Post by Kekst CNC

What we heard at VivaTech: AI enters its proof phase and Europe’s sovereignty debate moves centre stage Last week, an international Kekst CNC team joined clients, reporters and business leaders at VivaTech in Paris, Europe’s largest technology conference. Three themes stood out from our discussions: ► AI has entered its proof phase. The conversation has shifted from promise to performance. Customer adoption, measurable outcomes and tangible value are now what matter most. Ambition alone is no longer enough. ► European tech sovereignty is emerging as a defining narrative. Questions around competitiveness, AI infrastructure, defence and access to capital are increasingly shaping both policy debates and corporate positioning. Companies are being asked to explain the role they play in strengthening Europe’s technological resilience. ► Capital and communications are converging around strategic sectors. Investors continue to prioritise AI, deep tech, industrial technologies and defence. At the same time, companies operating in these areas are increasingly framing their stories through the lens of strategic importance and long-term resilience. Thank you to everyone we met over two busy days in Paris. It was great to see so much energy and ambition across the European technology ecosystem.