TechCrunch is partnering with VivaTech 2026 to highlight key discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) that define the future. The event will also host the VivaTech Innovation of the Year competition, where winners get a chance to pitch in Paris and feature at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco.

While Silicon Valley races for scale and market dominance, Europe is advocating an alternative AI model focused on industrial competitiveness and technological sovereignty. This strategic divergence, evident since last year, will be spotlighted at VivaTech 2026 as it showcases Europe's broader AI ambitions.

The European approach, framed within traditionally strong industries like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and cybersecurity, highlights the need for operational expertise, compliance frameworks, and long-term institutional trust. This positioning could give Europe an edge in industrial AI deployment.

Joining founders, investors, enterprise leaders, and policymakers at VivaTech 2026 will provide insights into how Europe is setting its vision for the future of AI. The event promises to be a critical place to understand European strategy in contrast to that of Silicon Valley.