HEC Paris at VivaTech 2026

VivaTech 2026 will serve as a major platform for HEC Paris to unveil a series of new strategic collaborations and initiatives designed to strengthen its impact across innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and industry transformation.

More details on the partnerships and announcements will be progressively revealed in the weeks leading up to VivaTech.

Register to stay informed and be among the first to discover the new collaborations, initiatives, and strategic projects that will be announced during the event.

VivaTech x HEC Paris: Strategic Announcements & Partnership Signings: 

Register here 

A European conversation on dual-use AI, strategic capabilities, and responsibility. Here is detailed information about the event:

Dual-Use & Defense in the Age of Physical AI

Strategic Capabilities and Europe’s Position
Date: June 17th, 12:30 to 2:30 PM @ Hall 7.3 | Workshop A

An Event by HEC Paris, Creative Destruction Lab (CDL-Paris) & Hi! Paris 

Speakers 

• Tom Villinger (D11Z Ventures, the venture arm of Dieter Schwarz's Family Office)
• André Loesekrug-Pietri (Chairman of the JEDI - Joint European Disruptive Initiative)
• Isabelle Duvaux-Bechon, Consultant on Security & Defence Projects for European Space Agency - ESA
• Florian Corgnou (Co-founder of Neurobus, deeptech startup developing energy-efficient edge AI systems for autonomous platforms in defense and space)
• Moderated by Anousheh Ansari, entrepreneur, CEO of XPRIZE, and the first self-funded woman to fly to the International Space Station. 

Context 

Artificial intelligence is evolving at unprecedented speed, faster than any previous technology wave. In just a few years, the conversation has moved from predictive AI to generative AI, and then to agentic AI. The next frontier is now becoming increasingly visible: Physical AI.

Physical AI refers to AI systems that do not only process information, but also interact with the real world through perception, decision-making, autonomy, and action. It is the convergence of advanced models, robotics, autonomous systems, edge computing, simulation, and real-time inference. It brings AI out of the interface and into the environment. 

One of the earliest and most consequential domains where this shift is already becoming tangible is defense.

From autonomous systems and robotics to intelligence support, navigation, surveillance, counter-drone systems, and other dual-use applications, AI is accelerating a new generation of capabilities. What was once discussed as future potential is increasingly becoming operational reality. This creates new opportunities, new tensions, and new strategic questions for founders, investors, researchers, public institutions, and the wider innovation ecosystem.

Event format

This event will convene a high-level group of leaders at the intersection of physical AI, defense, entrepreneurship, policy, investment, and European sovereignty.

HEC Paris, CDL, and Hi! PARIS will provide the academic, entrepreneurial, and technological framing for the discussion. Inge Kerkloh-Devif, Senior Executive Director of the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute, will bring the perspective of one of Europe’s leading institutions for venture creation and founder support. Vincent Rapp, Executive Director of Hi! PARIS will deliver “The State of Play”, offering a sharp view of the breakthroughs, and deployment challenges defining Physical AI today.

The panel will bring together a founder, a policymaker, an investor, and a representative of the EU collaboration ecosystem to examine how Europe can turn Physical AI into a strategic advantage in the defense sector. The session will close with an open Q&A and a networking cocktail, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers.

Register for the workshop

HEC Paris will participate in the first edition of the Venture Client Summit on June 17, 2026, at PariSanté Campus in Paris, alongside VivaTech.

This exclusive event, organized with 27pilots, Deloitte, and SouthwestX, will bring together more than 100 innovation leaders and decision-makers around a shared conviction: procurement is becoming a strategic lever to access breakthrough technologies without the constraints of equity investment.

At a time when the competitiveness of large organizations increasingly depends on their ability to rapidly integrate the best innovations, venture clienting is emerging as a structured approach to test, buy, and deploy startup technologies while reducing decision cycles and limiting risks.

The program includes:

• Peer-to-peer sessions by industry vertical (Automotive, Financial Services & Insurance, Energy & Industry, Retail & Consumer)
• Discussions bringing together startups, corporates, and investors around concrete collaborations
• Talks by French and German government representatives on technological sovereignty and European industrial cooperation
• High-level networking with decision-makers from across Europe

Access is by invitation only and seats are limited.

