cypriot startups — Cypriot startups made a significant impact at the VivaTech 2026 event, reinforcing the island’s status as a burgeoning technology and innovation hub. Taking place from June 17 to June 20, 2026, in Paris, this year’s exhibition attracted over 200,000 visitors from 165 countries, marking a record-breaking occasion for the event.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
The Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry led the coordination of Cyprus’ national presence through its Paris Trade Centre, presenting five innovative local enterprises. These startups showcased advanced technological solutions and successfully engaged with representatives from major international companies and potential investors.
Cypriot startups: VivaTech: A Stage for Innovation
The tenth anniversary of VivaTech celebrated not just the growth of the event but also highlighted key themes such as Artificial Intelligence, Green Technology, and DeepTech. High-profile speakers, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, provided insights into the future of technology.
Political Leaders and Global Impact
VivaTech also attracted the attention of political leaders, with notable attendees including French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their presence underscored the event’s global significance as a melting pot for innovation and collaboration.
A Platform for Cypriot Excellence
The Cypriot pavilion stood out among the 4,500 exhibitors, showcasing the island’s growing innovation ecosystem. The participation of these local startups aligns with the Ministry’s strategic goal to position Cyprus as a leading digital and technological gateway in both the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, aiming to attract high-value investments.
A Celebration of Global Innovation
Beyond the exhibitions, VivaTech hosted prestigious awards, including the CitizenTech Award presented to Ukraine. The co-presidents of the event, Maurice Lévy, Michèle Benbunan, and François Bitouzet, emphasised the importance of creating a space for dialogue among global stakeholders and showcased innovations that are transforming societies.
As the event concluded, the success of the Cypriot delegation highlighted the critical role of international networking in enhancing the island’s domestic innovation landscape. The diverse range of innovations presented, from humanoid robots controlled by brain activity to smart contact lenses for the AI era, illustrated the dynamic capabilities of the participating startups.
