Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute

VivaTech 2025 Recap from HEC Paris

VivaTech 2025 Recap: HEC Paris Showcased bold innovations at Europe’s premier tech event

From June 11 to 14, Viva Technology 2025 turned Paris Expo Porte de Versailles into the heartbeat of global innovation. With more than 180,000 attendees and 450 speakers, the event reaffirmed its status as Europe's largest tech gathering. Among the highlights? The strong and diverse presence of the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute ecosystem, showcasing visionary startups, groundbreaking panels, and new partnerships.

This article recaps HEC Paris presence at VivaTech 2025, spotlighting the key moments, inspiring collaborations, and its global community of innovators, entrepreneurs, mentors, corporate partners, students and professors, startups and fellows.

 

A New Era for AI, Robotics, and European Tech Sovereignty

Viva Technology 2025 shattered records and confirmed its status as Europe’s leading tech and innovation event, welcoming over 14,000 startups from 171 countries. Held in Paris, this landmark edition became a global platform for announcing game-changing tech partnerships, AI breakthroughs, and sovereignty-driven strategies that reflect Europe’s ambition to lead in the next wave of technological innovation.

With an unmatched speaker lineup that included French President Emmanuel Macron, Jensen Huang (NVIDIA), Joe Tsai (Alibaba), Arthur Mensch (Mistral AI), Vanessa Wyche (NASA), and Yann LeCun (Meta), VivaTech 2025 confirmed that the future of innovation is being shaped in Europe.

The momentum was visible: more than 300 major announcements were made, spanning artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, and deep tech infrastructure. Here are some of the key highlights that set the tone for a bold, tech-forward future:

  • NVIDIA x Mistral Compute: Europe’s AI Sovereignty Takes Shape
  • AI for Government Services: Mistral Goes Public
  • NVIDIA's GTC Paris Premiere
  • AI x Robotics: From Lab to Factory
  • €1 Billion for French Startups: "Je Choisis la French Tech"
  • “Osez l’IA” (Dare to Use AI): Scaling Adoption
  • Investing in Semiconductors: Strengthening the AI Supply Chain
  • Quantum Zone: Europe’s Commitment to Next-Gen Computing

 

HEC Paris at VivaTech 2025: Scaling Innovation With Collaboration

As Viva Technology has grown over the years, so too has HEC Paris’s presence. In 2025, the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute was involved in 18 major activities, either as a lead organizer or strategic partner. From high-level panels and pitch contests to exclusive workshops and international delegations, this year’s participation marked a new milestone in the school’s engagement with global innovation ecosystems.

 

 

L’Oréal x HEC Paris: Beauty Tech in the Spotlight

At the L’Oréal booth, three dynamic panels took center stage, all co-led by HEC Paris through the Beauty Tech Atelier program at Station F. The sessions tackled essential questions:

  • How can corporations scale with startups?
  • Why should bold ideas be backed early?
  • Can AI foster open innovation for good?

These talks revealed how cross-sector collaboration drives transformation in industries like beauty and beyond.

Panelists:

  • Adonis Bouzid, Director, L’Oréal Beauty Tech Atelier
  • Startups: HerThirdPlace, Reelevant, MatchTune
  • Mathias Abramovicz, Pedagogical Director, HEC Paris Incubation & Acceleration Center
  • Alexandra Najdanovic, Program Manager, HEC Paris Incubation & Acceleration Center
     

The Fabulous Journey of Next Generation Computing

In partnership with CDL-Paris and HI! PARIS Center, our Institute hosted a forward-looking workshop on advanced computing. Experts in quantum, neuromorphic, and photonic tech shared insights on the next wave of AI and data processing.

