It's that time of year again: VivaTech startup challenges and awards are open. In 2024, we received over 6,000 applications from 136 countries, resulting in winners that raised funding, got the chance to meet with industry professionals, and made new partnerships.

Success Stories

Each edition, VivaTech and our corporate partners honor a wide array of challenges and awards to recognize startups.

VivaTech has it all: from the Africa Tech Awards, the initiative that recognizes startups across Africa that are making an impact, to the Next Startupper Challenge, an initiative for students with innovative, entrepreneurial projects.

If that doesn't sound like you, don't worry. We've got lots of other challenges and awards taking place this year at VivaTech, thanks to our corporate partners.

Is your startup making the energy transition accessible to private households? Take a look at our Startup Challenge by Engie. If your startup focuses on reinventing corporate business models, check out our Startup Challenge by PwC.

That's not all: we've got plenty of other awards and challenges focused on themes like creative industries, customer experience, and even sustainable transport, so there is sure to be something that fits.

Let's take a look at some previous success stories.

Female Founder Challenge

The Female Founder Challenge is meant to put women-led startups in the spotlight and increase their visibility and funding. Albane Dersy and her startup, Inbolt, won the 2024 FFC, helping launch their success. In September 2024, shortly after VivaTech, the startup secured €15 million in Series A funding.

“The Female Founder Challenge is a remarkable initiative organized by Viva Technology to put women entrepreneurship in the spotlight in partnership with SISTA and supported by IRIS, Mazars, and JCDecaux.” - Albane Dersy, Co-founder, Inbolt (Winner of Female Founder Challenge 2024)

LVMH Innovation Awards

The LVMH Innovation Awards are held each year in collaboration with LVMH. Winners of this award, like Heralbony and FancyTech, go on to participate in a 10-month acceleration program called La Maison des Startups LVMH.

“Being the Grand Winner of LVMH Innovation Award 2024 is not only an acknowledgment for our continuous perseverance in technology endeavors, but also a milestone for a new and bright start.” - Morgan Mao, CEO, FancyTech (Grand Prize Winner, LVMH Innovation Awards 2024)

Tech for Change

Tech for Change is an award for startups that are focused on making a positive impact, whether it's environmentally, socially, or societally. We want to recognize the startups that are using innovation to tackle the major challenges of our time.

This award is brand new in 2025, and we can't wait to see what success stories will bloom.

That's Not All

Still looking for some motivation to apply? Don't miss out on these benefits for your startup.

1. Exhibit Your Solution: Showcase your startup for free at VivaTech or receive all-access passes and gain exposure from investors, partners, and customers.

2. Explore Leads with Top Business Makers: Network with leaders from corporations, venture capitalists, and other institutional partners.

3. Connet with Investors: Access funding opportunities by meeting global investors and lock down the resources you need to grow.

4. Get Feedback from Potential Users: Find out how you can improve your solution by getting feedback from your target audience.

5. Get Coverage & Boost Your Startup: Take advantage of our international media coverage to get visibility like never before.

“During the event, we had the opportunity to make numerous connections that hold immense potential to be game-changers for us. These connections are pivotal for our growth and development, and we are excited about the possibilities they bring.” - Thalia Psychotherapy (Winner AfricaTech Awards 2024)

“Winning the Next Startupper Challenge is an incredible honor for the entire Green Fusyon team! We are more motivated than ever to continue our mission.” - Jacques de Montigny, Founder, Green Fusyon (Winner of Next Startupper Challenge 2024)

Now is Your Chance

Applications are closing soon. This way to send in your application today.