The CxO Summit at the RAISE Summit is a premier event for AI leaders, blending high-level collaboration with an exclusive setting. Held at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, with the VIP Dinner hosted at the Versailles Palace, this event connects over 9,000 participants, including 2,000+ companies and 600+ billion euros in managed assets. The VIP Dinner, priced at €3,499 + VAT, offers senior executives a unique networking opportunity in a historic venue, fostering discussions on AI strategies and partnerships.

Key highlights include:

• AI-driven matchmaking: Facilitates impactful 1:1 meetings for C-suite leaders.
• Focused discussions: Topics cover AI infrastructure, compliance, and scaling solutions.
• Major announcements: Includes Europe's largest AI Campus and a €400M initiative for public sector AI models.
• Exclusive access tiers: PRO (€999), VIP (€1,899), and VIP MAX (€3,499) plans cater to different professional goals.

The summit is not just about ideas; it drives actionable outcomes, with billions committed to AI projects and partnerships. For executives aiming to shape AI's future, this event is a must-attend.

Why the VIP Dinner Matters for AI Leadership

Networking Opportunities for AI Executives

The VIP Dinner at Versailles is a unique gathering that connects the RAISE Summit's most influential AI leaders in an exclusive setting. It’s a space where speakers, partners, and innovators can engage directly, fostering meaningful connections.

Hadrien de Cournon, Co-Founder of RAISE Summit, highlighted the event's importance:

"We are curating RAISE as the essential platform for the Fortune 1000 C-suite to connect directly with the frontier builders and policymakers... This is not a forum for observing trends; it is where strategy is set, and capital is committed."

With over 80% of attendees holding roles such as C-level executives, founders, or investors, the dinner creates a strong foundation for strategic partnerships. Beyond the event itself, RAISE Summit's AI-powered matching platform ensures these connections continue to flourish through targeted one-on-one meetings. These interactions frequently lead to actionable collaborations, making the dinner a catalyst for impactful discussions on AI implementation.

Collaborative Discussions on AI Implementation

Structured around the "4Fs" framework - Foundation (infrastructure and capital), Frontier (autonomous intelligence), Friction (ROI and compliance), and Future (AGI and sustainability) - the dinner's conversations focus on addressing pressing challenges in AI. Topics range from sovereign cloud infrastructure and data provenance to the energy–compute balance crucial for AI scalability. For instance, healthcare executives often discuss compliance frameworks, while finance leaders tackle issues like cyber resilience and workforce transformation.

These conversations go beyond theoretical debates. They encourage participants to benchmark their AI strategies, confront practical obstacles, and turn experimental projects into operational solutions with measurable outcomes. This focus on real-world challenges ensures that discussions lead to actionable plans, driving the future of AI.

Planning the Future Direction of AI

The historic setting of Versailles adds inspiration to these forward-looking discussions. This iconic location underscores the summit's emphasis on innovation and progress. In June 2025, Versailles collaborated with OpenAI and Ask Mona to introduce interactive "talking statues" powered by Realtime technology. This initiative, which achieved 1,000 daily interactions, demonstrated AI's potential to revolutionize how people engage with cultural heritage.

Julie Lavet, Partnerships Lead at OpenAI, reflected on the project's significance:

"This innovative project demonstrates that artificial intelligence can transform the way in which we interact with our heritage by creating a living link between the past and the future."

For the 9,000+ global leaders expected at the 2026 summit, the VIP Dinner will remain a vital forum for discussing regulatory changes, infrastructure demands, and strategies for advancing autonomous systems and superintelligence. It’s where the intersection of capital, technology, and policy shapes the roadmap for AI's next chapter.

sbb-itb-e314c3b

Key Insights from Industry Speakers

Practical AI Solutions Discussed

The CxO Summit in Versailles brought forward some major announcements aimed at tackling Europe's AI scalability hurdles. Among the highlights was the unveiling of Europe's largest AI Campus, set to be located in the Paris region. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Bpifrance, MGX, Mistral AI, and NVIDIA, is expected to deliver 1.4 GW by 2028 ^[4]. The initiative addresses the critical intersection of energy and computing by integrating exascale computing capabilities with sovereign cloud platforms, ensuring data security and technological independence.

Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, highlighted the transformative potential of this project:

"The AI Campus will be a transformational infrastructure for France - built in France, to fuel France in the era of AI. It will revolutionise science, education, and industry."

In addition to infrastructure, the summit launched "Current AI", a $400 million initiative (about €380 million) dedicated to creating ethically governed AI models tailored for public sectors like healthcare and education. Over the next five years, this initiative aims to grow to $2.5 billion (around €2.37 billion) in funding ^[3]. These announcements laid the groundwork for deeper discussions on the future of AI.

