Impressions from VivaTech 2025 in Paris
This year, we attended VivaTech in Paris for the first time – one of the most important European technology trade fairs with growing international relevance as well. The event was held at the “Expo Porte de Versailles” convention center and spanned four days – three for industry professionals, one for the general public. One of the key organizers was Maurice Lévy, former CEO of the Publicis Groupe, who had played a major role in shaping the format. The fair was closely linked to the French government’s “La French Tech” program, which especially supports tech and hardware companies.
What sets VivaTech apart from other trade shows is its political scope. Many of the national pavilions were from countries with historical or economic ties to France – such as Senegal, Qatar, or Morocco. These countries showcased startups from their regions and used the fair as a platform for international visibility. It was clear that the event served not only as an innovation hub but also as a geopolitical message.
The booths from L’Oréal – and especially LVMH – were wild. L’Oréal is known for presenting new technologies (like the eyebrow printer at CES 2023). But what exactly Louis Vuitton was looking for at VivaTech (particularly with a premium stand) remains unclear.
Three companies and technologies have impressed us in particular:
- Mirokai by Enchanted Tools
It showcases a range of new features: facial recognition, interaction through speech and movement, as well as a precise articulation. The construction is also distinct.
Mirko waves at you and me
Mirokia overwhelmed by the surrounding
-
- ae-motion: A vehicle positioned between a automobile and a motorcycle – a bar or cike, if you will. It combines the body and protection of a car with the drive technology of a bicycle. Designed for urban use, it feels like a pragmatic response to overcrowded city centers.
half automobile, half motorcycle – AE Motion from France
- ae-motion: A vehicle positioned between a automobile and a motorcycle – a bar or cike, if you will. It combines the body and protection of a car with the drive technology of a bicycle. Designed for urban use, it feels like a pragmatic response to overcrowded city centers.
- Nuance Audio by EssilorLuxottica: Glasses as a hearing aid – or at least as hearing support. This acoustic smart glasses can amplify speech volume directionally while filtering out background noise – helpful in environments where many conversations take place at the same time.
NUANCE ADUIO BY LUXOTICA
Me with the NUANCE
Tesla (admittedly a controversial company) was there with the so-called CYBERCAB – a self-driving taxi that is probably coming to Germany soon.
Cybercab by Tesla
Not everything at the trade fair was convincing. Some presentations seemed underprepared, there were occasionally flaws in the technical demonstrations on stage, and the programs from major brands were sometimes vague. Compared to events like CES in Las Vegas, the showmanship was less pronounced – but the focus was more clearly placed on concrete examples of application in Europe.
Overall, VivaTech offered a solid overview of technological developments, especially in the areas of robotics, mobility, and new interfaces. From our perspective, attending every year isn’t necessary – every two years is sufficient to observe relevant changes.