Register here 

The Région Île-de-France is pleased to announce, in partnership with Accenture and Google, the creation of HEC Paris’ new research lab, LIFT (Laboratory for Innovation in the Future & Transformation of Work).

The announcement will take place at the official Région Île-de-France stand, in the presence of Valérie Pécresse, President of the Region, and Eloic Peyrache, Dean of HEC Paris.

Following the announcement, a panel discussion will be held featuring representatives from each partner organization, alongside Antonin Bergeaud, HEC Paris professor and Director of the Lab, who was named Best Young Economist in 2025.

Register to stay informed and be among the first to discover the new collaborations, initiatives, and strategic projects that will be announced during the event.

VivaTech x HEC Paris: Strategic Announcements & Partnership Signings:

Register here

The we are_challenges competition, led by we are_ and dedicated to innovation in the creative industries, is back for its 6th edition in partnership with VivaTech.

This competition highlights projects capable of deeply transforming creative industries by reinventing uses, business models, and experiences through innovation.

Designed as a true accelerator, we are_challenges goes far beyond a simple pitch stage: at the end of the competition, three winners will join we are_ for one year, gaining privileged access to its ecosystem and strong visibility.

Following a selection process conducted together with OneRagtime, 8 startups have been selected to pitch on stage 👇

MatchTune – Radar – Vikit.ai – Kowl – Oly Platform – REFRACTIO – POWER.xyz – 3D & AI for Brands – IPFC.ai

Come support Paula Menéndez, alumna of our Women Entrepreneurs for Good (WE4G) program and co-founder of the startup Oly Platform.

June 17 at 9:30 AM
Pitch Studio Stage.

We are thrilled to announce that K-Startup Center Paris will be participating in VivaTech 2026 this June in Paris.

We warmly invite you to visit their booth to discover the next generation of K-Startups and explore new opportunities for collaboration!

At the KOSME booth, one of the International Programs from the HEC Paris Incubation & Acceleration Center, we are proud to:

- Showcase the global competitiveness of our Korean startups. 
- Introduce the diverse support programs KSC Paris offers to drive international growth. 
- Foster deeper connections within the global tech ecosystem through exclusive side events, including a live Pitch Contest and a Networking Party.

Where to Find Them 
Date: June 17 (Wed) – 20 (Sat), 2026 | 09:00 – 18:00
Location: Hall 7.1, Booth 1-C39

Meet The Innovation Leaders

AI & Deep Tech
- SlogK Inc.: AI-powered global O2O platform for Korean consumer goods.
- TALOS Corp.: AI-based early detection healthcare solution for cerebral aneurysms.
- Travel in your pocket: AI-powered hyper-personalized premium travel and tourism concierge platform
- AligoAI: AI-based K-celebrity advertising production platform
- IRVIS: Software enabling precision robotic automation in dynamic, changing industrial environments
- Crosshub: A secure blockchain solution for digital identity protection and seamless global payment connectivity.

Future Mobility & Travel Tech
- EFLOW: Micromobility solutions based on small motors and hydrogen fuel cells
- NomadHer: The global community app for female solo travelers.

K-Beauty & Lifestyle
- LunaBella: LunaBella integrates K-beauty expertise with Parisian elegance to provide a premium, all-in-one wedding styling service
- S-NATION: An eco-friendly pet lifestyle brand with veterinarian-certified products
- KIMU STUDIO: An inclusive design platform empowering neurodivergent artists through creative IP.

*all information is subject to change
 

Two of HEC Paris’ flagship entrepreneurship programs come together for a dynamic pitch competition spotlighting the next generation of founders shaping the future of innovation.

Startups from the X-HEC Entrepreneurs program and the HEC Paris Startup Launchpad will go head-to-head before a distinguished jury for a final competition.

This session showcases the diversity of entrepreneurial pathways emerging from the HEC ecosystem. Meet the startups taking the stage: 

♻️ Triloge (Waste Management)

A trusted partner for clearing out homes with peace of mind, offering efficient and fairly priced waste management solutions.

Founders: Paul Seignarbieux, Vivien Blervacque
 

💰TailorLead (Banking & Finance)

An M&A data and intelligence platform focused on the French mid-market, consolidating PE, corporate and decision-maker data to streamline deal sourcing, mapping and transaction preparation.

