Convention - VivaTech 2026: The Tech Festival will Open tomorrow to the Public Following a Third Day Driven by AI, Robotics and Breakthrough Innovation

By Mulder, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Hall 7, 19 june 2026

The third day of VivaTech 2026 reinforced what has become the defining theme of this landmark anniversary edition: artificial intelligence is no longer just one topic among many, it has become the common thread connecting virtually every industry represented at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. From healthcare and mobility to cybersecurity, education, entertainment, space exploration and recruitment, AI has evolved into an invisible layer transforming nearly every aspect of modern life. The day was also highlighted by the prestigious VivaTech Awards Ceremony, recognizing some of the most promising startups among the thousands exhibiting at the event. The Female Founder Award was presented to Liz Dennett and Endolith, while Surgia received the AfricaTech Award, Hodor won the Innovation of the Year Award, Alithea Biotechnology secured the Tech for Change Award, and AssisTech Smart Shower was named Next Startupper Award winner. Together, these awards showcased the remarkable diversity of innovation on display, spanning accessibility, healthcare, sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

Beyond the awards, several keynote speakers delivered memorable insights into the future of technology and society. Pascal Gauthier, CEO of Ledger, argued that Bitcoin represents the birth of true digital private property, giving individuals ownership in a digital world previously dominated by centralized platforms. Sarah Youngwood of Nasdaq described AI as a powerful lens capable of making people and businesses more productive while fundamentally changing how organizations serve their customers. One of the most inspiring appearances came from explorer and innovator Bertrand Piccard, who discussed Climate Impulse, his ambitious project to fly around the world non-stop using liquid green hydrogen. His presentation went far beyond aviation, becoming a passionate call for optimism and innovation in the fight against climate change. Meanwhile, Cameron Fink, founder of Aaru, showcased how AI models trained on real-world behavioral outcomes can predict human decision-making on a global scale, offering a fascinating glimpse into the future of predictive analytics and behavioral intelligence.

One of VivaTech’s greatest strengths remains its ability to transform futuristic concepts into tangible experiences. Nowhere was this more evident than in Hall 7, where visitors encountered an impressive lineup of humanoid robots and advanced automation systems. Demonstrations from Agibot, Unitree and Booster Robotics attracted constant crowds, showcasing machines capable of dancing, performing martial arts, boxing and interacting naturally with humans. Unitree’s latest-generation AS2 robotic dog and Booster Robotics’ highly customizable K1 humanoid robot illustrated how robotics is moving rapidly beyond research laboratories and into real-world applications. At the same time, companies such as Korben presented robots designed to relieve workers from repetitive and physically demanding tasks in sectors including hospitality, healthcare and cleaning services, highlighting the growing role of automation in everyday industries.

Space technology was another major attraction throughout the event. Visitors explored the reusable spacecraft developed by The Exploration Company, MBDA’s orbital “hunter” satellite concept and Airbus’ latest innovations ranging from AI-assisted low-visibility landings to satellite image deepfake detection. Perhaps even more ambitious were the projects presented by Alatyr, which aims to build orbital data centers capable of providing megawatt-scale computing power in space, and GAIA Aerospace, which is developing what it describes as the world’s first reusable airborne launch system. Together, these projects reflected the growing momentum behind Europe’s next generation of aerospace innovators and demonstrated how rapidly the space economy continues to evolve.

Healthcare once again emerged as one of the most transformative sectors represented at VivaTech. Innovations ranged from Lattice Medical’s 3D-printed bioresorbable implants and Wandercraft’s Atalante X exoskeleton to AI-powered smart glasses from Rokid and extended-reality contact lenses being developed by XPANCEO. The recognition of Alithea Biotechnology with the Tech for Change Award highlighted the increasing role of AI in medical research and cancer treatment. Its HLA-Compass platform combines advanced analytics with a database containing millions of unique peptides and thousands of cancer-specific epitopes to accelerate therapeutic discovery. Elsewhere, companies such as Exolumen, Blueprint Biomed and Famille Santé demonstrated how artificial intelligence is already enhancing surgical procedures, personalized healthcare and patient support systems. The message throughout the exhibition was clear: AI is becoming a crucial ally in improving both medical outcomes and quality of life.

This year’s edition also placed significant emphasis on inclusion, education and the next generation of talent. The 100+100 initiative, supported by the Caisse des Dépôts Group, brought together one hundred young women and one hundred female technology professionals for mentoring and inspiration. High-profile participants included Anne Le Hénanff, Yaël Braun-Pivet, Catherine Mayenobe and Aurélie Robineau, all contributing to discussions about increasing female representation in technology. Other programs such as Kesk’IA, Change Mak’Her and coding workshops for younger visitors demonstrated VivaTech’s commitment to nurturing future innovators and making technology careers more accessible to underrepresented communities. Rather than simply showcasing technology, the event continues to invest in the people who will shape the next decade of innovation.

The public-facing VivaTech Festival, which has become a hallmark of the event over the past decade, returns bigger than ever for this anniversary edition. Visitors can explore the full exhibition floor, attend esports competitions, watch humanoid robot demonstrations, experience AI-powered creative tools, discover future mobility solutions and participate in discussions on cybersecurity, education, sustainability and mental health. Highlights include appearances by astronaut Thomas Pesquet, demonstrations from Agibot’s humanoid robots, sessions on detecting deepfakes, gaming tournaments and artistic performances exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and human creativity. The diversity of experiences on offer reflects VivaTech’s evolution from a traditional technology trade show into a broader cultural and societal event.

As VivaTech celebrates its tenth anniversary, the 2026 edition confirms its position as one of the most influential innovation gatherings in Europe and beyond. Bringing together startups, global corporations, researchers, policymakers and the general public, the event serves as a living laboratory where ideas move rapidly from concept to reality. The third day demonstrated that artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise but an integral part of contemporary society, influencing everything from healthcare and transportation to entertainment and education. As the doors open to the public for the VivaTech Festival, the Paris event once again proves why it has become an essential showcase for the technologies, entrepreneurs and visionaries shaping the future.

You can view our photos on our Flickr page

Photos and 4K video: Boris Colletier / Mulderville