VivaTech 2026 brought more than 200,000 technology leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers to Paris for four days of discussion on the forces shaping the global innovation economy. Across the conference, conversations reflected a maturing European ecosystem, where AI, life sciences, enterprise technology and capital formation are increasingly interconnected.

Event summary

For Cooley, the week offered a timely view into the priorities and ambitions of the French and European innovation ecosystems. Our presence at VivaTech focused on engaging directly with founder-led companies, investors and industry leaders across technology, life sciences and AI, as well as better understanding how companies in France and across Europe are navigating growth, funding, regulation and international expansion.

The week also marked the Paris launch of Cooley Off the Record, a discussion series designed to create space for candid exchange among the people building and backing high-growth companies.

Cooley Off the Record, hosted at Hotel Molitor on 17 June, created a new forum in Paris for intimate, practical conversations among founders, investors and industry professionals about the opportunities and challenges of building and scaling companies.

Key takeaways

  • A global platform with local relevance. VivaTech’s scale underscored Paris’ role as a convening point for the international technology community, while highlighting the strength and ambition of the French market.
  • AI as both opportunity and operating reality. Discussions moved beyond broad enthusiasm to practical questions about adoption, governance, sector-specific applications and long-term business models.
  • Cross-sector innovation is accelerating. The overlap among technology, life sciences and data-driven business models was a recurring theme, particularly for companies operating in healthcare, enterprise technology and other regulated or complex sectors.
  • France’s innovation ecosystem is gaining depth. The market is supported by a growing base of ambitious founders, experienced investors and sector expertise across technology and life sciences.
  • Responsible adoption is a central theme. The most relevant conversations at VivaTech focused not only on what new technologies can do, but also on how companies can responsibly adopt, commercialize and scale them.
  • Cross-border growth brings added complexity. As companies scale internationally, legal, regulatory and strategic considerations are becoming increasingly central to growth conversations, particularly for businesses operating at the intersection of innovation and regulated markets.
  • Sustained engagement matters. Cooley’s engagement in Paris reflects a continued commitment to participating in the French ecosystem, not only around major industry events but through ongoing dialogue with the startups, investors and innovators shaping the market. Visit our France webpage to find out more about our commitment to the French ecosystem.

VivaTech reinforced that innovation ecosystems are built through sustained engagement, shared perspective and practical collaboration. Cooley’s time in Paris, including the launch of Cooley Off the Record, reflected that approach and underscored the importance of continued connection with the people and companies shaping the future of France as a leading global player in the technology and life sciences ecosystems.

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