From June 17 to 20, 2026, the Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles hosts the 10th edition of VivaTech, Europe's largest tech trade show. For this anniversary, sovereign artificial intelligence stands out as the guiding theme, with high-impact announcements and global figures gathered on the same stage.

Ten years of VivaTech: a dizzying track record

Launched in 2016, VivaTech has established itself in just one decade as the essential gathering for the European tech ecosystem. For its 10th anniversary, the event is thinking even bigger: 180,000 visitors expected, 15,000 startups represented, 450 renowned speakers and more than 1,500 live demonstrations. With over 70,000 m² of exhibition space, the event goes far beyond its previous editions.

The theme chosen for 2026 is clear: Artificial Intelligence: impact, not illusion. No more abstract grand promises: VivaTech is raising the bar on concrete and measurable results from AI in the real world. An ambition that reflects the growing maturity of a sector undergoing rapid transformation.

India, official AI partner: a strong geopolitical signal

A standout feature of this edition is that India has been named the show's official AI partner. More than 80 Indian innovations are being presented, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the stage on June 18 alongside Emmanuel Macron. A symbolic meeting that illustrates the ambition of a technological “third way”: neither American nor Chinese, but rooted in the values of digital sovereignty and inclusion.

“AI must be designed for everyone, not only for wealthy countries,” Modi told the VivaTech audience. It is a vision shared by the European ecosystem, which is betting on ethical regulation and open standards. This France-India alliance in technology illustrates a shared determination to matter in global competition without submitting to the dominance of GAFAM or Chinese giants.

Macron, Jensen Huang and Mistral AI: a historic session

One of the most anticipated sessions of this edition brings together Emmanuel Macron, Jensen Huang (CEO of Nvidia) and Arthur Mensch, co-founder of Mistral AI. On the agenda: the future of sovereign AI in Europe, the strategic role of graphics chips in the French ecosystem, and the ambitions of French Tech by 2030.

Nvidia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with European AI players, while Mistral AI presented its latest advances in open and efficient language models. Cooperation between Silicon Valley and Europe seems more alive than ever, even amid a tense geopolitical context between Washington and Brussels.

For Emmanuel Macron, VivaTech is also an opportunity to reaffirm France's place as a European technology leader, after the billions of euros in investments announced since the Paris AI summit of February 2025. The momentum is continuing and gaining strength.

Startups, deeptech and greentech: innovation in every direction

Beyond the major conferences, VivaTech reveals its full potential in the aisles. This year, four pillars structure the exhibitions:

• AI and productivity: tools that transform professions, from healthcare and logistics to education.
• Cybersecurity and defense: as digital threats rise, European startups are offering robust and sovereign solutions.
• Greentech and energy: how technology can accelerate the ecological transition and reduce the carbon footprint of digital services.
• Deeptech: advanced robotics, biotechnology, quantum computing and semiconductors are paving the way for tomorrow's technological breakthroughs.

Germany, guest of honor for this edition, brought nearly 200 startups and its digital minister, Karsten Wildberger, to strengthen Franco-German cooperation in the technology sector. A demonstration that Europe knows how to present a united front against the challenges of global competition.

The Champs-Élysées festival: tech takes to the streets

A new feature of this anniversary edition, a free tech festival was held on the Champs-Élysées on June 14, even before the official opening of the trade show. A bold way to democratize access to technology and bring the event to life in the heart of the capital. Humanoid robot demonstrations, immersive augmented reality experiences, lightning talks: tens of thousands of curious visitors were able to discover tomorrow's innovations without an entry ticket or prior registration.

Why VivaTech 2026 marks a turning point for Europe

This 10th edition is not just an anniversary. It crystallizes a pivotal moment for technological Europe. Facing the dominance of American giants and the rise of China, the Old Continent is reaffirming its desire to chart its own path. Ethical, open, sovereign and inclusive AI — that is the ambition collectively carried at VivaTech 2026.

For entrepreneurs, investors and technology enthusiasts, this show remains the most complete and inspiring showcase of what global innovation has to offer. The figures speak for themselves: in ten years, VivaTech has grown from a discreet Paris event into a global forum that rivals CES in Las Vegas.

The appointment is already set for the 11th edition in 2027. Until then, the announcements made this week in Paris will continue to shape the digital future of Europe and the entire world.

“VivaTech 2026 shows that Europe is not a spectator of the AI revolution: it is one of its essential drivers.”