Paris has become a central hub for global AI events, blending international expertise, cutting-edge research, and impactful collaborations. The city hosts some of the most influential AI conferences, including the RAISE Summit, which gathers thousands of leaders, investors, and innovators to shape the future of AI. With venues like the Carrousel du Louvre and initiatives like the European Centre for AI Excellence, Paris is setting the stage for AI advancements in 2026.

Belangrijkste hoogtepunten:

• RAISE Summit 2026 (8–9 July): Over 9,000 attendees, 350+ speakers, and €5 million in startup competition prizes.
• Other Major Events:
  • IASEAI Conference (24–26 Feb): Focused on safe and ethical AI.
  • AI in Higher Education Summit (17–18 Mar): Tackles AI's role in academia.
  • PCAIDE (11–12 Jun): Addresses AI's social and environmental challenges.
  • AIML-2026 (26–27 Oct): Explores AI trends in robotics, NLP, and cybersecurity.
• Why Paris?
  • Strategic location as Europe’s largest tech hub.
  • Home to major players like Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA.
  • Rich networking opportunities paired with iconic venues.

For professionals in AI, Paris offers unparalleled opportunities to connect, collaborate, and stay ahead in the field.

RAISE Summit: A Major AI Event in Paris

What is the RAISE Summit

The RAISE Summit positions itself as the "Annual Board Meeting for Global AI" - a high-profile gathering for shaping AI strategies and directing investments. Taking place at the Carrousel du Louvre on 8–9 July 2026, this event is set to welcome over 9,000 attendees from more than 2,000 companies, with 350+ renowned speakers on stage. Impressively, 80% of participants are C-level executives or company founders, creating an atmosphere where impactful decisions are made [3,5].

This isn’t your average conference. The summit includes a private CxO Summit, exclusively for Fortune 1000 leaders, held in confidential spaces within the Louvre. The aim? To convert discussions into tangible outcomes. As Hadrien de Cournon, Co-Founder of RAISE Summit, puts it:

"The CxO Summit exists so companies don't just talk about AI, they leave RAISE with real partnerships, pilots, and signed deals" ^[2].

Adding to the excitement, the summit hosts one of the largest AI hackathons globally, with over 8,000 hybrid participants competing for a €200,000 prize pool. There’s also a startup competition attracting more than 1,000 applicants, all vying for a €5 million prize pool ^[1]. These unique elements set the stage for the summit’s deeper exploration of AI’s future.

Industry Tracks and Focus Areas

To navigate the complexities of AI, RAISE Summit uses the "4F Compass" framework, dividing its agenda into four key tracks ^[4]:

• Foundation: This track delves into infrastructure and capital topics like sovereign cloud, chip advancements beyond GPUs, the energy‑compute relationship, and treating compute as capital.
• Frontier: Focused on cutting-edge applications, it covers agentic systems, enterprise AI architecture, open-source interoperability, and autonomous intelligence.
• Friction: Tackling challenges such as ROI concerns, compliance and safety issues, cyber resilience, and the evolving workforce.
• Future: Looking ahead, it explores pathways to AGI, multimodal interfaces, sustainable AI practices, and exponential growth models.

Networking at RAISE Summit

RAISE Summit is designed to connect decision-makers through a variety of networking opportunities. An AI-powered platform helps match attendees - whether builders, investors, or policymakers - for valuable one-on-one meetings. Beyond the main event, "Side Events Week" transforms Paris into an AI hotspot, offering exclusive dinners, workshops, and meetups across the city. One standout event is the Versailles VIP Dinner, an exclusive gathering for speakers and partners.

With past editions attracting investors managing over €570 billion in assets, the summit’s networking efforts go beyond casual conversations. They create partnerships and open doors to significant investments [3,5]. Held in Paris, a city brimming with AI innovation, these initiatives solidify its reputation as a global leader in the tech space.

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Other AI Conferences in Paris's 2026 Calendar

Major AI Events in 2026

After the excitement of the RAISE Summit in July, Paris keeps the AI conversation alive with a packed schedule of events in 2026, each exploring different aspects of artificial intelligence. The year begins with the IASEAI Conference, running from 24–26 February. Organized by the International Association for Safe & Ethical Artificial Intelligence, this event focuses on ensuring AI technologies remain safe and ethical. It brings together researchers and policymakers to foster interdisciplinary collaboration ^[6].

Next up is the AI in Higher Education Summit, held on 17–18 March at the ESCP Campus Champerret. This summit delves into how universities can adapt to an AI-driven future, addressing topics like pedagogy, research integrity, and institutional change. The 2026 edition features over 40 submissions from renowned institutions including Oxford, Harvard, and IIT Madras. It also aims to produce a white paper that could shape the future direction of higher education ^[8].

