From Jeff Bezos to Europe’s AI push: Everything to know about VivaTech 2026
From Jeff Bezos to Europe s AI – Paris has become the focal point for innovation as the VivaTech conference officially launched on Wednesday, drawing a mix of tech titans and emerging startups. This year’s edition marks a significant milestone, celebrating a decade of progress and transformation in the European tech landscape. The event has evolved beyond its original scope, now symbolizing a broader movement that unites entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders in a shared mission to shape the future. With a renewed emphasis on artificial intelligence, tech sovereignty, and global collaboration, VivaTech 2026 promises to be a landmark occasion for the tech world.
A Decade of Growth and Rebranding
VivaTech 2026 is not just another conference—it’s a celebration of ten years of innovation and impact. To commemorate the anniversary, the event has rebranded from its previous name, Viva Technology, to VivaTech, signaling a shift in focus. Organizers highlight that the rebranding reflects the event’s expansion into a “true VivaTech Generation,” a global community of stakeholders committed to driving technological advancement. The anniversary is also marked by a public event on Sunday, which transformed the Champs-Élysées into a vibrant showcase of futuristic technologies, featuring robots, innovations in mobility, and a glimpse into tomorrow’s possibilities.
“Over the past decade, VivaTech has grown into much more than just a gathering: a true VivaTech Generation has emerged, a global community of entrepreneurs, startups, investors, thought leaders, countries, and students, all united by a shared desire to innovate, collaborate, and build the world of tomorrow.”
Public engagement remains a cornerstone of this year’s edition, with Saturday, 20 June, reserved for open access to the exhibition space. Attendees can explore cutting-edge projects, interact with startups, and witness how technology is redefining industries. The inclusion of free public events underscores VivaTech’s commitment to democratizing innovation, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond the traditional tech elite.
Key Themes and Global Leaders in Attendance
This year’s conference is centered around several pivotal topics, with artificial intelligence (AI) taking the forefront. As the world grapples with the ethical implications and transformative potential of AI, VivaTech has positioned itself as a hub for discussions on its future. Alongside AI, themes such as tech sovereignty, cybersecurity, and sustainability will be explored, reflecting the growing importance of these issues in the global tech agenda.
Notable figures from the tech and business sectors are expected to participate, including Jeff Bezos, the co-CEO of Prometheus, and Yann LeCun, a pioneer in AI research. Their presence highlights the event’s stature and its role as a platform for influential voices. Additionally, Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral AI, and Peter Steinberger, founder of OpenClaw, will join the lineup. Political leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger, and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi are also set to attend, emphasizing the cross-border collaboration central to the conference’s mission.
The European Commission’s tech executive, Henna Virkkunen, will be in attendance as well, underscoring the EU’s growing role in shaping the future of technology. This diverse array of participants, from industry leaders to policymakers, illustrates the conference’s broad appeal and its role as a melting pot for ideas and initiatives.
Spotlight on Germany and India
This year, VivaTech has selected Germany as its featured country, highlighting the nation’s contributions to technological innovation and its strategic role in the global tech ecosystem. The choice aligns with the conference’s broader goal of fostering international partnerships, as Germany continues to be a leader in digital transformation and research. India, meanwhile, has been named the AI country partner, a decision that follows its recent AI Impact Summit in Delhi and the French-Indian Innovation Year.
The partnership with India reflects the growing significance of the region in AI development, particularly its rapid advancements in technology and entrepreneurship. By spotlighting both Germany and India, VivaTech aims to showcase how different countries are addressing the challenges and opportunities of AI, from national strategies to grassroots innovation. This dual focus also underscores the event’s role in bridging regional and global perspectives, fostering a more interconnected tech community.
A European Forum for AI Excellence
A new initiative this year is the European Centre for AI Excellence, a platform co-initiated by VivaTech and the World Economic Forum. The day dedicated to this center will feature in-depth discussions on AI’s role in Europe, its ethical frameworks, and its potential to drive economic growth and societal progress. Euronews will moderate a selection of these talks, bringing insights from leading experts to a wider audience.
One of the standout panels will focus on longevity in science, featuring Delphine Viguier-Hovasse from L’Oréal and Pauline Adam-Kalfon from PwC. This session will explore how advancements in technology can extend human lifespan and improve quality of life, tying into the conference’s broader themes of innovation and sustainability. The inclusion of such diverse topics demonstrates VivaTech’s commitment to addressing both current and future challenges across industries.
As the conference unfolds, Euronews journalists will provide real-time coverage, ensuring that the latest developments and breakthroughs are shared with audiences worldwide. With its unique blend of networking, innovation, and discourse, VivaTech 2026 stands as a testament to the dynamic evolution of the tech industry and its ability to adapt to changing global priorities.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for VivaTech
VivaTech’s 2026 edition marks a new chapter in its journey, building on a decade of achievements while addressing the pressing needs of the present. The event’s expansion to include more public access and its focus on AI sovereignty reflect a growing awareness of the importance of technology in shaping national and global policies. As the conference progresses, it will serve as a catalyst for collaboration, inspiring new ventures and reinforcing the role of Europe as a leader in technological innovation.
With its emphasis on both technological advancement and societal impact, VivaTech continues to play a vital role in connecting the dots between innovation and real-world applications. The 10th anniversary edition is not just a celebration of the past but a forward-looking event that aims to set the stage for the next decade of tech-driven progress. As the world watches, the conference is expected to leave a lasting imprint on the future of technology and its potential to transform lives.
