2019 Highlights

Green Tech to save our planet, EdTech to increase access to education, mobile tech to alleviate poverty and improve quality of healthcare….. Tech For Good, a pillar of Viva Technology, explores ways that technology can be a positive force for the economy, society and humanity. The Tech For Good Summit, on the eve of VivaTech’s official opening, will be hosted again this year by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, while a dedicated Tech for Good track runs throughout the three-day event.

With a new European Commission, European Parliament elections and Brexit on the calendar for 2019, all eyes are on Europe. While EU data protection rules (GDPR) have helped reassure privacy-conscious citizens, the jury is out on how well European companies will fare against an increasingly data-driven business sector in the US and China. VivaTech explores Europe’s specific challenges and potential with country pavilions, Europe-based startups, a dedicated conference track, European partners…and some surprise events.

Digital technology is developing in Africa at an astonishing rate, with entrepreneurs, investors, startups, and dynamic support structures powering the boom. For the second year, VivaTech hosts country pavilions and more than 100 of the most promising African startups to focus on obstacles and opportunities with regard to the African continent’s budding, innovative tech ecosystem. The Afric@Tech Lab will feature exclusive events and presentations as well as a pitch area shared by startups and established companies.

Same power-packed program, same high-octane atmosphere, but shorter lines and improved traffic flow as the 2019 edition of VivaTech expands into two new spaces at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The Dôme de Paris (Palais des Sports) offers a 4,400-seat theater to host global tech leaders and their audiences. (In 2018 capacity crowds heard Mark Zuckerberg, Satya Nadella, Ginni Rometty and Dara Khosrowshahi at VivaTech.)

As in years past, Hall 1 is the place for conference stages, tech showcases, the Hall of Tech and Open Innovation Labs. But this year a second venue, Hall 2.2, is dedicated to networking and business opportunities, with a co-working  center, lounges and a food court.