“This is where business meets innovation”. This is the motto of Viva Technology 2024, commonly abbreviated to VivaTech, Europe's largest event dedicated to start-ups and technology, which will once again bring together business leaders, big brands, investors, journalists, researchers and innovators in the capital of France to stimulate change, evolution and transformation in every industrial sector.
The 2024 edition of the fair will take place from May 22th to 25th at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: the first three days will be reserved for professionals, while on Saturday 25th the doors will be opened to the general public. Last year VivaTech welcomed more than 150,000 visitors from over 170 countries to Paris to meet over 11,000 start-ups, 2,600 investors and 700 investment funds.
The main themes of the fair
Among the main themes of the 2024 edition of VivaTech and its event programme:
- Artificial Intelligence: “AI is revolutionizing industries, transforming creativity, and redefining daily efficiency. We delve into its ethical frameworks and tangible benefits.”
- Business: “VivaTech is where business meets innovation. Network with startups, major corporations, and leaders in tech to accelerate your business.”
- Climate Tech: “Harnessing tech for resilient ecosystems as well as regenerative practices to ensure food security in a rapidly changing world.”
- Country of the Year: “At VivaTech's 8th edition, Japan is celebrated as Country of the Year, showcasing its disruptive innovations and global tech leadership.”
- Creators’ Economy: “From gaming and virtual reality, to music and entertainment, we dive into one of the most exciting ecosystems in tech.”
- Deeptech: “From brain-computer interfaces to new advances in quantum computing, these technologies are reshaping and extending human capabilities in unprecedented ways.”
- Future Societies: “Join us as we explore the transformations underway in the education and professional spheres, and what they mean for the future of work.”
- Gaming & E-sport: “The world's largest entertainment sector offers thrilling tech and creative prospects, engaging a vast community of over 3 billion players worldwide.”
- Internet & Democracy: “This year, over 2 billion voters are heading to the polls in 50 countries. We will be going beyond the risks of cyber attacks and misinformation to look at the role of technology in fostering dialogue and building meaningful connections.”
- Mobility: “VivaTech takes the pulse of smart mobility, examining what works and what doesn’t in the fields of transportation, accessibility, and TravelTech.”
The Startup Challenges
Through its challenges open to innovators around the world, Viva Technology accelerates innovation by connecting young companies, technology leaders, large corporations and venture capitalists. VivaTech's Startup Challenges offer an opportunity to accelerate young businesses by getting on the radar of leading national and international companies, each focused on a different field of application of new technologies, products and services.
The technology themes of the challenges currently open include Energy & Climate Tech, Data & AI, Web3 & Metaverse, Cybersecurity & Digital Trust. The challenges feature several big brands - such as Audi, Huawei, KPMG, ManpowerGroup, TotalEnergies - but others will be launching new ones over the next two months, until the event in May 2024. To get to know them and find out which are the most suitable for your own business project - also checking the respective application deadlines - you can consult the dedicated section of the VivaTech website.
Many of the initiatives have prizes up for grabs for the most promising applications, from free participation in the Viva Technology 2024 trade fair and access to the stage at its events, to cash prizes, the realisation of a Proof-of-Concept with corporate partners or the inclusion in acceleration programmes. A growth opportunity not to be missed for start-ups interested in expanding the boundaries of their project and demonstrating the value of their idea in facing the concrete challenges of the future.