Speakers:

  • Fanny Bouton, Quantum Lead, OVHcloud
  • Laetitia Bemba-Poindron, Head, Paris-Saclay Technology Center, Nokia
  • Carlo Sortori, Professor, École Normale Supérieure
  • Hualde, PhD, Senior Data Scientist, Capgemini Engineering
  • Juan Manuel Aguiar, Alexis Jonville, CEO, LumiSync
  • Carlo Sortori, Professor, École Normale Supérieure
  • Marek Kotelnicki, Managing Partner, VIGO Venture
  • Michele Dallari, CEO, Planckian
  • Alex Charbonné, Next Generation Computing Lead, CDL-Paris
  • Vincent Rapp, Executive Director, Hi! PARIS
  • Inge Kerkloh-Devif, Senior Executive Director, HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute

 

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HEC Paris Startup Launchpad: Celebrating 10 years of Bold Ideas

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the HEC Paris Startup Launchpad brought its most promising startups to VivaTech. Winners from the 2025 Grand Pitch Night and Demo Day presented their cutting-edge solutions across energy, healthcare, and aviation. From AI-driven care platforms to smart energy storage, these ventures illustrated the program's enduring impact on the startup landscape.

Jury Members:

  • Anita De Voisins, VC Partner, Daphni & Time4
  • Peter Fischer, HEC Paris professor & Academic Director, CDL-Paris AI Stream
  • Katrin Redmann, Head of Operations, SAP Labs Paris
  • Inge Kerkloh-Devif, Senior Executive Director, HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute

 

 

35 years of Empowering Startups Across Continents with HEC Challenge+

HEC Paris brought entrepreneurial energy to VivaTech with a strong international flavor. Celebrating this year 35 years of the HEC Challenge+ program, now also supporting founders in Abidjan and Dakar, the Institute reaffirmed its commitment to global innovation.

During a high-level panel on "Sustainability & Innovation," speakers emphasized how African entrepreneurs are inventing new business models to tackle global challenges. This initiative showcased the creativity and resilience of a new generation of impact-driven founders. 

Panelists:

  • Christ Anderson Ahoua Boua, Head of Communications, EDF Africa
  • Sophie Tall, Growth Manager at La Ruche Health, and Vice-President Africaines In Tech
  • Etienne Krieger, HEC Paris Professor and Academic Director of HEC Challenge+

 

 

INPI x HEC Paris Pitch Contest: Showcasing Emerging Talent

In collaboration with the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), HEC Paris Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation presented a standout pitch contest. Startups from CDL-Paris, HEC Challenge+ and the Incubateur HEC Paris took the stage.

Notable participants included Neurobus, Aquaphys, Trustable, Kwit, Lichen SAS et Tellers AI. Two of them were rewarded with INPI Trophy invitations and passes for VivaTech 2026. A key milestone for these ambitious ventures.

Jury Members:

  • Julie Zerbib, Delegate for the Île-de-France region, INPI
  • Yann Ménière, Chief Economist, European Patent Office (EPO)
  • Ali Jazairy, Senior Advisor, WIPO
  • Inge Kerkloh-Devif, Senior Executive Director, HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute

 

New Partnership: HEC Challenge+ and Le Réseau Carnot

Marking a strategic move, Aymeric Penven, Director of HEC Paris Deep Tech Center, signed a new partnership with Le Réseau des Carnot, a leading network of French public research organizations dedicated to supporting innovation in industry. The goal? To strengthen the bridge between academic research and practical business applications.

This partnership opens new avenues for startups and researchers alike, enabling smoother access to high-level scientific expertise and lab infrastructure. It also lays the foundation for co-development projects that address industrial challenges with academic rigor.

 

 

La French Tech in Europe: Building a Continental Network

We joined forces with the 23 European Communities of La French Tech (including London, Amsterdam, Berlin...) to celebrate startups across Europe through an exclusive side event. 

Participants had the chance to meet the board members of La French Tech’s European Communities and network with startup founders (Xange, Ventech, Redstone VC, Orange Ventures, Ring Capital...), investors, and corporates who actively collaborate with startups. 

This initiative underscored the vitality of Europe's innovation ecosystem and HEC Paris' central role within it.

 

 

DeepTech in France: Are We Ready to Scale?

Another key workshop explored the challenges and potential of scaling scientific entrepreneurship in France. Through two powerful round tables, thought leaders examined how to support founders and build robust deeptech ecosystems.

  • Round table 1: "What if it all started with scientific entrepreneurs, not technologies?"
  • Round table 2: “What if deeptech was too strategic to let entrepreneurs face even?”

