VivaTech is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary in Paris from June 17 to 20, 2026. Launched in 2016, the event has established itself as one of Europe's leading events for startups and technology, attracting prominent figures and global leaders.

Startup Challenges: A Growth Opportunity

The core of VivaTech is the Startup Challenges, an open innovation laboratory designed to connect startups with C-level executives, global investors, and large corporations. Participating founders have the opportunity to collaborate directly on concrete industry problems, network with over 3,600 investors, gain global visibility, and validate their market, paving the way for long-term partnerships or funding rounds.

The 2026 Challenges are structured around five strategic pillars:

  • Building the Future of Cloud and Digital Infrastructure: focusing on robust, energy-efficient, and decentralized digital sovereignty and security.
  • Driving Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Innovation: highlighting startups in decarbonization, circular economy, and green energy.
  • Accelerating AI-Driven Transformation: seeking innovations that use AI to boost productivity, reinvent customer experiences, and solve societal problems.
  • Empowering the Next Generation of Women Founders: The Female Founder Award aims to close the funding gap and provide maximum visibility to women-led startups.
  • Unlocking Innovation Potential Across Africa: The AfricaTech Award will continue to showcase the vitality of African innovation in sectors such as Fintech, AgTech, and HealthTech.