La Réunion made its debut appearance at the Vivatech event in Paris
Vivatech, considered Europe’s largest fair dedicated to technological innovation and startups, welcomed its visitors from June 14 to 17, 2023. The Region of Reunion led a delegation of seven Reunionese startups, offering them a unique opportunity to showcase their expertise to the 100,000 attendees.
Since its inception in 2016, Vivatech has become an important event for players in technological innovation, attracting leading startups, investors, executives, and media from 146 countries. The participation of Reunion Island in the 2023 edition showcased its dynamism and potential in the field of innovation. Seven Reunionese companies were selected to participate in the Vivatech trade show. The Island Cosmetics, Myassetrocks, Feelbat, Leon Guide, Greenskin, Crowdaa, and Siva Industrie were chosen by a jury to represent the island. These startups cover a variety of sectors ranging from cosmetics to cutting-edge technology, asset management, and agriculture. These companies’ participation aimed to meet new investors and gain visibility on a national and international scale. Reunion is teeming with talent and expertise, but lack of funding is a barrier to the development of startups. The presence of the Reunionese delegation at Vivatech offered a unique opportunity to overcome this difficulty by meeting significant investors and positioning themselves on the international stage.
Huguette Bello, President of the Reunion Region, expressed her pride in this opportunity: « Our island offers a particularly conducive environment for innovation. Startups can work in a setting that promotes quality of life while being connected to the rest of the world through state-of-the-art Internet infrastructure and a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem », she points out. These assets could make the island a must-visit destination for startups and investors looking for new opportunities. The example of the French Tech Capital awarded to Reunion at the beginning of 2023 confirmed its privileged status within the French technological ecosystem. The island has become an ideal testing ground for company establishment and market testing.
In addition to professional meetings, Vivatech offered numerous networking opportunities. Reunionese entrepreneurs could interact with entrepreneurs worldwide, share their experiences, and establish fruitful partnerships. These international collaborations will enhance Reunion’s visibility and promote the growth of local startups.
The reunion’s participation in Vivatech was also an opportunity to promote the island’s tourist attractions. A stand dedicated to tourism promotion was set up, allowing visitors to discover the natural and cultural riches of the island. Reunion is known for its exceptional biodiversity, landscapes, fine sandy beaches, and sports like hiking and paragliding. Vivatech was therefore an ideal showcase to draw visitors’ attention to the opportunities Reunion offers economically and touristically.
Mias Sylvia
