Switzerland, a Space Nation, at VivaTech 2021

For the third consecutive edition, Switzerland participated from June 16 to 19, 2021 in Viva Technology, the largest tech and startup event in Europe. The Swiss Embassy in Paris, in collaboration with Presence Suisse, Switzerland Global Enterprise and Swissnex, highlighted Swiss innovation in the fields of aerospace, robotics and cleantech.

Roundtable Viva Space animated by science moderator "Galactic Chloé". Photo by: Presence Switzerland

This year, a total of twelve startups displayed their swisstech innovations at the Swiss pavilion. It was located in the heart of Paris Porte de Versailles – along the main aisle leading to the main stage, on a surface of 155m2, twice as big as the previous edition. The Swiss Pavilion was hybrid, combining in-person exchanges with a complete and interactive digital experience. The Swiss stand notably caught the attention of President Macron, several of his Ministers, as well as the Mayor of Paris. In total, the 2021 edition of VivaTech, the first of its kind in France since the easing of COVID-19 measures, welcomed 140,000 visitors, 26,000 of whom attended the event physically. With a strong engagement on social media, the event reached over 119 million people in 149 countries, generating 1.7 billion views.

Switzerland's pioneering spirit was showcased in the pavilion thanks to several partners. Bertrand Piccard's Solar Impulse Foundation presented its 1,000 cost-effective solutions for protecting the environment. Raphaël Domjan's SolarStratos with its flight simulator presented its project: to travel to the stratosphere using only solar energy. The Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation recounted the close ties between Switzerland and the great French aviator and writer who spent his formative years in Fribourg. Space Innovation, the EPFL Space Center and the student organization GrowBotHub put the spotlight on the pioneers of tomorrow: young people who push initiatives to make space science accessible to everyone.

The pavilion was hosted by EPFL science moderator Chloé Carrière, "Galactic Chloé", who conducted numerous video interviews in a talk show format, as well as several animations to promote swisstech and the Swiss Space Nation to the VivaTech audience.

We look forward to seeing you again from June 15 to 18, 2022 for a new swisstech pavilion on the theme of FoodTech!