In June, the Paris Conference on AI & Digital Ethics (PCAIDE) takes place on 11–12 June at Sorbonne Université. This event serves as a critical forum for academia and industry to address ethical, social, and environmental challenges tied to digital transformation. The 2026 conference is divided into four key tracks: AI and the Environment, AI and Health, AI and Work, and AI and Social Interactions ^[7]. Sorbonne Université highlights the importance of this event:

"The Paris Conference provides top researchers with a platform for re-aligning discussions with the state of the art in research" ^[9].

Wrapping up the year is AIML-2026, scheduled for 26–27 October. As the 6th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, its theme - "Shaping the Next Era of AI: Innovation, Responsibility & Real-World Impact" - sets the tone for a forward-looking event. With over 30 scientific sessions covering topics like Robotics, Natural Language Processing, and Cybersecurity, this conference promises to be a key highlight of the year ^[5]. Together, these events solidify Paris's reputation as a leading hub for AI advancements.

Benefits of Attending These Events

Paris's 2026 AI events offer a wealth of opportunities for learning and connection. From the ethical focus of the IASEAI Conference to the cutting-edge research showcased at AIML-2026, attendees can explore a wide range of perspectives and innovations. The events not only provide a platform for academic and industry collaboration but also offer practical takeaways, such as CPD credits at AIML-2026. Additionally, funding support from DIM AI4IDF - ranging from €2,500 to €5,000 for scientific AI events held in the Île-de-France region between June and December 2026 - further underscores the region's commitment to fostering AI research and development ^[10].

Why Paris Attracts AI Professionals and Events

Infrastructure and Venues

Paris boasts top-tier infrastructure that supports AI events of all sizes. One standout location is the Carrousel du Louvre, which serves as the centerpiece for high-profile gatherings like the RAISE Summit. Its prestigious setting is perfect for major deals and exclusive C-suite discussions.

Another key player in Paris’s AI ecosystem is Station F, the largest startup campus in the world. Housing over 1,000 startups and specialized AI accelerators, it creates a collaborative space for researchers, entrepreneurs, and corporate entities to work together. For instance, in February 2025, Station F hosted the AI Action Summit's "Business Day", which attracted over 3,000 founders and executives, showcasing AI's transformative role in France's tech scene ^[14][15]. Additionally, the Grand Palais has become a major venue for AI-focused events. In November 2025, it hosted discussions led by President Emmanuel Macron alongside CAC40 CEOs and global tech unicorns, focusing on themes like "AI for Health" and "AI for the Planet" ^[12].

Location and Accessibility

Paris’s strategic location strengthens its position as a global AI hub. As the largest tech hub in the European Union and the second largest in Europe overall, the city serves as a natural gateway for international AI players from regions like North America, Asia, and the Middle East ^[11]. This accessibility has made it a prime choice for global companies setting up their European headquarters. For example, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) launched its Pace Port Paris innovation center in June 2024, marking its first AI-focused Centre of Excellence outside India. By May 2025, TCS had 1,600 employees in France, with plans to double that number ^[3]. Paris’s connectivity also supports international collaborations, such as the India-France Year of Innovation, further solidifying its role in the global AI ecosystem ^[13].

Cultural and Professional Environment

Paris combines professional opportunities with its renowned cultural charm, creating an environment that nurtures AI innovation. Often referred to as the "City of Artificial Brilliance", it blends cutting-edge technology with its iconic allure ^[14]. Under President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, the French government has made clear its ambition to position Paris as Europe’s AI hub. Macron emphasized this vision, stating:

"We want to make Paris as the hub of European AI, to build active, native European champions" ^[11].

In January 2026, this vision took a significant step forward when the World Economic Forum and VivaTech launched the European Centre for AI Excellence (ECAIE) in Paris. The center is designed to drive responsible AI innovation and foster European talent ^[11]. Paris’s commitment to "Intimacy at Scale" was reflected in the 2025 RAISE Summit, which brought together 822 CEOs from 168 Fortune 500 companies. Impressively, 80% of attendees were C-level executives, founders, or policymakers ^[2]. Pairing professional networking with iconic landmarks and France's renowned savoir-faire, Paris creates a unique setting where innovation and meaningful collaboration thrive.

RAISE Summit Ticket Options

Ticket Categories and What's Included

The RAISE Summit 2026 offers a range of ticket options tailored to meet diverse professional needs. Here's a breakdown of the main tiers:

• PRO tier: Priced at €999 during the early-bird period (€1,799 full price), this ticket grants access to the exhibition floor, all stages, the networking app, and live startup competition pitches across both days at the Carrousel du Louvre.
• VIP tier: Starting at €1,899 early-bird (€2,999 full price), this tier adds perks like VIP lounge access, entry to the MACHINA Summit (valued at €699), startup pitch decks, developer profiles, and an Industrial AI Trends Report.
• VIP MAX tier: At €3,499 early-bird (€4,599 full price), this premium option includes all VIP benefits plus exclusive access to the Versailles AI Gala dinner, designed for AI and enterprise leaders.

