Context
The 10th anniversary edition of VivaTech (Viva Technology) 2026, Europe’s largest startup and technology event, was held from 17-20 June 2026 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, France. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly participated on 18 June 2026, with India serving as the official AI Country Partner. The PM outlined India’s vision for human-centric AI through his MANAV framework (Moral and Ethical Systems, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, Accessible and Inclusive, Valid and Legitimate AI). The event surpassed 200,000 visitors from 165 countries (about 180,000 attendees for the main professional days), featured 15,000+ startups, 4,500 exhibitors (61 per cent international), and 4,000 investors, spanning 30+ business sectors. India mounted its largest-ever pavilion with over 80 deep-tech companies and startups. Germany was named Country of the Year 2026 (first European nation to receive the title). VivaTech 2026 coincided with the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.
The Event
- Edition: 10th anniversary (founded 2016).
- Dates: 17-20 June 2026 (main days); Festival for public on 20 June 2026.
- Venue: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France.
- Theme: AI & Productivity, Cybersecurity & Defense, GreenTech, Space, DeepTech.
- Off-site event: Champs-Élysées open-air technology showcase on 14 June 2026 (150,000 visitors).
Co-Organisers
- Publicis Groupe.
- Les Echos-Le Parisien Group.
Country Status
- AI Country Partner 2026: India.
- Country of the Year 2026: Germany (first European nation).
PM Modi and President Macron Joint Participation (18 June 2026)
- Theatre stage appearance on 18 June 2026.
- Address to: Entrepreneurs, startups, investors, business leaders.
- Themes:
- Human-centric AI.
- India-France technology partnership.
- Inclusive AI.
- India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI).
PM Modi’s MANAV Framework
PM Modi’s framework for responsible AI governance:
- M: Moral and Ethical Systems.
- A: Accountable Governance.
- N: National Sovereignty.
- A: Accessible and Inclusive.
- V: Valid and Legitimate AI.
Roadmap for AI governance rooted in democratic values and priorities of the Global South.
India’s Engagement with VivaTech
| Year | Engagement |
|---|---|
| 2021 | PM Modi delivered keynote (during COVID-19) |
| 2022 | India became first “Country of the Year” |
| 2026 | AI Country Partner; PM Modi participated again; India-France Year of Innovation |
India’s Pavilion at VivaTech 2026
Showcased Themes
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
- Health-tech.
- Clean Technologies.
- Advanced Computing.
- Mobility.
- Space technology.
Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to VivaTech 2026, consider the following statements:
- VivaTech 2026 was held from 17-20 June 2026 in Paris, France.
- It was the 10th anniversary edition of the event.
- It is co-organised by Publicis Groupe and Les Echos-Le Parisien.
- VivaTech is an event focused exclusively on banking and finance.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
(Statement 4 is wrong; VivaTech is a startup and technology event covering 30+ sectors, NOT exclusively banking/finance.)
Q2. With reference to India’s participation at VivaTech 2026, consider the following statements:
- India served as the AI Country Partner at VivaTech 2026.
- PM Modi participated on 18 June 2026 with French President Macron.
- More than 80 Indian deep-tech companies showcased their innovations.
- India was named the “Country of the Year 2026” at VivaTech.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
(Statement 4 is wrong; Germany was named Country of the Year 2026 at VivaTech, NOT India. India was Country of the Year in 2022.)
Q3. With reference to PM Modi’s MANAV framework, consider the following statements:
- MANAV stands for Moral and Ethical Systems, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, Accessible and Inclusive, Valid and Legitimate AI.
- It is a roadmap for AI governance rooted in democratic values.
- It addresses priorities of the Global South.
- It is a framework developed by the European Commission.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
(Statement 4 is wrong; MANAV is PM Modi’s framework, NOT developed by the European Commission.)
Q4. With reference to India’s previous engagements with VivaTech, consider the following statements:
- PM Modi delivered a keynote at VivaTech in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- India was the first “Country of the Year” at VivaTech in 2022.
- India’s engagement with VivaTech has steadily expanded.
- India had no engagement with VivaTech before 2026.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
(Statement 4 is wrong; India has engaged with VivaTech since 2021 and was Country of the Year in 2022.)
Q5. With reference to VivaTech 2026 scale and participants, consider the following statements:
- Total visitors crossed 200,000 from 165 countries.
- The event featured 15,000+ startups, 4,500 exhibitors, and 4,000 investors.
- The themes included AI & Productivity, Cybersecurity & Defense, GreenTech, Space, and DeepTech.
- The event was held at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
(Statement 4 is wrong; the event was held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, NOT the Eiffel Tower.)
Q6. With reference to the India-France strategic context, consider the following statements:
- India and France established their Strategic Partnership in 1998.
- 2026 is being celebrated as the India-France Year of Innovation.
- PM Modi was Chief Guest at Bastille Day in 2023, and Macron was Chief Guest at Republic Day in 2024.
- The India-France strategic partnership is limited to defence cooperation.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
(Statement 4 is wrong; the India-France partnership covers defence, civil nuclear, space, technology, climate, and more, NOT just defence.)
Answer Key
- (c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because VivaTech covers 30+ sectors.
- (c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because Germany was Country of the Year 2026.
- (c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because MANAV is PM Modi’s framework.
- (c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because India has engaged with VivaTech since 2021.
- (c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because the event was at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
- (c), Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because the partnership is broader than defence.
Exam Relevance
| Exam | Relevance |
|---|---|
| UPSC Prelims | GS Paper II on International Relations (India-France); GS Paper III on Science & Technology (AI, DPI) |
| UPSC Mains | GS Paper II on India’s bilateral ties; GS Paper III on Science & Technology, AI |
| BPSC and State PCS | International Affairs, Science & Technology, Current Affairs |
| Banking and NABARD | Digital banking, fintech, DPI |
| RBI Grade B | DPI, AI, fintech |
| NABARD Grade A | Innovation, technology in rural |
| SEBI Grade A | AI, capital markets technology, innovation |
