As VivaTech 2024 draws to a close, Riseup Labs reflects on the thrilling experience of making waves in the international tech scene. Recounting the astounding innovations, impressive businesses, and inspiring connections made, the team shares their amazement at everything the 8th edition of VivaTech had to offer. Below are some key takeaways and highlights from the event, along with insights from the Riseup Labs team as they recount their experience.

VivaTech 2024 Sets New Records

The 8th edition of VivaTech witnessed over 165,000 attendees, which is a 10% increase from 2023. Moreover, this year saw more than 3,500 exhibitors from 160+ countries (a 27% increase from 2023), over 13,500 tech startups, and more than 400 speakers, making it the biggest VivaTech to date. There were also more than 2,000 investors and investment funds, thus turning the event into a surefire catalyst for accelerating innovation. And to top all records, this year’s VivaTech had 2 billion online viewers from around the globe via social media.

AI Reigns Supreme

This year too, Artificial Intelligence took center stage, with promising potential across different sectors, from production-line automation to crafting sales pitches to aiding mobility. Given AI’s popularity among companies, the event has kept a dedicated area called AI Mile. Alongside AI, the main themes for this 8th edition have been climate-tech and mobility, among others.

Electronic vehicles, automation, Gen AI, mobility, health and beauty, climate tech, and every other niche promising the most innovative and mind-blowingly tailored solutions got a spotlight in this year’s edition of Viva Technology, or VivaTech 2024 for short. 

Welcoming Innovators from Around the World

Every key AI innovator across the world has been represented at VivaTech 2024, according to the event’s co-founder and Chairman Maurice Lévy. VivaTech Managing Director François Bitouzet also mentions that the main goals of the event are to discover all the latest trends in tech and digital and to connect businesses, innovators, and investors everywhere. 

Bitouzet highlights how advancements in technology have made businesses worldwide connect and collaborate easier than ever. Reflecting on how technology has removed language barriers, he adds, “Today, tech speaks your language, whereas before it was you who had to adapt to tech.”

A Showcase of the Breadth and Reach of AI

The event unveiled some of the coolest innovations, particularly in the fields of AI and robotics. Here is a roundup of some of the most memorable techs from the event.  

  • The “Esper Hand” is an AI-powered prosthetic hand that can anticipate and mimic movement.
  • The “Apogee” exoskeleton by German Bionic helps with lifting and mobility. This can be a great tool for healthcare workers, factory workers, and anyone associated with lifting weights. 
  • Autodiag, an AI-powered system, uses a camera and AI to recognize different types of waste and facilitate sorting. 
  • PrimaaLab is an AI-powered platform that uses advanced image analysis and deep learning to detect cancer biomarkers with precision. 
  • Skin Technology, a platform by L’Oréal combines the best of biology, mechanics and electronics. They offer bio-printed skin models that mimic human skin complexities like color, eczema, and wrinkles.

Day 1 Highlights

Japan in the Spotlight

Alongside AI being the reigning theme of the event, Japan becomes the star country at this year’s VivaTech. Japan also gets named VivaTech 2024’s “Country of the Year,” with Tokyo recognized as ‘the world’s most startup-friendly city’. The country currently boasts six unicorns. Moreover, Japan has allocated massive funding to increase its number of tech startups tenfold, with a particular focus on Deep Tech and drug discovery-related startups.

The world owes technologies like humanoid robots, bullet trains, quartz watches, Walkmans, LCD screens, QR codes, and much more to Japan. Japan aims to continue to drive its innovative genius forward with the support of startups. 

AI to Mitigate Food Waste

A company called Too Good to Go showcased its innovative solution for mitigating food waste. They employ an AI-based system that helps grocery retailers manage expiration dates and discount their products before they become surplus. 

The Mobile Medical Van

Software République, a collaboration among major French companies, unveiled the U1st Vision, a mobile medical van. The van provides decentralized healthcare services, aiming to improve accessibility. Led by Renault Group, the initiative aims to improve healthcare accessibility by bringing medical services directly to communities in need.