What Industry Leaders Shared

Building on these infrastructure plans, industry leaders shared their perspectives on scaling AI sustainably. A recurring theme was the need to move beyond experimental projects and focus on large-scale deployments. Arthur Mensch, Co-Founder and CEO of Mistral AI, explained:

"This initiative aims to foster sustainable AI ecosystems and create tangible benefits for companies, public institutions, and academic players."

Nicolas Dufourcq, CEO of Bpifrance, emphasised the importance of maintaining France's technological independence:

"The Campus strengthens our technological sovereignty and reinforces France's position as a global AI leader."

Another critical topic was environmental responsibility. A coalition of 91 partners, including Bouygues, EDF Group, and RTE, committed to developing low-carbon hyperscale data centres. These efforts aim to align cutting-edge computing infrastructure with climate goals while maintaining competitive performance levels ^[4].

How Attendees Can Apply These Insights

The summit's insights underscored the importance of transitioning from pilot programs to fully operational AI solutions. Attendees were encouraged to prioritise the adoption of sovereign cloud platforms, especially in regulated sectors like finance and healthcare. Additionally, the summit recommended establishing teaching and research chairs to fund PhD programs and academic projects, ensuring a steady flow of talent for AI innovation.

Businesses were urged to take advantage of open exascale computing platforms to accelerate the deployment of generative AI systems. The AI Campus serves as a model for how cross-industry collaborations - bringing together government investment banks, energy providers, and hardware manufacturers - can share costs and speed up implementation. For sectors such as healthcare, mobility, energy, finance, and manufacturing, the summit highlighted the importance of achieving measurable outcomes through scalable AI applications.

How the CxO Summit Influences AI Development and Partnerships

Results from Cross-Industry Networking

The CxO Summit brings together Fortune 1000 executives and AI trailblazers in an exclusive, invitation-only setting designed for impactful deal-making. At the May 2025 gatherings held in Versailles, the results were striking: 53 investment announcements totaling €40.8 billion, including €20.8 billion in commitments from the February AI Action Summit ^[6].

A key feature of the summit is its advanced matching platform, which connects enterprise leaders with policymakers for strategic one-on-one meetings. For instance, Digital Realty secured a €2.3 billion investment for two major infrastructure projects in France through connections made at these events. This initiative not only expanded France's AI-ready data center capacity but also created 750 direct and indirect jobs ^[6]. Highlighting the summit's purpose, Hadrien de Cournon, Co-Founder of RAISE Summit, remarked:

"The CxO Summit exists so companies don't just talk about AI, they leave RAISE with real partnerships, pilots, and signed deals" ^[1].

These outcomes demonstrate how the summit turns high-level discussions into tangible actions.

Advancing AI Solutions for Current Challenges

Building on the success of previous deals, the summit addresses real-world barriers to AI adoption. Private forums provide a space for executives to align on pressing issues like AI safety and regulatory hurdles. At the Seoul Summit, 16 leading AI companies pledged to implement clear safety frameworks. This included commitments to publish detailed safety protocols and allow pre-deployment testing of advanced models ^[7].

Infrastructure also takes center stage at these gatherings. During the May 2025 Choose France summit, a joint venture between Bpifrance, MGX, Mistral AI, and NVIDIA was announced, highlighting how these meetings drive action. The AI Campus project, now designated as a "Project of Major National Interest", will fast-track urban planning and grid connection for a 1.4 GW facility ^[6]. Smaller projects also gained momentum, such as Hy2gen's €47 million capital increase led by Hy24 to boost renewable hydrogen production for industrial applications ^[6].

These initiatives showcase how the summit tackles challenges by blending technological advancements with policy-driven solutions.

Building a Collaborative AI Industry

The summit's structure is designed to encourage collaboration across sectors, bringing together sovereign wealth funds, national investment banks, and tech providers in highly exclusive settings. One example is the Current AI partnership, which launched with an initial €400 million endowment and aims for €2.5 billion in long-term funding ^[5]. Similarly, the ROOST (Robust Open Online Safety Tools) project received over €23.75 million in initial funding to develop resilient safety infrastructure through multi-stakeholder cooperation ^[5].

The summit doesn’t stop at formal meetings. Private lounges and the VIP Versailles Dinner serve as spaces where global innovators can connect and forge partnerships. These efforts are complemented by hackathons, where 7,000 developers work on practical solutions to challenges posed by Fortune 1000 leaders ^[1]. As Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Chairman of Google, aptly put it:

"RAISE is the fastest-growing AI tech conference in Europe, and perhaps in history" ^[1].

This collaborative spirit continues to shape the AI industry, turning competition into cooperation and driving the future of innovation forward.

