The third edition of the De Vinci Festival took place on DVHE’s Paris La Défense campus. Over the course of two days, projects, demonstrations, and critical discussions provided an opportunity to explore the links between technological innovation, research, and creativity.
Designed as a space for networking and the generation of ideas, the De Vinci Festival is organised around a variety of formats, combining presentations, experiments, and discussions between academics and professionals.
A first day focused on projects and applications
On Thursday 26 March, participants gathered to discuss three complementary themes: designing the real world, amplifying action through digital technology, and supporting transitions.
Discussions began with a round table dedicated to the transition from prototype to operational system. Presentations addressed challenges related to industrialisation, on-the-ground constraints, and scaling up technological solutions in fields such as robotics, MedTech and the supply chain.
The Pitch Challenge, organised in partnership with De Vinci Startup, then provided an opportunity for several entrepreneurial projects to be presented to a jury. This format highlights the ability to structure a proposal, clarify a positioning and identify development opportunities.
The Pitch Challenge orgaised with De Vinci Startup
The afternoon was devoted to the use of digital technology within organisations. Data, artificial intelligence and human–machine interaction were discussed in terms of their practical integration into decision-making and coordination processes.
A third round-table discussion focused on the conditions necessary for sustainable transformation. Cybersecurity, technology governance and energy issues were the main topics of discussion.
Roundtable: Supporting Transitions – Trust, Governance, Sustainability: Ensuring Transformations Are Sustainable
The day concluded with the presentation of the Immersive Lab Award, which recognises projects in virtual and augmented reality, followed by a networking session and an artistic performance.
Spaces designed to encourage interaction at the De Vinci Festival
The festival features a number of initiatives designed to bring together different approaches and profiles.
The main stage hosts conferences, panel discussions and award ceremonies.
- The Immersive Gallery offers demonstrations of virtual reality, augmented reality and digital art.
- The Partner Lounge facilitates discussions between academic teams and partners on joint projects.
- The Talent Corner and the Opportunities Wall facilitate professional networking, with formats focused on internships, work-study schemes and recruitment.
Coaching sessions and consultations on project funding round off the programme.
This structure allows for a seamless flow between presentations, experimentation and discussion.
A second day dedicated to forward-looking reflection
Friday 27 March centred on the symposium ‘Embodied Futures – Re-Cognizing Intelligence through Art and AI’.
This session introduced a reflective dimension to complement the operational approaches of the previous day. The presentations explored the relationships between artificial intelligence, perception, the body and artistic creation.
The day began with a participatory percussion performance, followed by several lectures. Dr Sarah Fdili Alaoui (University of the Arts London / Université Paris-Saclay) presented her work on the design of technologies applied to dance.
Dr Sarah Fdili Alaoui (University of the Arts London / Université Paris-Saclay) during her demonstration.
Prof. Pat Pataranutaporn (MIT Media Lab) spoke on the interactions between humans and artificial intelligence, addressing the creative and cognitive dimensions of these systems.
A panel discussion moderated by Xiao Xiao brought the speakers together to continue the discussion on the uses and representations of intelligence.
Panel discussion moderated by Xiao Xiao, featuring Dr Pat Pataranutaporn, Dr Sarah Fdili Alaoui and Salomé Bazin
A networking platform for all stakeholders
The De Vinci Festival brings together students, academic staff, alumni, partners and prospective students in a single venue.
For project leaders, the festival provides a platform for visibility and exchange with academic and industry stakeholders. Lecturers and researchers can present their work and initiate interdisciplinary collaborations.
Partners identify skills, ideas and opportunities for cooperation. Alumni and prospective candidates gain a concrete insight into the educational and technological dynamics of DVHE.
An edition marked by an international outlook
The presence of international researchers, notably from the MIT Media Lab, helps to broaden the perspectives explored during the symposium.
This dimension fosters dialogue between different disciplines and cultural contexts, particularly regarding the relationship between artificial intelligence, artistic creation and cognition.
The De Vinci Festival 2026 offers a blend of concrete projects and critical reflection, bringing together complementary formats over two days.
The event highlights the diversity of approaches developed within the Léonard de Vinci Cluster, in relation to the contemporary challenges of technological transformation.
More information about the IFT and research at ESILV
This post was last modified on 5 May 2026 1:47 pm