Stepping into Viva Technology 2025 felt like entering the future: vibrant, bold, and pulsing with potential. Paris hosted a staggering 180,000 attendees from 171 nationalities and about 14.000 startups, all captivated by artificial intelligence. AI wasn’t merely a theme; it permeated every corner of the conference, from the main stages to the bustling exhibition halls.
NVIDIA’s charismatic CEO, Jensen Huang, vividly captured the evolution of AI in a memorable keynote. He traced its progression from perception to generative capabilities, and now onto the transformative realm of « agentic AI. » His vision of robots autonomously reasoning and acting turned abstract ideas into imminent reality. This message echoed clearly as Unitree’s humanoid robot gracefully navigated through the crowds, blurring the line between human and machine interaction. Nearby, an AI-powered robotic arm playfully engaged visitors in games, demonstrating a seamless blend of generative AI and robotic functionality.
A pivotal moment of the event was President Emmanuel Macron’s address about Europe’s technological future. Macron, alongside Jensen Huang and Mistral AI’s CEO Arthur Mensch, introduced « Mistral Compute, » a groundbreaking AI cloud platform powered by 18.000 NVIDIA superchips. Macron enthusiastically described this partnership as « historic, » underscoring its strategic importance in achieving European tech autonomy.
Macron’s visit to the PwC booth, symbolized the alignment of public policy and private innovation. Macron’s genuine engagement with startups highlighted the collaborative spirit driving Europe’s tech ecosystem. These interactions showcased a clear shift towards practical cooperation between governmental vision and entrepreneurial innovation.
The theme of collaboration carried strongly through the event. A standout discussion moderated by The Innovator’s Jennifer Schenker brought together our CEO Mohamed Kande from PwC, Siemens’ Cedrik Neike, and Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade. The panel delivered sharp insights on AI’s real-world applications across various industries, demonstrating tangible outcomes rather than mere concepts. Predictive maintenance in factories, adaptive energy grids, and autonomous vehicle fleets were discussed not as future potentials but as current realities.
Saint-Martin emphasized the critical role of government support, framing regulations and investing in workforce skills. The clear takeaway was that successful AI integration demands mutual trust and collaborative effort between public institutions and industry leaders.
PwC Booth: Innovation in Action
The PwC booth served as a dynamic hub of real-world innovation. Nicknamed by attendees as « PWC Factory, » the space brimmed with engaging demonstrations that addressed practical business challenges. Visitors experimented with an AI-driven document analysis tool, explored cybersecurity systems enhanced by artificial intelligence, and learned about carbon footprint reduction through innovative tech solutions.
Moreover, our Startup Challenge winners captivated audiences with fresh, impactful solutions ranging from healthcare AI platforms to fintech innovations. Witnessing enthusiastic entrepreneurs pitch their ideas reaffirmed the vibrancy and optimism at the heart of the event. The PwC booth became more than a corporate presence; it evolved into a vibrant meeting point where innovators, students, and business leaders exchanged insights, mentorship, and ideas.
Leaving VivaTech 2025, I felt deeply inspired. Witnessing major French corporations pledging substantial support to startups symbolized a decisive shift toward collective action. Conversations across the conference consistently stressed the need for responsible, ethical innovation guided by clear purpose.
This gathering reinforced a critical message: AI and technological innovation must prioritize human values and societal benefits. Whether through public speeches, private dialogues, or dynamic demonstrations, the narrative was clear: Europe is committed to steering technological advancement responsibly and inclusively. Together, we’re crafting a future shaped not just by technology, but by the values and visions we collectively hold dear.
The momentum is palpable, the potential immense, and our collective resolve stronger than ever. Onwards!