Comparing RAISE Summit Access Plans

VIP MAX, VIP, and PRO Plan Comparison

RAISE Summit offers three access plans designed to meet the needs of professionals and executives in AI leadership. The PRO plan, priced at €999 (VAT excluded), grants full access to the exhibition floor, workshops, and the official ecosystem party at Le Carrousel du Louvre. For those seeking more, the VIP plan at €1,899 (VAT excluded) includes additional perks like access to the Machina Summit, entry to the VIP lounge, and exclusive resources such as startup pitch decks and an industrial AI innovation report. At the top tier, the VIP MAX plan, priced at €3,499 (VAT excluded), offers an executive-level experience, including the coveted Royal Dinner at Versailles Palace, exclusively for C-suite leaders.

Each plan is tailored to different professional goals. The VIP plan stands out for its inclusion of the Machina Summit, valued at €699, making it appealing for those focused on applied AI. Meanwhile, the VIP MAX plan is purpose-built for senior executives aiming for high-level networking and exclusive opportunities, with limited availability underscoring its exclusivity.

How to Select the Right Plan

Choosing the right access plan means aligning your summit participation with your professional goals. The PRO plan is perfect for attendees aiming to explore AI trends and connect with a broad audience of over 9,000 participants during the event on 8–9 July 2026. For senior leaders who value dedicated spaces and access to in-depth insights, the VIP plan offers a well-rounded option.

For executives in the C-suite, where forming strategic partnerships is a priority, the VIP MAX plan delivers unparalleled opportunities. The Royal Dinner at Versailles provides an intimate environment for networking with industry leaders, making it an ideal choice for decision-makers. As Jonathan Ross, Founder and CEO of Groq, succinctly put it:

"RAISE is where everyone in AI is going" ^[1].

Act quickly to secure your spot at current prices. After the early registration period, rates will increase to €1,799 for PRO, €2,999 for VIP, and €4,599 for VIP MAX ^[2].

Conclusion: The Impact of the CxO Summit at Versailles Palace

Main Takeaways from the Event

The CxO Summit at Versailles Palace goes beyond simply discussing AI trends - it’s a catalyst for action. By bringing together Fortune 1000 executives, the summit creates a platform where dialogue quickly turns into measurable commitments. This exclusive forum allows C-suite leaders to not only compare their AI strategies but also allocate resources toward real-world implementations. The 2025 edition alone saw participation from 822 CEOs, representing 168 Fortune 500 companies, alongside investors managing over €600 billion in assets ^[1]. With such a concentration of influence and resources, the summit becomes a breeding ground for partnerships, pilot programs, and enterprise deals.

Adding to its impact, the VIP Versailles Dinner provides a more personal space for speakers, partners, and innovators to align their goals. Attendees don’t just leave with ideas - they walk away with partnerships, pilot projects, and signed agreements, proving the summit’s practical value. Its unique setup, featuring private lounges, AI-driven matchmaking tools for one-on-one meetings, and focused roundtables, ensures meaningful connections are made. This approach sets the event apart from traditional conferences, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone for AI leadership.

RAISE Summit's Position in AI Leadership

The RAISE Summit has carved out its place as the "Annual Board Meeting for Global AI." Over 80% of its 9,000+ attendees are decision-makers - C-level executives, founders, investors, or policymakers ^[1]. Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO and Chairman, has called it "the fastest-growing AI tech conference in Europe, and perhaps in history" ^[1]. This recognition highlights the summit's ability to unite financial resources, computational power, and policy discussions around shared AI goals. By maintaining its exclusive and strategic focus, the RAISE Summit continues to define what it means to lead in the AI space.

FAQs

Who can attend the Versailles VIP Dinner?

The Versailles VIP Dinner is an intimate, invitation-only event crafted specifically for top-tier industry leaders and C-level executives. This exclusive gathering provides a unique setting for meaningful conversations, enabling attendees to exchange ideas and insights that shape the future of the AI industry. It’s more than just a dinner - it's a chance to connect with influential decision-makers and engage in discussions that inspire leadership growth.

How does the AI matchmaking work for 1:1 meetings?

At the Versailles VIP Dinner during the CxO Summit, an AI-driven platform sets up tailored one-on-one meetings by pairing attendees according to their profiles, interests, and objectives. This approach allows C-level executives, founders, and investors to engage with the most suitable connections. The platform fosters purposeful networking, turning strategic conversations into actionable partnerships and enterprise AI projects.

What should I do before the summit to secure real deals?

To make the most of opportunities before the RAISE Summit at Versailles Palace, preparation and networking are key. Consider attending exclusive pre-summit events, such as the VIP dinner or private sessions, to establish meaningful connections. Take advantage of the summit’s networking tools to arrange one-on-one meetings with influential decision-makers. Be sure to craft a compelling value proposition, identify your key targets, and schedule meetings ahead of time to leave a strong impression.

Related Blog Posts

• World larget AI Hackathon and Startup Competition at RAISE SUMMIT 2026
• Why this year’s RAISE Summit is especially timely
• “Meet the next generation of founders gathering at RAISE Summit”
• The ROI Dilemma: How Fortune 500 Leaders are Measuring AI Value in 2026.