What's up

A6K traveled to Paris to attend Viva Technology, Europe’s biggest innovation and tech event. Two intense days immersed in the global tech scene, filled with discoveries, connections, and deep reflection.

What are we taking back with us?

This 2025 edition confirmed one thing: VivaTech is more than just a showcase of flashy gadgets. It’s a space for real conversations necessary between founders, investors, researchers, and institutions. It holds up a mirror to the European tech ecosystem, prompting us to rethink our place and our role in a rapidly evolving world.

Cross-border collaboration is more than a buzzword

One of this year’s highlights was the strengthening of ties between the Belgian, French, and Quebec ecosystems. We often speak of cross-border cooperation, but this time we could genuinely feel it happening, through shared insights, mutual curiosity, and a drive to build together. Two examples to remember: Flanders took part and joined the real Belgian pavilion with Wallonia and Brussels. We'd also like to thank Philippe Valentine of Quebec Tech and Adrien Sellez, Scientific Advisor of Wallonie Bruxelles International, as well as Adrien Buntinx of the Délégation Générale du Quebec à Bruxelles, for putting us in touch.

Speaking openly, even when it's tough

Several panels stood out for their honesty. Founders took the stage to speak candidly about self-doubt, isolation, failure, and the resilience it takes to keep going. In a world where success stories are often overrepresented, these vulnerable conversations reminded us how crucial it is to create safe, open spaces for entrepreneurs to share what’s really on their minds.

Belgian start-ups have what it takes and deserve more visibility

We were proud to support some of the brilliant Belgian start-ups at VivaTech: among others, PHOENIX AI®, Shayp, Contracto, and Aikido Security, whose technical excellence and creative vision shone through. (Fun fact: even President Emmanuel Macron asked for a private chat with Aikido – a strong signal of their potential.)

That said, too few Belgian start-ups made the trip. So here’s our call to action for next year: don’t miss your chance to show up, be seen, and connect.

Hardware start-ups: still rare, but increasingly vital

While underrepresented, hardware start-ups did spark growing interest, especially around sovereignty, trust, and technological control. These deep-tech projects are essential, and they need more attention, resources, and long-term support. At A6K, we remain committed to championing their importance in the future of industry.

AI is not a trend, it's a transformation

The omnipresence of NVIDIA and the clarity of its CEO’s message made one thing clear: AI is here to stay. It's not a passing trend, but a structural transformation. One that brings immense value, not as a replacement for human intelligence, but as a powerful complement. The real opportunity lies in building bridges between technical breakthroughs and industrial realities.

What's next?

Back in Charleroi, one idea keeps growing stronger: Belgium needs a large-scale tech event of its own. A national gathering that brings together start-ups, industry, research, and investment. A platform to showcase our talent, connect our communities, and raise our international profile.

At A6K, this vision aligns perfectly with our mission: to foster new industrial synergies, support real-world innovation, and build bridges between talent and opportunity.

A special thanks to our institutional partners – AWEX, Wallonie-Bruxelles International, hub.brussels and Startup.Flanders, – for their support, their presence, and the positive energy they brought.

VivaTech 2025 gave us a boost of inspiration. Now it’s time to turn that inspiration into action.