Founders: Vianney Gambi, Jérémy Igonin, Simon Volodin
 

🔐 Fleuret AI (Cybersecurity)

An all-in-one offensive security platform designed to operate at scale, strengthening cybersecurity through advanced AI capabilities.

Founders: Yanis Grigy, Macky Dabo, Augustin Ponsin
 

⚖️ Regorus (Legal Services)

Automates and secures succession case management, enabling notaries to focus on what matters most: their clients.

Founders: Sixtine Leraillez, Louan Bélicaut

Jury Members:

• Inge Kerkloh-Devif, Senior Executive Director at HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute

• Kahina Lang, Executive Director - Head of Next Gen Drug Delivery at Merck Life Science

• Baptiste Smagghe, Directeur AI Strategy & Transformation at Capgemini Invent

• Samir Matki, Partner at daphni & Time4

VivaTech Pitch Contest | X-HEC Entrepreneurs & Startup Launchpad:

Register here

The Sustainability Executive Summit is the annual highlight of the Viva+ community, bringing together C-level executives committed to sustainability issues throughout the year for panels and networking sessions. This day follows on from VivaTech's other executive programs, uniting decision-makers from large corporations, startups, and committed organizations to develop concrete solutions around the theme: ‘At the Turning Point: How can tech shape our sustainable future?’

François Gemenne, HEC Professor, will participate in one of the scheduled panels on the topic:

Predict the Unpredictable: How Tech Can Anticipate Risk?

With:

• Alexandra Palt (WWF France)
• François Gemenne (IPCC Expert & HEC Professor)
• ENGIE Board Member (TBC)
• Tech leader (TBC)

Event subject to invitation by the VivaTech team.

For years, the L'Oréal Beauty Tech Atelier program at Station F has been developed in partnership with the HEC Paris Incubation & Acceleration Center and Incubateur HEC Paris.

During this new edition of VivaTech, we are once again delighted to spotlight the startups participating in the program directly from the L'Oréal booth.

Come discover our selection of startups!

This session will feature the venture Beink.

Beink is the digital extension of the hand, turning visual intent into decision-ready, production-grade assets.
It aligns teams around a single visual truth and accelerates the transition from concept to production by reducing rework and validation cycles at scale.

June 18 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
L'Oréal Booth – VivaTech

HEC Paris is proud to participate in Vision Golfe 2026, the flagship forum organized by Business France under the High Patronage of President Emmanuel Macron, bringing together key actors shaping the future of Franco-Gulf cooperation.

This year’s edition will explore strategic topics including:

• Space & defense resilience
• Water management
• Food security
• Industrial resilience & emerging technologies

Inge Kerkloh-Devif, Senior Executive Director at HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute, will join the panel: AI and Emerging Tech: Building Franco-Gulf Leadership in the Global Innovation Race

Alongside:

• Naima Al Falasi (Mubadala)
• Thibaud Desfosses (Campus IA / MGX)
• A representative from Quandela (TBC)

Moderated by Sarah Saddouk (Entrepreneur Middle East).

We look forward to contributing to the conversations shaping the future of innovation, AI, and strategic collaboration between France and the Gulf region.

Register here

Deep Tech for Impact: INPI & WIPO × HEC Challenge+ Pitch Session

At the intersection of science, innovation, and intellectual property, this pitch session showcases startups from the HEC Challenge+ program, developed in partnership with INPI (French National Institute of Industrial Property), WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), and international IP ecosystems.

Each venture highlights the critical role of intellectual property as a strategic asset—not only to protect innovation, but to enable scaling, investment, and real-world impact.

Meet the startups taking the stage:

🧬 FoxBio (Biotechnology)

A next-generation biotech company redefining the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases through a new therapeutic paradigm.

CEO: Sophie Blondel
 

🌍 HENDDU (AI & Environment)

Develops AI-powered digital solutions to monitor and improve air quality, addressing critical environmental and public health challenges.

Founder & CEO: Soulemane Halif Ngagine, PhD
 

🧪 Beams (MedTech / Oncology)

Develops intraoperative detection technologies using medical radiation to identify tumor tissue in real time, improving surgical precision and patient outcomes.

Representative: Virginie Simon
 

♿ WheelMove (Assistive Tech / Mobility)

A patented electric assistance solution for wheelchairs, enabling users to navigate difficult terrain and access previously unreachable environments.

