**Cypriot Startups Shine at Record-Breaking VivaTech Event in Paris**
Cyprus has solidified its emerging status as a hub for technology and innovation during its participation in the VivaTech 2026 international exhibition, which took place in Paris from June 17 to June 20, 2026. This year marked the tenth anniversary of the event, which set new records by attracting over 200,000 visitors from 165 countries and hosting more than 15,000 startups.
The Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry of Cyprus coordinated the national presence at the exhibition through its Paris Trade Centre. The initiative aimed to showcase the island's technological advancements and potential to a global audience, aligning with the ministry's strategic goal of positioning Cyprus as a leading digital and technological gateway in the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.
The Cypriot pavilion featured five innovative local enterprises that presented their cutting-edge technological solutions. These startups successfully engaged with representatives from major international corporations and potential investors, highlighting the growing interest in Cypriot innovations on the world stage.
VivaTech 2026 placed a strong emphasis on key areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Green Technology, and DeepTech. The event also featured prominent keynote speakers, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web. Their participation underscored the significance of the exhibition in the global technology landscape.
High-profile political figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attended the event, further enhancing its international stature. The presence of such leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges.
In addition to the exhibition, VivaTech hosted a series of prestigious awards to honor leaders in technology. Notably, the CitizenTech Award was presented to Ukraine, recognizing the contributions of technology to societal development.
The co-presidents of the event, Maurice Lévy, Michèle Benbunan, and managing director François Bitouzet, stated, “VivaTech makes Paris the world capital of innovation, tech, and startups by bringing together all those who are inventing tomorrow.” They highlighted the event's role in fostering connections between startups and investors and showcasing innovations that are transforming societies.
As the exhibition concluded, the success of the Cypriot delegation illustrated the increasing importance of international networking and collaboration in enhancing the island's innovation ecosystem. With a total of 4,500 exhibitors present, the event featured a diverse range of technological developments, including humanoid robots controlled by human brain activity and smart contact lenses designed for the AI era.
The participation of Cyprus in VivaTech 2026 marks a significant step forward in the country's efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global technology arena. The event not only provided a platform for local startups to gain visibility but also reinforced Cyprus's commitment to fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem that attracts high-value investments and promotes technological advancement.