For professionals focusing on robotics and physical AI, the MACHINA Summit ticket (€699 early-bird, €999 full price) offers access to the dedicated robotics event on 7 July 2026. However, this ticket does not include entry to the main RAISE Summit.

Specialised passes are also available:

• DEVELOPER pass (€599): Designed for emerging developers.
• STARTUP pass (€599): For early-stage companies with less than $5 million in funding and under four years of operation. Both options require application approval.

These ticket offerings highlight Paris's role as a hub for global AI innovation.

Registration Deadlines and Early-Bird Pricing

Taking advantage of early-bird pricing can save attendees between €300 and €1,100, depending on the ticket tier. For example, the PRO tier offers a 44% discount (€999 compared to €1,799). Similarly, VIP and VIP MAX attendees can save €1,100 each by booking early. As the event date (8–9 July 2026) nears, ticket prices will rise, making early registration a smart choice financially.

Attendees with interests in both AI and blockchain can opt for the RAISE × PBW bundle, which provides access to both the RAISE Summit and Paris Blockchain Week at a discounted rate. Additionally, media representatives are encouraged to apply for press accreditation early. Approved media gain access to interview opportunities with over 350 speakers, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Ticket Plan Comparison

To make it easier to choose the right ticket, here's a quick comparison of features:

The summit also features an invitation-only CxO Summit, exclusively for C-suite leaders from Fortune 1000 companies. This event includes private networking sessions and strategic roundtables, providing a platform for high-level discussions and partnerships that shape the future of AI adoption.

Conclusie

Paris's Position in the AI Landscape

Paris has cemented its status as a key player in the global AI community, bringing together businesses, startups, investors, and policymakers in one dynamic ecosystem. The city doesn’t just host events - it sets the stage for pivotal decisions shaping the future of AI. A prime example is the RAISE Summit, which fosters meaningful connections on a large scale. With major players like Mistral AI and Hugging Face calling Paris home, combined with government support amounting to €109 billion in AI investments, the city continues to drive progress and solidify its appeal as a hub for B2B AI professionals.

The summit’s track record highlights Paris's unique ability to gather industry leaders who influence the direction of AI. This thriving ecosystem offers attendees long-term strategic opportunities, reinforcing the city’s reputation as the go-to destination for developing impactful AI strategies.

Why Attend AI Events in Paris

Paris transforms ambition into tangible outcomes, thanks to its strong infrastructure and history of successful events. AI gatherings in the city provide access to top-tier speakers, platforms showcasing cutting-edge innovation, and invaluable networking opportunities. The concept of "intimacy at scale" is redefining these events, with AI-powered tools enabling personalized, high-value meetings. Add to this a rich program of side events and workshops scattered across the city, and you have an experience that’s both comprehensive and engaging.

For professionals aiming to stay ahead in enterprise AI, understand evolving regulations, and connect with trailblazers in the field, Paris offers more than just a typical networking event. It’s a gateway to actionable insights and meaningful collaborations that can shape the future of AI.

Veelgestelde vragen

Which Paris AI event is best for my role?

The perfect AI event in Paris really hinges on your role and interests. If you're a senior executive, founder, or key decision-maker, the RAISE Summit (8–9 July 2026, Carrousel du Louvre) is a must-attend. This event offers exclusive opportunities for networking and gaining strategic insights tailored to leaders.

For professionals who thrive on practical, hands-on learning, the summit also features workshops and sessions focused on real-world AI applications. It’s an excellent platform for skill-building and collaboration. This event stands out as a top choice for AI professionals aiming to advance their expertise and connect with industry innovators.

How can I maximise networking at RAISE Summit?

To make the most of networking opportunities at the RAISE Summit, take advantage of the event’s AI-powered meeting platform and participate in exclusive activities like the Royal Dinner. Dive into focused sessions such as the CxO Summit or spend time in private executive lounges designed for connecting with industry leaders.

Preparation is key - plan ahead to join curated meetings and make use of the free networking tools available. These resources can help you refine your approach, forge strategic partnerships, and grow your professional network with purpose and efficiency.

What should I plan for travel and budgeting in Paris?

When heading to Paris for the RAISE Summit, it’s essential to plan for key expenses like accommodation, meals, transportation, and other incidentals. Options for staying near Le Carrousel du Louvre range from hotels to Airbnb rentals, catering to various budgets. Paris boasts a reliable public transport system and an incredible food scene, offering everything from casual cafés to fine dining.

Tickets start at €999, so make sure to allocate funds for these additional costs. To streamline your trip, consider using AI-powered travel tools. They can help you craft a personalized and budget-friendly itinerary, making your visit to this premier AI event as seamless as possible.

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