Co-Founder: Amaury Dupas
 

👩‍⚕️ Kaptory (MedTech )

Kaptory is a MedTech company developing technologies based on the body’s intrinsic capabilities, designed to provide just the right level of support needed to aid tissue regeneration.

Co-Founder : Lise Michel

Jury members:
- Julie ZERBIB, Regional Delegate Ile-de-France, INPI
- Ali JAZAIRY, Senior Counsellor, International Cooperation Division, PCT, WIPO
- Pere ARQUE CASTELLS, Chief Economist, EPO 
- Inge KERKLOH-DEVIF, Senior Executive Director, HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute

Register here

The Female Founder Award celebrates women leading innovative startups that are driving the disruptive technologies shaping the future. This Challenge was created 8 years ago to empower women entrepreneurs by facilitating networking opportunities, raising brand awareness, and providing access to funding.

A special mention for Mathilde Janicot, HEC Alumni, shortlisted among the Top 5 finalists. She will pitch her startup Revolty live at VivaTech in June. The winner will be announced at the VivaTech Global Awards Ceremony. Fingers crossed, Mathilde! 🤞

Find out more about the Female Founder Award.

Gachoucha Kretz, HEC Paris professor, will lead a tour with students from the Master in Marketing program across the booths of HEC Paris partners during VivaTech. Students will have the opportunity to receive exclusive presentations from representatives at each booth visited, and to explore how the innovations showcased during the event are transforming the worlds of marketing, strategy, and communication.

Hi! PARIS will take part in a Capgemini roundtable at VivaTech dedicated to digital sovereignty. The session, titled “Digital Sovereignty: Three Concrete Levers to Move from Vision to Action,” will bring together the French Ministry of the Interior and Hi! PARIS, with Vincent Rapp representing the center. Moderated by Nicolas Gaudillière, Vice President at Capgemini, the discussion will focus on key sovereignty challenges, including sovereign AI, digital infrastructure, connectivity, and critical communications.

June 19 | 10:30 AM
Capgemini Booth – VivaTech

Hi! PARIS will be represented in the Capgemini roundtable “Inclusive AI: From Bias Risks to Transformative Opportunities” at VivaTech, with Charlotte Laclau, Associate Professor in Machine Learning at Télécom Paris, IP Paris, Hi! PARIS Fellow, and member of the Hi! PARIS Scientific Committee. The session will explore how companies can address bias in AI systems, promote more inclusive approaches to AI development, and ensure that the opportunities created by AI are accessible across different groups and communities.

June 19 | 2:00 PM
Capgemini Booth – VivaTech

For years, the L'Oréal Beauty Tech Atelier program at Station F has been developed in partnership with the HEC Paris Incubation & Acceleration Center and Incubateur HEC Paris.

During this new edition of VivaTech, we are once again delighted to spotlight the startups participating in the program directly from the L'Oréal booth.

Come discover our selection of startups!

This session will feature the venture Ekoo.

EKOO brings authenticity and emotion to e-commerce sites and in-store experiences through the power of voice. Their solution enables brands and their teams to highlight product benefits with audio capsules and invite customers to leave voice testimonials.

By integrating generative AI, EKOO enhances this experience, allowing product managers to share their stories in multiple languages and preserving the authenticity of customer reviews.

Omnichannel in nature, these audios are broadcasted in-store, on packaging, and across communication materials via QR codes generated by our solution. This approach allows brands to connect with customers anywhere, anytime, in a non-intrusive manner.

June 19 | 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
L'Oréal Booth – VivaTech

Empowering the next generation of impact-driven women entrepreneurs
Business Redefined Arena (Women's Forum lounge) — June 19 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

As part of VivaTech 2026, finalists from the Women Entrepreneurs for Good (WE4G) program will take the stage at the Business Redefined Arena (Women's Forum lounge) to pitch innovative solutions addressing major societal and environmental challenges.

Operated by HEC Paris in partnership with the Women’s Forum, and supported by Bank of America Business, the WE4G program supports high-potential women entrepreneurs building impactful ventures across sectors including sustainability, health, inclusion, education, and technology.

