VivaTech Workshop: Defense in the Age of Physical AI
Defense in the Age of Physical AI
Dual-use systems, strategic capability, and Europe’s sovereignty
Date: June 17th, 12:30 to 2:30 PM @ VivaTech 2026
An Event by HEC Paris, Creative Destruction Lab (CDL-Paris) & Hi! Paris
Click here to watch the video teaser!
The session will feature:
Anousheh Ansari, entrepreneur, CEO of XPRIZE, and the first self-funded woman to fly to space, moderating the discussion
Tom Villinger, CEO of D11Z. Ventures, the venture arm of Dieter Schwarz’s Family Office and a leading European early-stage investor
André Loesekrug-Pietri, Chairman of the JEDI - Joint European Disruptive Initiative
Vincent Rapp, Executive Director of Hi! PARIS, presenting The State of Play on Physical AI
Additional founders, policymakers, researchers, and ecosystem leaders to be announced soon
Artificial intelligence is entering a new phase.
After predictive AI, generative AI, and agentic AI, the next frontier is now emerging: Physical AI — AI systems capable not only of processing information, but of interacting with the real world through perception, autonomy, robotics, simulation, and action.
One of the first domains where this transformation is becoming operational reality is defense.
From autonomous systems and robotics to surveillance, navigation, counter-drone technologies, and intelligence support, dual-use AI is rapidly reshaping strategic capabilities, industrial power, and geopolitical balance.
At a moment when Europe is rethinking sovereignty, resilience, and technological independence, this workshop brings together leading voices from AI, defense, venture capital, research, and public policy to discuss one of the defining technological and strategic questions of the decade:
Can Europe turn Physical AI into a strategic advantage?
Designed for founders, investors, researchers, corporates, and policymakers, the event will combine strategic framing, technological insights, and a high-level roundtable discussion, followed by networking opportunities with the speakers and participants.
⚠️ Please note:
A valid VivaTech pass is required to access the venue. Seating capacity is limited and registrations will be reviewed upon request.