VivaTech 2025: Showcasing Canadian innovation on the global stage

This year, we had the opportunity to take part in Viva Technology in Paris, Europe’s largest tech event, bringing together over 180,000 attendees, 14,000 startups, and representatives from 171 countries. The scale of the event was incredible, and the energy on the ground was a clear sign that innovation is accelerating worldwide.

We were proud to be part of Canada’s historic delegation of 600+ people, led by Scale AI and supported by an impressive network of partners and governmental organizations. Canada was honored as Country of the year at VivaTech. Throughout the week, the Canada Pavilion welcomed several high-profile visitors, including French President Emmanuel Macron; Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation; Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly; Québec Premier François Legault; Canadian Ambassador to France, Stéphane Dion. Their presence was a strong signal of the importance placed on international collaboration and the role innovation plays in our shared future.

We explored emerging trends and shared our perspective on how AI, design, robotics and software engineering can solve real-world problems. We also had the honour of representing our expertise on stage:

• Martin Coulombe participated in a panel How AI helps industries transform. This was organized in partnership with Business France. They are the national agency supporting French companies abroad and attracting foreign investment into France.

• Charles Ste-Marie was on stage twice. First in a panel hosted by Credit Agricole, the world's largest cooperative financial institution. Done in partnership with Mila and le Trade Commissioner Service, it aimed to share our Canadian AI-know how. Then, he delivered a talk at the Canada Pavilion on how AI is delivering tangible impact in sectors like manufacturing and healthcare. Charles also attended the reception at the Canadian embassy in Paris to exchange with different partners and government officials. 

We left VivaTech energized by the scale of global innovation and the meaningful conversations we had throughout the week. From AI-driven manufacturing solutions to health tech using emerging technologies to improve lives, the event reaffirmed that the future is being shaped by those who dare to build with intention. We’re grateful to have contributed to that dialogue and proud to be part of a Canadian ecosystem that’s pushing boundaries, not just with technology, but with collaboration and vision.