VivaTech 2026: AI, greentech, and deeptech defined innovation crossroads in Europe
VivaTech returned with a tenacious pulse, drawing more than 200,000 visitors from 165 nationalities to Paris Porte de Versailles, and extending its footprint onto the Champs-Élysées for a commemorative edition. As the European premier tech and startup showcase, the 10th anniversary edition fanned out across expansive spaces, augmented by a programme-heavy lineup that put AI, Greentech, Space, and Deeptech at centre stage. A record-breaking slate of exhibitors, startups, and speakers underscored a sector brimming with tangible momentum even as global economic headwinds linger.
What stood out at VivaTech 2026
Scale and scope included over 4,500 exhibitors, 61% international, and more than 15,000 startups converged to showcase innovations across over 30 sectors, turning the event into a truly global tug-of-war for attention, partnerships, and funding. The event’s continued expansion into flagship urban spaces signalled a commitment to turning conversations into deals, a pattern reinforced by the new Business Plaza and Investors Office Hours formats.
LVMH chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault and Emeritus Chairman at Publicis Groupe Maurice Levy led the opening ceremony at the VivaTech conference. A star-studded speaker roster spanned diverse industries, including tech, finance, manufacturing, and eCommerce. Notable participants included Jeff Bezos and Dave Limp from Blue Origin; Joe Tsai, Co-founder & Chairman, Alibaba; former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino; Yann LeCun, Executive Chairman of AMI Labs; Shantanu Narayen, Chair & CEO of Adobe, among others. In total, 1,155 speakers contributed insights and provocations across multiple stages.
The champions of innovation by LVMH
The LVMH Innovation Awards spotlighted rising stars and proven disruptors. Notably, three LVMH Innovation Award winners were named: Best Impact Award was won by FAIRLY MADE (France), a platform dedicated to raw material traceability, supply chain transparency, and environmental impact measurement. Synthesia (UK) received the Best Business Award for its AI-driven enterprise video platform. LVMH named US-based Bluefish AI its Most Promising Award winner. The platform analyses brand image and product positioning across AI engines.
Their wins highlighted a cross-pollination of fashion and technology into business outcomes.
The Bloomberg x VivaTech Awards
A marquee moment that underscored the event’s global reach, recognising leadership, momentum, and breakthrough contributions from industry names and bold startups alike. The laureates included figures such as Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, Co-Founder & CTO, Inrupt (Visionary Award winner); Joe Tsai, Co-Founder & Chairman, Alibaba Group (Leadership Award winner); Yann LeCun, Executive Chairman, AMI Labs (Momentum Award winner); Peter Steinberger, reator, OpenClaw and Member of Technical Staff, OpenAI (Breakthrough Award winner), and Jeannette zu Fürstenberg, President & Managing Director, General Catalyst (Investor Award winner).
Notable tech demos and breakthroughs
A wave of hardware-software hybrids and breakthrough hardware concepts punctuated the floor:
XPANCEO unveiled a smart contact lens aimed at redefining the human–machine interface in the AI era. Lifepods introduced an autonomous, resilient protective capsule designed to deliver rapid shelter during extreme events. Lattice Medical showcased 3D-printed, resorbable implants for soft-tissue reconstruction post-cancer. Tetmet demonstrated automated robotic production of stainless steel mesh for lightweight, tooling-free manufacturing in automotive and aerospace.
Unitree x HABS impressed the audience with a humanoid robot guided by brain activity, a vivid glimpse of brain–machine collaboration in robotics.
Deepening the CMO conversation
The event’s CMO Summit delivered a robust marketing-focused arc, with sessions on how brands can thrive in an algorithmic era. For example, a panel titled “Brands in the Age of Algorithms: How to Build Affinity in an Artificial Space?” featured Eduardo Barbaro, Chief Digital & Omnichannel Officer, Tiffany & Co; Gonzalo Fuentes, CEO Insights Division EMEA, Kantar; Clarisse Magnin, Senior Partner, McKinsey; Derya Matras, VP EMEA, Meta; Sarah Tayeb, GM, Ebay France. Key takeaways included the evolving balance between AI-driven automation and human connection, the role of community in brand equity, and the need for relevance, consistency, and genuine client value in an era of rapid algorithmic change.
Sarah Tayeb talked about on future consumer dynamics: AI and human connection will supplement each other; what makes a brand unique is cultivating a strong community. A concrete example cited was eBay Live, which demonstrated how a live, engaged community can drive meaningful commerce beyond static catalogues.
Derya Matras mentioned that AI can automate creative, but it cannot replace human creativity. The backdrop is volatile markets increasing pressure on CMOs to drive measurable impact, and the FOMO surrounding AI deployment – knowing how to stand out in the algorithm while maintaining brand integrity. Gonzalo Fuentes added that AI implementation remains a significant challenge for enterprises seeking scalable, responsible deployment. Eduardo Barbaro emphasised staying relevant and consistent.
Another standout talk was “The Making of Excellence: In Conversation With LVMH” – a closing session on brand storytelling and luxury excellence, featuring Antoine Arnault and Leon Marchand in a discussion about image, the environment, and the role of technology in heritage brands.
What VivaTech 2026 means for the near future
A convergence moment for AI and industry. With major tech firms, luxury brands, and manufacturing giants investing in AI-enabled process improvements, VivaTech reinforces that the next wave of growth will hinge on applying AI to real-world workflows, not just demos.
A market for responsible innovation. The award results and high-level policy discussions signaled a continued emphasis on ethical AI, data sovereignty, and sustainable technology development – especially as European policy makers champion tech sovereignty and secure digital ecosystems.
A platform for global collaboration. By drawing 165 countries and a diverse mix of public and private sector voices, VivaTech continues to function as a critical hub for cross-border partnerships, high-stakes pilots, and finance rounds that seed scaleups into global markets.
VivaTech 2026 cemented its status as Europe’s essential innovation stage, not only showcasing disruptive technologies but also shaping the practical playbook for brands and startups navigating markets disrupted by AI.
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