The story of VivaTech is one of rapid scaling. What started in 2016 as a focused effort to bridge the gap between nimble startups and established corporations has evolved into a global phenomenon. Over the last ten editions, the event has transitioned from a local hub to an international stage where the world’s most influential leaders decide the future of tech.
2016: The Bold Beginning
Launched by Publicis Groupe and Les Echos, VivaTech was born to prove that startups and big corporations could, and should, work together. Co-Managing Director Julie Ranty described it as a “crazy adventure” that exceeded all expectations.
Stats: 45,000 visitors and 5,000 startups
2017: A Presidential Endorsement
The second edition solidified the event’s political and global relevance. French President Emmanuel Macron used the stage to launch the French Tech Initiative, a strategy designed to attract global talent and investment to France.
Stats: 60,000+ visitors and 6,000 startups
2018: Diversity and the Atlantic Bridge
VivaTech turned its focus to inclusivity by launching the Female Founder Award. It also expanded its international reach through a partnership with TechCrunch for the Startup Battlefield Europe, giving European winners a direct path to the finals in San Francisco.
Stats: 100,000+ visitors and 9,000 startups
2019: The Open Innovation Boom
The Startup Challenges exploded in popularity, receiving over 10,000 applications. Winners weren’t just given only trophies; they were incubated by global giants like LVMH, Orange, and Huawei, proving the event’s “open innovation” model worked.
Stats: 120,000+ visitors and 13,000 startups
2020: The Year of Quiet Innovation
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition was cancelled. VivaTech shifted its focus toward building a more resilient, digital-first infrastructure for the future.
2021: Virtual Perseverence
VivaTech returned with a groundbreaking hybrid format. While much of the world was still locked down, Tim Cook (Apple) and Mark Zuckerberg (Meta) joined through virtual keynotes. This edition marked the first serious investment in a parallel digital platform that allowed 114,000 people to attend remotely.
Stats: 140,000 total visitors (26,000 in-person) and 1,400 exhibitors
2022: Expanding Horizons
This year introduced the Country of the Year award, with India taking the inaugural title. Geopolitics took center stage as both president Zelensky and President Macron addressed the crowd, highlighting technology’s role in global stability.
Stats: 390,000+ total visitors (91,000 in-person) and 2,000 exhibitors.
2023: Overtaking the Giants
A historic moment occurred in 2023 when VivaTech broke attendance records, officially becoming Europe’s largest tech event. Managing Director François Bitouzet called it a testament to the vitality of the European ecosystem. It had become more than a “French event;” it was a tech show on the global scale.
Stats: 550,000+ visitors (150,000 in-person) and 11,400 startups.
2024: The Impact Era
As tech continues to evolve exponentially, sustainability became the core mission. VivaTech introduced the Impact Bridge, a 1,500m2 space dedicated to environmental and social innovation. The event also achieved ISO 20121 certification, setting a new standard for sustainable event management.
Stats: 165,000+ visitors and 13,500 startups
2025: Rewarding Change
With a focus on solving global problems, the event launched the Tech for Change and Innovation of the Year awards. These awards focused on technology that provides tangible benefits to society and the planet. In addition to that, NVIDIA hosted GTC Paris 2025 alongside VivaTech, featuring a keynote by CEO Jensen Huang on the future of AI.
Stats: 180,000+ visitors and 14,000 startups
2026: The 10th Anniversary
For its 10th anniversary, VivaTech is taking over Paris with a special installation on the Champs-Élysées and moving the main event to the Porte de Versailles’ Hall 7. The highlight is the new VivaTech x Bloomberg Awards, hosted in a brand new 2,000-seat “Theater” venue. This partnership brings seven new award categories to be broadcast globally, cementing VivaTech’s status as a media powerhouse.
VivaTech has grown from the experimental phase into the heartbeat of the global tech ecosystem. As we celebrate a decade of progress, the event continues to push the boundaries on innovations once not thought possible. Don’t miss out on the next chapter of innovation, secure your tickets today with our 1+1 deal for VivaTech 2026.
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When and where does VivaTech 2026 take place?VivaTech 2026 will be held from June 17 to June 20 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, expanding into the larger Hall 7 for this special 10th-anniversary edition. The event also features a unique installation on the Champs-Élysées to celebrate a decade of innovation. |
How can I get tickets for VivaTech 2026?You can purchase your passes directly through the official VivaTech website, where you can choose from professional, startup, or investor options. Single-day tickets are also available specifically for the general public day on Saturday. |
How do I get to VivaTech in Paris?The venue is easily accessible via public transport, including Metro Line 12 (Porte de Versailles station) and Trams T2 or T3a. You can also arrive by bus or use the city's Vélib' bike-sharing service for a more active commute. |
Is VivaTech open to the general public?While the first three days are reserved for professional networking and business, VivaTech opens its doors to the general public on Saturday, June 20. This final day features interactive demos, robot shows, and special events tailored for tech enthusiasts and students. |