Speakers:

  • Antonin Bergeaud, Associate Professor, Economics and Decision Sciences, HEC Paris
  • Paul Midy, Deputy, French National Assembly
  • Mehdi Medjaoui, Founder, Olympe.Legal
  • Alexis Robert, Founder, Kima Ventures
  • Moderator: Hervé Lebret, Inria Startup Studio
     
CLICK TO UNVEIL: breakdown of the main activities and partnerships that brought HEC Paris to the forefront of VivaTech 2025
  • June 10: Welcoming Global Delegations
    • The HEC Paris Incubation & Acceleration Center welcomed the General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER/FJ) from Senegal.
    • The Québec Tech delegation, the largest ever gathered for VivaTech, was also received at STATION F — a moment of transatlantic collaboration with strong ties to North America’s innovation scene.

 

  • June 11: Scaling Startups and Building Bridges Across Europe
    • HEC Paris contributed to the “Scaling With Startups” panel hosted at the L’Oréal booth.
    • The Institute also joined the Inria-led workshop: “Deeptech in France: Are We Ready to Scale?”
    • That evening, La French Tech in Europe hosted a powerful side event with representatives from 23 European Tech Communities. Teams from both the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute and CDL-Paris participated, strengthening the school's European footprint.

 

  • June 12: A Day of Panels, Pitching, and Strategic Encounters
    • HEC Launchpad students took the stage at the Pitch Studio, while the HEC Challenge+ team led the Sustainability & Innovation conference at the AfricaTech stage.
    • A new partnership was announced with Le Réseau des Carnot, further linking HEC Paris to France’s applied research ecosystem.
    • Startups from across HEC Paris programs pitched in collaboration with INPI France.
    • A second panel with L’Oréal and a Women’s Forum session featuring alumnae from Women Entrepreneurs for Good rounded out a packed agenda.

On the diplomatic side, HEC Paris hosted an inspiring Indian delegation featuring: 

  • Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, and Electronics & IT
  • Abhishek Singh, CEO, IndiaAI
  • Eenam Gambhir, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Paris

They engaged directly with 10 Indian startups currently accelerating through the CDL-Paris program, exploring opportunities for cross-border AI collaboration.

Later that evening, HEC Paris was invited to an official event at the Canadian Embassy, hosted by Ambassador Stéphane Dion and other Canadian dignitaries. Inge Kerkloh-Devif, Aymeric Penven, and Peter Fischer proudly represented the school at this symbolic moment for transatlantic innovation diplomacy.

The day concluded with two high-energy networking events:
- A 360° live concert with The Blaze, organized in collaboration with Live Nation
- The VivaParty, co-hosted by STATION F, Anthropic, Scaleway, Leboncoin, and Sifted

 

  • June 13: Deep Tech, Korea, and CDL Celebration
    • In partnership with Hi! PARIS and the Creative Destruction Lab Paris, HEC Paris hosted the workshop: "The Fabulous Journey of Next Generation Computing!". Celebrating five years of CDL operations in France, the session brought together founders, mentors, and researchers shaping the future of computing.
    • For the third time, HEC participated in a panel at the L’Oréal booth.
    • Pitch Studio with KOSME (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency) and KOCCA (Korea Creative Content Agency). This offered a unique opportunity to engage with next-generation Korean entrepreneurs and explore the intersection of culture, creativity, and technology.

 

  • June 14: The Ethics and Myths of AI
    • Laura Sibony, lecturer at HEC and Sciences Po, and author of "Fantasia: Tales and Legends of Artificial Intelligence" (Grasset, 2024), closed HEC Paris’s participation with a thought-provoking talk on what AI is — and what it is not.

 

From startup incubation and acceleration programs to strategic partnerships and major innovation and entrepreneurship events, HEC Paris continues to cement its role as a central force in the European and global tech ecosystem. At VivaTech 2025, its innovation engine was on full display, connecting visionaries, empowering entrepreneurs, and bridging research and corporations with real-world solutions.

 

About HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute

The HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute (HEC IEI) empowers aspiring founders and intrapreneurs through cutting-edge programs, global partnerships, and a strong academic backbone. With initiatives like the Incubateur HEC Paris at Station F, HEC Challenge+, and the Startup Launchpad, the Institute fosters bold innovation at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.

To learn more about how HEC IEI supports the next generation of changemakers, explore our programs or contact us today.

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