VivaTech 2026: Netflix, Alibaba, and OpenAI at the Heart of AI Discussions

VivaTech 2026: An Unmissable Event for AI

The tenth edition of VivaTech marked a turning point with a record attendance of 200,000 visitors, who came to explore the latest technological advancements at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Spread across three levels, the booths and conferences highlighted artificial intelligence, a pervasive topic that captured the attention of participants. The discussions were lively, offering a panorama of the challenges and opportunities related to AI.

Creative Standardization: A Risk Highlighted by Digitas

Morgan Pomish, Head of Innovation Strategy at Digitas, expressed her concerns about the impact of generative AI on creativity in the advertising sector. She criticized the excessive focus on efficiency, which she believes diverts attention from the real creative issues. Pomish observed that while AI can stimulate the creativity of teams, it also tends to standardize productions, making creations increasingly similar. She summarized her thoughts by stating that "speed is the enemy of original ideas," emphasizing that the use of these tools should serve to enrich ideas, not replace them.

Cohere Calls for New AI Leaders

Aidan Gomez, CEO of Cohere, called for the emergence of new leaders in the field of AI, outside of the United States and China. During a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 in Évian, he highlighted the current dominance of the U.S. in this sector and stressed the need for democracies to position themselves as major secondary players. Gomez encouraged countries to collaborate to diversify the supply of AI providers, in order to reduce dependence on Chinese and American giants. He advocated for a pooling of resources among G7 member countries to foster new AI champions.

Alibaba and Chinese Open Source: A Strategic Alternative

Joe Tsai, President of Alibaba Group, defended his company's open-source approach as a solution to technological dependence on the United States. He presented Qwen, Alibaba's range of language models, as a guarantor of technological independence and data protection. Tsai emphasized that the open-source movement is currently driven by Chinese companies, thus offering a viable alternative to diversify technological partnerships. He highlighted the importance of not putting all one's eggs in one basket, spreading risks among multiple players.

OpenClaw and Vibe Coding: A New Approach to Programming

Peter Steinberger, an engineer at OpenAI, promoted a relaxed approach to vibe coding. He explained that using AI agents does not require deep technical expertise, but rather the ability to interact effectively with them. While he acknowledged that this could lead to the creation of many "disposable software," he clarified that it would not mean the end of SaaS services. This approach could transform the way developers interact with AI technologies. Steinberger emphasized that even without a detailed understanding of all technical aspects, it is possible to leverage AI agents thanks to their infinite patience.

Netflix and AI: Freedom Left to Creators

Elizabeth Stone, Director of Products and Technologies at Netflix, stated that the platform would not impose strict limits on the use of AI for content creation. She clarified that Netflix provides tools for creators to realize their visions, leaving it up to them to choose whether or not to use AI. Stone also announced the integration of TF1 content into Netflix, a world first that allows subscribers to access live channels and the TF1+ catalog at no additional cost. This decision reflects Netflix's commitment to enriching its offering while supporting creative innovation. She emphasized that some stories would not come to life without the contributions of AI technologies, illustrating the flexibility offered to creators.