In a bustling Paris, on the eve of the Olympic Games, the global tech community will converge in May in the French capital at Viva Technology, Europe's leading digital innovation and technology salon. More than 100,000 visitors, investors, startups, and tech giants are expected to showcase the innovations and companies shaping the world of tomorrow. Among behemoths like Google, Meta, or Amazon, along with unicorns and thousands of startups in attendance, Belgian companies will be well represented, showcasing the strength of Belgium's technological and digital ecosystems.
Since 2018, Belgian companies have been developing creative solutions, annually presenting them in Paris at VivaTech. Once again this year, a significant number of Belgian startups will make their mark in Paris at this essential gathering for tech and digital industry firms. Among the Belgian contingent, no fewer than 17 Walloon startups will participate in this event to showcase their latest innovations.
As a leading hub in Europe, Wallonia will leverage existing opportunities within its ecosystems to develop disruptive solutions and technologies, supported notably by its government, which places research and development (R&D) at the core of its economic strategy. The region focuses on its strengths by fostering the clustering of businesses, with the digital sector being one of its areas of excellence.
The 5 strengths of the 'tech' sector in Wallonia
Top-tier teams
Wallonia boasts over 50,000 students in ICT fields, ensuring a skilled and competitive workforce for companies. Additionally, 32% of the Walloon population speaks at least two languages, facilitating international business exchanges.
Advantageous tax incentives
The Walloon government offers a wide range of tax incentives to encourage investment in the region, including research and development tax credits of up to 45% of eligible expenses, as well as tax relief for capital investments.
Significant investment
Wallonia has a dynamic ecosystem of innovative companies and startups in the ICT sector. In 2020, 84% of Walloon companies reported investing in digital technologies, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and digital transformation.
Virtual and geographical centrality as a key hub in Europe
Wallonia is centrally located in Europe, close to major cities such as Paris, London, and Amsterdam, providing easy access to a market of 500 million consumers. Moreover, companies benefit from a more affordable cost of living compared to London or Paris.
Connectivity ensured
Wallonia boasts a quality communication infrastructure, with extensive high-speed broadband coverage and modern telecommunications networks. In 2020, 91% of Walloon households had access to high-speed internet, providing optimal connectivity for digital sector businesses.
The 17 Walloon companies participating in Vivatech 2024
A Smart World
This is a software platform aimed at overcoming barriers to collecting unused smartphones. A Smart World collaborates with retailers, telecom operators, and large enterprises with a substantial fleet of smartphones to refurbish and/or distribute them. To the website >>>
Awit
This company specializes in sustainable process optimization solutions, leveraging ERP and Artificial Intelligence. It offers the integration of AI and automation solutions to enhance workflows and reduce repetitive tasks, as well as customized hosting tailored to the needs of businesses. To the website >>>
Back2Buzz
The company develops buyback solutions (direct smartphone repurchase via an application determining the product's value) and telecom device refurbishment. To the website >>>
CapFlow
The company provides "intelligent video" solutions, specialized in automatic image analysis. Its products are dedicated to video surveillance, traffic management, and parking management through license plate recognition. To the website >>>
Cortex Machina
CM is specialized in developing the Vortex gaming headset with Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, allowing dynamic decoding of movement and emotion models in the brain, as well as active and reactive gaming mechanisms based on real-time neuronal activity. A software development kit to integrate the Vortex BCI system into applications is offered. To the website >>>
Digiteal
Digiteal offers innovative fintech services to businesses (B2C/B2B) and individuals, including electronic payment solutions and electronic invoicing compliant with the PEPPOL standard. To the website >>>
Effixis
A consulting company specializing in Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Leveraging advanced technologies, Effixis offers tailor-made services designed to enable organizations to fully exploit the potential of artificial intelligence: AI Academy, AI Strategy, and AI Development. To the website >>>
IOLand
The company has developed an online collaborative tool, Perspectives, for more visual management through the use of mind maps. A dynamic, secure, shared visualization is available to formed teams, whether they are clients, suppliers, or colleagues. To the website >>>
KeepIoT
A company specializing in remote equipment control in real-time via various connected sensors with alerts sent via GSM. KeepIoT offers 4 solutions: KeepIoTcool for cold chain, KeepIoTgarden for the garden, KeepIoTpool for the pool, and KeepIoTsafe for home security. To the website >>>
Levita
Created by two worldclass magician friends, Levita was founded in 2018 and develops autonomous tools capable of placing objects and products in levitation for commercial and artistic purposes. Levita is a pioneer in its field, the first and only company to industrialise a magic trick, with a fully controlled levitation enabling objects to be dynamically levitated. Its Plug and Play products (THE BOX and THE TUBE) or its Bespoke installations can be integrated into an existing window or can be built to the requirements of our partners. To the website >>>
Management Tool Company
The company specializes in developing software, web, and mobile applications to streamline the operations of businesses in the construction sector. MT-C has developed T-Report, which enables workforce planning at construction sites and the quick and simple retrieval of their services. To the website >>>
Nalios
Nalios supports SMEs in their digital transformation with the successful software Odoo, a suite of management applications for businesses that helps boost their productivity. To the website >>>
Phoenix AI
A company specializing in the manufacturing of electronic hardware and the development of software solutions with embedded artificial intelligence. The company's products are dedicated to real-time image processing. To the website >>>
Semactic
Société de services en marketing digital, SEO en particulier, combinant software et accompagnement personnalisé. Cette approche intégrée s’adresse aux entreprises qui souhaitent prendre le contrôle de leur visibilité en ligne pour augmenter leurs conversions et ROI. To the website >>>
Swarn
La société propose un support aux organisations pour un développement d'une stratégie business et de produits basés sur l'ingénierie low-tech i.e. des produits environnementalement et socialement optimaux. To the website >>>
Tonomia
This company focuses on eco-responsibility using digital technologies. Its flagship solution, eParking, combines intelligent photovoltaic panels, energy storage using sodium batteries, fast charging for electric vehicles, and wireless connectivity for a new generation of sustainable charging infrastructures. To the website >>>
Vocsens
The company develops EnviCam, a multi-sensor module ("environmental camera") that measures the presence of various gases and volatile organic compounds, fine particles, humidity, and temperature, connected to the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 networks (LPWAN, Bluetooth, etc.). To the website >>>