lives and redefine the current limits of education, making it more accessible and interactive. We have several projects that we believe are the beginning of a reconfiguration of education, and we want to be the ones to take the first steps in that direction.

José Henrique Andrade is a journalist for Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, the director.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.