VivaTech 2026: Maurice Lévy on the Development of the Innovation Festival

Paris – 18.06.2026: Maurice Lévy, co-founder of VivaTech, looks back on the development of the innovation festival. Since its founding ten years ago, VivaTech has evolved into an important European platform for technology and startups. This year’s anniversary edition will take place from June 17 to 20, 2026, in Paris and promises to surpass previous successes.

Lévy emphasizes the rapid development of the festival. “VivaTech has become, in a short time, a central meeting point for innovators, investors, and companies,” he explains. Last year, the event saw an increase in visitors from 45,000 to over 180,000 participants from 171 countries. This impressive growth rate underlines VivaTech’s increasing importance on an international level.

A significant step in VivaTech’s development was Lévy’s acquisition of Publicis’ shares in August 2025. This made him personally an equal co-shareholder of the festival. “This decision allows me to contribute my vision for VivaTech even more strongly and to actively shape the festival’s direction,” says Lévy. The partnership with Groupe Les Echos – Le Parisien remains in place, ensuring the event’s continuity and stability.

This year, VivaTech presents an expanded exhibition area by 30% and doubled seating capacity. Over 15,000 startups and more than 1,500 demonstrations are announced. A special focus is on promoting Europe’s digital sovereignty. “We want to position VivaTech as a platform that not only presents innovations but also encourages discussion about technological independence and collaboration,” explains Lévy.

Besides expanding the physical dimensions, VivaTech also places importance on the quality of the content. Leading companies like LVMH and JCDecaux showcase innovative projects that reflect the technological progress and creativity of the industry. “These partnerships are proof of the trust VivaTech enjoys within the industry,” says Lévy.

This year’s edition of VivaTech is themed “Innovation for a Sustainable Future.” Topics such as artificial intelligence, green technologies, and digital transformation are at the core of discussions and presentations. “We want to create a space where ideas are exchanged and concrete solutions for future challenges are developed,” emphasizes Lévy.

In conclusion, Maurice Lévy looks optimistically to VivaTech’s future. “We have achieved a lot in the last ten years, but the journey is far from over. With the support of our partners and the enthusiasm of the participants, we will further develop VivaTech and establish it as a leading platform for innovation and collaboration,” he concludes.