Day 2 Highlights

Elon Musk Returns to VivaTech

Elon Musk joined the event through an online videoconference to deliver his talk on Thursday, May 23rd. He particularly discussed the deep and pressing ethical concerns surrounding AI.

In a bleak, matter-of-fact forecast, Musk predicts an AI future, saying, ‘Probably none of us will have a job.’ However, he soon reassured the audience that the AI-driven future will have many advantages. To elaborate on the optimistic side, AI will aid with menial jobs, eradicate labor shortages, and open up numerous possibilities for intellectual and creative pursuits.

He also mentioned his ventures, Nuralinks and xAI, elaborating on the solutions these companies offer and his plans to develop more ethical and truth-seeking AI models. 

More highlights from this day included panel discussions on building smart and green cities to tackle climate change; the role of technology and the internet in enhancing citizen dialogue and democracy; a session on the importance of mission-driven investment; AI’s role in fostering creativity in the digital domain; and finally, the award-giving sessions for the Female Founder Challenge and the LVMH Innovation Award.

Day 3 Highlights

  • Lina Yaccarino, CEO at X, a notable industry leaders discussed content creation, consumption, and distribution in the age of AI. 
  • Jaroslaw Kutylowski, CEO of DeepL, shared the company’s journey in AI-driven translation, mentioning his plans to enhance spoken language translation.
  • A session explored the future of generative AI, emphasizing the need for collaboration between governments, businesses, and international organizations. 
  • A key event of the third day was the AfricaTech Awards winner announcement. Among the winners were Schoolz (Egypt), a climate-tech startup promoting eco-friendly transportation; the fintech startup Inclusivity Solutions (South Africa), providing accessible insurance; and the Health-tech startup Thalia Psychotherapy (Kenya), which addresses the mental health crisis in Africa.

Bangladesh at the Tech Scene

This year, Bangladesh made a mark with its inaugural participation at the 8th edition of VivaTech in Paris. For the first time, 12 Bangladeshi firms exhibited at this world-class tech event, showcasing their innovations in AI, automation, quantum computing, cybersecurity, microchip design, and much more. This participation could open significant opportunities to connect with client firms. Additionally, it would provide the firms with a head start in attracting investors.

In the VivaTech news interview, the Honorable Minister of State for ICT, Bangladesh, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, recounts the remarkable strides made by Bangladesh’s digital and IT sectors over the past 15 years. This includes providing internet access to 130 million users and witnessing the rapid rise of a startup ecosystem. Notably, ICT export earnings have surged from $26 million to $2 billion, promising high growth potential in this sector. Moreover, Minister Palak emphasizes the importance of digital literacy in schools to nurture tech-savvy citizens of the future. In that effort, the government has implemented state-of-the-art computer labs nationwide.

Riseup Labs on the International Stage

Riseup Labs was thrilled to be part of this dynamic event featuring some of the brightest innovations and tech trends from across the globe. The engaging discussions with tech enthusiasts, businesses, corporations, entrepreneurs, investors, news channels, and global leaders made our time productive, stimulating, and insightful. The Riseup Labs team also had the honor of conducting multiple knowledge-sharing sessions with tech enthusiasts and prospects. Furthermore, the team was graced by the presence of the Honorable Minister of State for ICT Bangladesh, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, who expressed his delight at our work and expertise.

Driving innovation and delivering excellence is core to our mission. With the Bangladeshi government’s immense support, our ICT sector is now ready to dominate the international stage. Events like this provide the breeding ground to network, learn, and accelerate innovation. This is why Riseup Labs remembers its participation at VivaTech 2024 as a strategic, optimistic, and mission-driven milestone.

We look forward to being part of a future where Bangladeshi tech dominates the international scene.

This page was last edited on 9 June 2024, at 2:49 pm