VivaTech 2026: Why learn German when AI can talk for you, asks DeepL CEO

VivaTech 2026: Why learn German when AI can talk for you, asks DeepL CEO

VivaTech 2026 - At the VivaTech 2026 conference in Paris, Jarek Kutylowski, co-founder and CEO of DeepL, painted a vision of a global business landscape where language no longer acts as a barrier. Picture a scenario where participants from Greece, Russia, Egypt, and Germany engage in a conversation, each speaking their native tongue while effortlessly understanding the others. Kutylowski believes this scenario is not just possible but imminent, thanks to advancements in real-time translation technology.

Speaking to Euronews Next, Kutylowski emphasized the transformative potential of AI in international communication. "In a business setting, the goal is to have a conversation where both parties can express themselves in their own language," he stated. This idea challenges traditional notions of language barriers, suggesting that seamless cross-lingual interaction is achievable without the need for manual translation. He described it as "a totally fluent conversation, where you not only understand each other but also feel safe and confident in the exchange."

The company’s DeepL Voice product is designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday business practices, particularly in virtual meetings that have become the norm. "A significant portion of multilingual communication now occurs online," Kutylowski noted. This shift has made it easier to adopt AI-driven solutions, as platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet already feature built-in microphones and speakers. The user experience is intended to be intuitive: "You just select the language you want to hear, and the rest is handled automatically in the background," he explained. This simplicity allows professionals to focus on collaboration rather than translation.

DeepL’s recent acquisition of Mixhalo, a San Francisco-based audio platform, underscores its commitment to expanding its capabilities. The deal aims to enhance real-time translation by leveraging Mixhalo’s expertise in ultra-low-latency audio processing. "The Mixhalo team has cracked one of the toughest challenges in live audio: delivering high-quality sound to thousands of people with minimal delay," Kutylowski said. This partnership enables the company to apply its technology to larger events and more complex business scenarios, such as customer support and international workflows.

Kutylowski’s ambitions go beyond technical innovation. He envisions a future where language no longer hinders business growth. "If you're running a French business, you could launch operations in Germany the next day without a second thought about the language," he argued. This perspective highlights the potential for AI to democratize global communication, allowing companies to expand rapidly without the need for language training. Yet, he remains mindful of the cultural nuances that technology alone cannot replicate.

Despite the progress in AI translation, Kutylowski acknowledges that certain subtleties are still difficult to convey. "You can’t achieve perfect fluency because some concepts are deeply tied to cultural context," he admitted. For example, historical events or idiomatic expressions may not translate directly, requiring a human touch to bridge gaps. This insight is rooted in his own background: born in Poland and raised in a bilingual environment, he has experienced firsthand how language and culture are intertwined.

Kutylowski’s personal journey illustrates his belief in the value of language learning. "Understanding the culture behind a language is what makes it meaningful," he emphasized. He draws a parallel between learning languages and studying mathematics, suggesting that even as computers perform calculations faster, schools still teach arithmetic by hand because it fosters human growth. Similarly, he argues that language learning offers more than just practical skills—it deepens cultural awareness and connection.

While AI translation is poised to revolutionize business communication, Kutylowski sees it as a tool to complement, rather than replace, traditional language education. "The technology is there to make things easier, but it doesn’t diminish the importance of learning," he said. This balance is crucial as AI continues to evolve. The current iteration of DeepL Voice, according to a 2026 independent evaluation by Slator, excels in accuracy, fluency, and reliability, achieving a quality score of 96.4 out of 100. Such results position DeepL as a leader in the field, but the company is still refining its approach to ensure it meets the demands of real-world business environments.

Looking ahead, Kutylowski is focused on scaling the technology to handle high-stakes scenarios. This includes deploying it at major events like VivaTech, where international delegates from diverse linguistic backgrounds gather. The integration with existing platforms simplifies adoption, but the company’s goal is to create an invisible layer of translation that enhances, rather than disrupts, human interaction. "It’s like having a translator in the background who doesn’t draw attention but ensures clarity," he likened.

For personal development, Kutylowski has his sights set on a new linguistic challenge. "Japanese is a language that’s both incredibly complex and beautifully nuanced," he shared. "It’s a huge undertaking, but I think it would be a rewarding one." His interest in Japanese reflects a broader trend of individuals embracing AI as a means to explore new languages without the intimidation of traditional methods. However, he remains clear that AI’s role is to facilitate, not eliminate, the human element of language learning.

As the technology matures, the implications for global business are profound. Companies could operate across borders with greater ease, fostering international partnerships and expanding markets. Yet, Kutylowski’s vision is not without its challenges. The balance between automation and cultural understanding will be key to ensuring that AI translation enhances, rather than erases, the richness of human communication. For now, the focus remains on refining the tools to support seamless, confident, and culturally resonant interactions in a world where language is no longer a dividing line.