VivaTech will return to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from June 17 to 20, 2026, marking its 10th anniversary as Europe’s largest startup and technology event.
The event has grown rapidly over the past decade and is now seen as one of the most important global platforms for innovation, bringing together startups, investors, and major technology companies from around the world.
Organizers said the 2026 edition will represent a new phase for the tech industry, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, deeptech, cybersecurity, energy, and digital transformation.
Over the past ten years, VivaTech has seen major expansion in attendance and participation. Visitor numbers have grown from around 45,000 in its early years to more than 180,000 in 2025. The event now attracts participants from over 170 countries.
The number of participating startups has also increased significantly, alongside a sharp rise in investor engagement. Organizers say investment activity at the event has multiplied more than tenfold since its launch.
The 2026 edition will expand into a larger exhibition space with additional halls, increased seating capacity, and thousands of startups showcasing new technologies.
More than 15,000 startups are expected to participate, along with over 1,500 technology demonstrations and thousands of business networking meetings designed to connect founders with global investors.
A special investor program will allow startups to directly meet venture capital firms and corporate partners during structured sessions.
Germany has been named the “Country of the Year” for VivaTech 2026, highlighting Europe’s growing role in global technology development.
A large German delegation will attend the event, including hundreds of startups and representatives from government institutions and regional technology bodies.
Several senior officials are also expected to attend, including Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation Karsten Wildberger.
Organizers said the focus on Germany reflects Europe’s ambition to strengthen technological independence and global competitiveness in the digital era.
Artificial intelligence will be one of the central themes of the 2026 edition, with discussions focused on productivity, automation, and decision-making in business.
According to a VivaTech survey, a large majority of executives now trust AI systems to support or guide corporate decisions, highlighting the rapid adoption of the technology in business environments.
Several new AI-related technologies are expected to be showcased, including brain-machine interfaces, robotic systems, and conversational AI platforms designed for enterprise use.
India will also play a key role in the 2026 edition as a partner country for artificial intelligence, reflecting its growing influence in global tech development.
Cybersecurity will be another major focus area, as experts warn about rising digital threats targeting businesses and governments.
Industry data suggests cyberattacks have increased sharply in recent years, prompting companies to invest more in security training, threat detection, and automated defense systems.
Startups working in cybersecurity will present tools aimed at protecting employees, securing digital infrastructure, and identifying vulnerabilities in software systems.
Energy and climate technology will also feature strongly, with companies presenting new innovations in battery storage, renewable energy systems, and climate adaptation tools.
Several startups will demonstrate technologies designed to improve energy efficiency and support global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Deeptech innovation will highlight breakthroughs in computing, space technology, and advanced materials.
One of the key highlights will include quantum computing demonstrations, which promise to significantly increase processing power compared to traditional systems.
Space-related startups will also showcase technologies aimed at expanding access to space travel and research, while other companies will present smart wearable and augmented reality devices.
Organizers said the 10th anniversary edition is designed not only for industry professionals but also for the general public.
A special festival day on June 20 will open the event to younger audiences, focusing on careers, artificial intelligence, and future job opportunities in the tech sector.
For the first time, part of the event will extend to the Champs-Élysées, which will be transformed into a public innovation space showcasing emerging technologies in mobility, healthcare, robotics, and climate solutions.
Organizers said the goal is to make technology more accessible and to connect innovation with everyday life.
VivaTech leadership described the event as the center of a global innovation community that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders shaping the future of the digital economy.
They said the 10th anniversary marks a shift toward a new era defined by artificial intelligence, deeptech breakthroughs, and increased global competition in technology development.
