The prestigious VivaTech Innovation of the Year award is returning for its second edition, aiming to spotlight the visionary startups that are actively shaping the future.
This award is designed to honor companies that demonstrate exceptional creativity, technological ingenuity, and the potential to transform their respective industries.
For the selected few, the journey offers unparalleled exposure; five finalists will be invited to pitch their innovations live at VivaTech 2026 in June.
This live stage provides a unique opportunity to present disruptive solutions directly to a global audience of investors, media, and industry leaders.
Funding and benefits
Finalists in the competition receive a significant boost in visibility through industry validation and inclusion in VivaTech’s marketing tools.
Beyond the spotlight, they gain exclusive networking opportunities with jury members and direct introductions to venture capitalists, along with two additional four-day passes to attend the event.
The ultimate winner secures a guaranteed spot in the VivaTech 2027 Startup Corner and benefits from year-round media coverage and interview opportunities.
Additionally, the winner receives a high-profile invitation to participate in TechCrunch’s renowned Startup Battlefield 200.
Application requirements and eligibility
To be eligible, candidates must be exhibiting startups at VivaTech 2026 with fewer than 100 employees.
Furthermore, the company must be a relatively new venture, having been founded in or after the year 2020.
The selection process focuses on three core pillars: innovation and originality, market disruption potential, and scalability.
Judges will evaluate the technical and economic viability of each solution to ensure it can effectively transform its industry.
Deadline
The application window is currently open, following the official launch on March 10, 2026.
Interested startups must act quickly to submit their applications before the final deadline on May 11, 2026.
Following the selection of the five finalists on June 9, the competition will culminate in a lhonouritch session on June 17.
The winner will be crowned the following day, June 18, during the prestigious VivaTech Global Awards Ceremony.
To apply, visit VivaTech call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
