​Defense in the Age of Physical AI

​Dual-use systems, strategic capability, and Europe’s sovereignty

​Date: June 17th, 12:30 to 2:00 PM @ VivaTech 2026

​An Event by HEC Paris, Creative Destruction Lab (CDL-Paris) & Hi! Paris

​Context

​Artificial intelligence is evolving at unprecedented speed, faster than any previous technology wave. In just a few years, the conversation has moved from predictive AI to generative AI, and then to agentic AI. The next frontier is now becoming increasingly visible: Physical AI.

​Physical AI refers to AI systems that do not only process information, but also interact with the real world through perception, decision-making, autonomy, and action. It is the convergence of advanced models, robotics, autonomous systems, edge computing, simulation, and real-time inference. It brings AI out of the interface and into the environment.

​One of the earliest and most consequential domains where this shift is already becoming tangible is defense.

​From autonomous systems and robotics to intelligence support, navigation, surveillance, counter-drone systems, and other dual-use applications, AI is accelerating a new generation of capabilities. What was once discussed as future potential is increasingly becoming operational reality. This creates new opportunities, new tensions, and new strategic questions for founders, investors, researchers, public institutions, and the wider innovation ecosystem.

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​This event will convene a high-level group of leaders at the intersection of physical AI, defense, entrepreneurship, policy, investment, and European sovereignty.

​HEC Paris, CDL, and Hi! PARIS will provide the academic, entrepreneurial, and technological framing for the discussion. Inge Kerkloh-Devif, Executive Director of the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute, will bring the perspective of one of Europe’s leading institutions for venture creation and founder support. Vincent Rapp, Executive Director of Hi! PARIS will deliver “The State of Play”, offering a sharp view of the breakthroughs, and deployment challenges defining Physical AI today.

​At the heart of the event is a high-level roundtable moderated by Anousheh Ansari, entrepreneur, CEO of XPRIZE, and the first self-funded woman to fly to the International Space Station. The panel will bring together a founder, a policymaker, an investor, and a representative of the EU collaboration ecosystem to examine how Europe can turn Physical AI into a strategic advantage in the defense sector. The session will close with an open Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers.

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​Please note: A valid VivaTech pass is required to access the event venue. The workshop will take place in a reserved area within VivaTech and seating capacity is limited. Registration requests will therefore be subject to approval and availability.