This special pitch session will spotlight a selection of inspiring founders whose projects combine innovation, purpose, and entrepreneurial ambition.
Hosted in partnership with L’Oréal, a long-standing partner of the Women’s Forum, the event highlights the importance of supporting women-led innovation and creating stronger pathways for inclusive entrepreneurship within the global tech and innovation ecosystem.

Join us to discover the next generation of women entrepreneurs shaping solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future.
 

For years, the L'Oréal Beauty Tech Atelier program at Station F has been developed in partnership with the HEC Paris Incubation & Acceleration Center and Incubateur HEC Paris.

During this new edition of VivaTech, we are once again delighted to spotlight the startups participating in the program directly from the L'Oréal booth.

Come discover our selection of startups!

This session will feature the venture Archive.

Archive is the AI social listening + creator discovery platform that captures what your community posts and automates reporting, gifting, and usage rights.

June 19 | 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
L'Oréal Booth – VivaTech

Powered by the HEC Paris Incubation & Acceleration Center, this international pitch session brings together innovative startups from leading global entrepreneurship ecosystems across Asia.

Featuring ventures from international programs including KOSME (South Korea), JETRO (Japan), and IndiaAI (India), the session highlights the growing importance of cross-border collaboration in shaping the future of innovation.

VivaTech Pitch Contest | HEC Global Pitch Showcase: International Startups Take the Stage: 

From India

Awiros

Awiros is an AI-powered video intelligence platform specializing in computer vision and intelligent surveillance solutions. The company develops scalable video analytics technologies used across smart cities, enterprises, transportation, and industrial infrastructure to automate monitoring and generate real-time operational insights.

• Varun Bharti (Chief Marketing Officer)
   

SkyServe
SkyServe is a space-tech startup developing edge computing and AI technologies for satellites. Its platform enables satellites to process data and run AI models directly onboard, delivering real-time earth observation insights with lower latency and reduced operational costs for industries such as defense, agriculture, and climate monitoring.

• L. Krishna Reddy (Lead – Satellite Partner Ecosystem)
   

From Korea

IRVIS
IRVIS develops AI-driven robotic inspection and industrial automation solutions combining computer vision, robotics, and AI control systems. The company focuses on automating quality inspection processes in manufacturing and industrial environments, improving precision, productivity, and workplace safety.

• Camille Kesseler (CTO)
   

KIMUSTUDIO
KIMUSTUDIO is a Korean social innovation startup using creative content, design, and immersive experiences to foster inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. The company combines storytelling, exhibitions, AI-powered interactive experiences, and educational content to create social impact while expanding internationally through partnerships and cultural initiatives.

• Jin Noh (Global Business Director)
   

From Japan

SYNRA
SYNRA is a deep-tech startup developing non-contact industrial monitoring technologies using high-speed imaging and AI. Its platform visualizes vibrations and equipment behavior in real time to improve predictive maintenance, industrial safety, and infrastructure monitoring across factories, plants, and critical industrial systems.

• Kohei Shimasaki (CEO)

Asilla, Inc.
Asilla is an AI security and behavioral analytics company developing advanced video surveillance technologies capable of detecting anomalies, suspicious behaviors, and safety incidents in real time. Its AI solutions are designed for smart cities, transportation hubs, retail, and public infrastructure environments, helping organizations improve operational safety and incident prevention.

• Tatsuki Ichijo (Global Tech Lead)

Jury Members:
•       Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE
•       Pierre N. Rolin, entrepreneur with 40 years of experience in real estate investment and venture capital, Founder & CEO of Ankh Impact Ventures
•       Inge Kerkloh-Devif, Senior Executive Director at HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute
•       Peter Mathias Fischer, HEC Professor and CDL-Paris AI Academic Director
 

Register here

Interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the careers shaping tomorrow? The Future Leaders stage and the 100+100 Mentoring Sessions open the doors to the professional world through inspiring conversations, meaningful encounters, and unique career journeys.

Designed to connect the next generation of female talent with leaders in tech, the 100+100 initiative brings together 100 women working in technology and 100 high school and university students for an exceptional mentoring and coaching experience.

A unique opportunity to:

• Discover careers in tech and digital innovation
• Exchange directly with inspiring women leaders
• Explore new professional paths and ambitions
• Build confidence and connections for the future

We are proud to share that Inge Kerkloh-Devif, Senior Executive Director at HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute, will represent HEC Paris as one of the mentors.

Learn more