VivaTech 2026 spotlights AI impact and Europe’s push for digital sovereignty

The tenth edition of VivaTech convened at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in June 2026, drawing around 200,000 visitors and 15,000 startups. The festival’s theme, “Artificial intelligence: impact, not illusion,” guided a programme that emphasized practical AI applications, energy challenges of large‑scale models, and Europe’s drive for digital sovereignty.

Key panels addressed the energy demands of “hungry AI,” with Schneider Electric outlining smart‑grid solutions, while Orange’s CEO argued that full technological independence is unrealistic, favouring resilience and choice. Siemens stressed micro‑processor reliability, and Amundi highlighted ownership of technology as a path to innovation. Discussions also covered data‑centric governance, multi‑cloud strategies and open‑source AI models.

High‑profile speakers included Jeff Bezos, who advocated moving heavy industry to space, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who partnered with French President Emmanuel Macron to promote India’s AI sector. Awards on the final day recognised figures such as Sir Tim Berners‑Lee and Yann LeCun. Across the event, European leaders, major tech firms and investors converged to shape the continent’s future tech policy and market direction.