Paris, June 17 (CNA) Some 34 startup companies are showcasing AI technologies at the Taiwan Pavilion at VivaTech 2026, one of the largest startup and tech events in Europe, which opened Wednesday in Paris.
Organized by Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA), the pavilion highlights how AI technologies are enabling smart life in various fields such as training, security, energy and retail, and aims to generate business opportunities for the participating companies, according to TTA’s parent body the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).
Initiated by the NSTC in 2018, the TTA is building a flagship startup ecosystem in Taiwan and serves as a platform to connect technologies and talent with markets and capital.
Taiwanese startups have been participating in VivaTech for the past seven years mainly to learn from their foreign counterparts, according to Lin Der-sheng (林德生), director of the NSTC’s Department of Academia-Industry Collaboration and Science Park Affairs.
This year, however, the 34 participating startup companies are seeking opportunities to attract business and secure orders, Lin told CNA.
As part of Taiwan’s efforts to build a comprehensive tech supply chain, 61 suppliers are providing strong support to the 34 startups to boost their chances of securing business deals, Lin said.
While VivaTech is focused on tech startups, it also hosts major established global companies like Microsoft and Airbus.
This year, Taiwanese manufacturing giant Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., also known as Foxconn globally, is participating in VivaTech, displaying its advanced AI server racks and AI-based smart solutions in a dedicated exhibition area across from the Taiwan Pavilion.
Hon Hai, a supplier to American AI chip designer Nvidia Corp., debuted the Nvidia Vera Rubin NVL72, Nvidia HGX platforms, and Nvidia MGX architectures at the 2026 VivaTech fair.
In a display of its recently diversified product portfolio, Hon Hai also showcased two electric vehicle prototypes. Made by its subsidiary Foxtron Vehicle Technologies, the prototypes are the Model B, a sporty crossover; and the Model D, a lifestyle multipurpose utility vehicle.
In addition, Hon Hai, which is also an iPhone assembler, introduced its smart manufacturing innovations such as humanoid robots at the tech event.
VivaTech Head of Global Partnerships and Public Affairs Julie Lamandé said at the opening of the Taiwan Pavilion that Taiwan’s tech ecosystem is critical to VivaTech.
The presence of Hon Hai, in particular, demonstrates the importance of Taiwan’s role in AI and semiconductor development, Lamandé said.
Hon Hai Vice President James Wu (巫俊毅) said at the event that his company is strengthening its “Build-Operate-Localize” (BOL) business model, which has helped the firm sign letters of intent with partners in several European countries and launch discussions on cooperation.