Lebanese innovation took center stage in Paris as 22 startups, 9 partners, and one united Lebanese delegation came together for VivaTech 2026, one of the world’s leading events for technology, startups, and innovation.
A full week of ecosystem building, international visibility, networking, and conversations around future collaboration between Lebanon and France.
In preparation for VivaTech 2026, the Lebanese delegation of startups and partners joined Smart ESA and Paris Region for an introduction to the French innovation ecosystem and to strengthen areas of collaboration between Lebanon and the Paris Region.
The delegation also gathered at the Lebanese Embassy in France for the official launch of Lebanon’s participation at VivaTech 2026. The reception brought together members of the Lebanese ecosystem, partners, and the Lebanese diaspora in Paris, creating a valuable space to connect, exchange ideas, and highlight the role of Lebanese talent beyond borders.
At VivaTech 2026, Lebanese startups took their place on one of the world’s leading stages for innovation, engaging with global investors, technology leaders, corporate partners, and fellow entrepreneurs shaping the future across industries.
Spanning sectors from artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to business solutions and impact-driven ventures, the Lebanese delegation showcased the depth and diversity of Lebanon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The BDD community was strongly represented within the delegation, accounting for more than 10 of the 22 participating startups.
Startups including CoinQuant, BSS, Edgebot, Chimera, Bilo, and many others demonstrated the innovation and ambition emerging from Lebanon’s startup landscape, while forging new connections and opportunities on an international stage.
The week also marked several standout achievements for the community. Bilo secured second place in the Startup Battle Competition, earning recognition among a highly competitive international cohort. Meanwhile, Edubolt was selected as one of only six startups, from a pool of more than 14,000 applicants, to participate in an exclusive exchange with President Emmanuel Macron, an exceptional acknowledgment of the startup’s vision and potential.
These milestones reflect more than individual success stories; they highlight the growing presence of Lebanese innovation on the global stage and reinforce the role of the country’s entrepreneurs in shaping the future of technology, business, and impact.
As part of this wider mission to build bridges between Lebanon and France, H.E. Dr. Kamal Shehadi, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, played a key role in championing Lebanon’s innovation ecosystem throughout the delegation’s visit.
On June 18, Minister Shehadi met with François Bonneau, President of France’s Centre-Val de Loire Region, to discuss opportunities for strengthening Lebanon-France cooperation in entrepreneurship, innovation, and talent development. The discussion formed part of ongoing efforts to create new partnerships between Lebanon and regional innovation ecosystems in France, while expanding collaboration opportunities between institutions, startups, and businesses in both countries.
On the second day of the exhibition, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited the Lebanese Delegation at VivaTech 2026, where he met with the participating startups and learned more about their innovative solutions. Following his visit, he expressed the Lebanese state’s pride in their achievements and renewed his confidence in Lebanon’s youth, especially those paving the way in science and innovation. He also highlighted that technology and artificial intelligence represent an opportunity for countries like Lebanon to make up for years of lost development.
As the delegation wraps up its week in France, one message stands out clearly: Lebanese startups do not need a perfect environment to build world-class solutions. They need visibility, access, and the right stage.
VivaTech 2026 offered that stage, and the Lebanese Delegation showed up with ambition, talent, and ideas ready to go global.
