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Vivatech 2024: AI's Reign and the Shifting Startup Landscape

Marc Curtis



For a third time, I found myself at Vivatech in Paris, eagerly soaking in the latest trends and innovations. This year's event was a whirlwind of excitement, brimming with cutting-edge technology and visionary entrepreneurs. Yet, there was a palpable shift in focus compared to previous years.


The dominant theme? AI and robotics. From the moment I stepped onto the conference floor, it was clear that artificial intelligence was the star of the show. Start-ups from around the globe showcased their AI-driven solutions, aiming to revolutionize industries ranging from healthcare to retail. However, I couldn't help but notice the reduction in startups from Asia and Africa, regions often brimming with untapped potential and innovative ideas.


Big brands were out in full force, with industry giants like LVMH, Total Energies, and Amazon making their presence felt. Their booths were bustling with activity, drawing crowds eager to see how these established players are leveraging AI to stay ahead of the curve. However, it wasn't all positive. There seemed to be less floor space dedicated to green startups this year, a worrying trend given the urgency of environmental challenges we face.


From a Lyreco perspective, the conference offered a mixed bag. On the one hand, there were some fascinating new companies in the logistics space, particularly those focusing on robotics and automation. These startups are pushing the envelope with innovative solutions that could streamline operations and enhance efficiency. However, I noticed a decline in the number of companies specifically tackling the future of work. In a world where work dynamics are rapidly evolving, this was a bit disappointing.


One sub-trend that continues to gather momentum is the increasing amount of direct corporate investment in startups. It's becoming more common to see large corporations investing directly in innovative companies, rather than relying solely on venture capital. This trend signals a shift in how innovation is being nurtured and scaled, with big brands looking to stay agile and ahead of the competition.


Vivatech 2024 underscored the dominance of AI in the startup ecosystem. While wellness tech, green tech, and IoT still had a presence, they were clearly secondary to the AI wave sweeping across industries. The conference highlighted the evolving landscape, where corporate giants are leaning into AI and robotics to drive their future strategies. It's an exciting time to be in the tech world, but we must remain vigilant in ensuring that other crucial areas, like green tech, do not get overshadowed in the process.


Interesting Startup


ReLeaf Paper transforms fallen leaves into eco-friendly paper products, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional paper manufacturing. Their innovative approach reduces waste and promotes environmental conservation.

Circular Place is dedicated to creating a circular economy by offering solutions that facilitate the reuse and recycling of materials. Their platform connects businesses and consumers to promote sustainability. Lyreco France are working with this company on the Olympics project


Greet by Lecko provides a platform that enhances workplace communication and collaboration. It focuses on creating a more engaging and productive work environment through innovative digital tools.


German Bionic specializes in robotic exoskeletons designed to augment human capabilities, particularly in industrial settings. Their technology aims to reduce workplace injuries and improve productivity.


M-Work offers a mobile-first solution for remote and hybrid work environments. Their platform supports seamless collaboration, project management, and productivity tracking, catering to the needs of modern workplaces.


TwinswHeel develops autonomous delivery robots designed to navigate urban environments. Their robots are intended to improve last-mile delivery efficiency, reducing the reliance on traditional delivery vehicles.


Bloomflow provides a comprehensive platform for managing innovation within organizations. Their tools help companies track, develop, and implement innovative ideas, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.


BEFC (Bioenzymatic Fuel Cells) creates eco-friendly batteries powered by enzymes and biological processes. Their technology offers a sustainable alternative to traditional batteries, with applications in various electronic devices. This is super cool! Batteries that can compost!


InvoiceQ streamlines the invoicing process for businesses, offering automated solutions that reduce manual work and errors. Their platform ensures timely payments and efficient financial management.


Mobile Robots designs and manufactures versatile robotic solutions for various industries, including logistics and manufacturing. Their robots are built to enhance operational efficiency and productivity through automation.



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