Gateway to VivaTech 2026
Gateway to VivaTech 2026 is the national-level pitch competition designed to select three most promising growth-stage startups from Armenia to participate in the pitch competition at VivaTech which is being organized by EU4Innovation East between startups from the three EaP countries; Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine. To realize the selection process, the project has defined an investor-driven selection mechanism, ensuring that startups with proven traction and investment readiness are prioritized for this international exposure. Unlike traditional formats, the program leverages the expertise of leading venture capital funds, business angel networks, and other investment-driven ecosystem actors, ensuring a highly curated and investment-relevant pipeline.
Selection Methodology and Structure
The initiative follows a two-stage, investor-led selection process:
1. Nomination Phase
Leading venture funds, business angel networks, and investment-driven ecosystem actors like Plug and Play, and Eqwefy will each nominate up to three startups from their existing portfolios or networks.
These startups will be:
- At growth stage, with established market presence
- Already funded or investment-backed
- Demonstrating clear traction, scalability, and international potential
This approach ensures a pre-vetted pool of 10-15 high-quality startups.
2. National Pitch Competition
A professional jury composed of one representative from those venture funds, investors, and investment-driven ecosystem stakeholders who have nominated startups will be formed to evaluate the pitches.
Through a pitching session and a structured and transparent evaluation process, the jury will assess:
- Market performance and traction
- Scalability and international readiness
- Team strength and execution capacity
- Investment attractiveness
Outcome: Selection of the top 3 startups that will officially represent Armenia.
3. Internationalization Phase – VivaTech 2026 (June 2026)
One representative from each selected startup will be invited to join VivaTech 2026 in Paris, and there will participate the Eastern Partnership Startup Pitch Competition (June 19, 2026), gaining:
- Direct access to global investors and venture capital networks
- Market entry and expansion opportunities
- Strategic partnerships and B2B engagement
- Opportunity to compete for financial awards and follow-on investment
Role of EU4Innovation East
The initiative is implemented with the strategic support of EU4Innovation East, ensuring European added value and regional integration:
- Facilitates Armenia’s integration into the Eastern Partnership innovation ecosystem
- Provides institutional access to VivaTech and the EaP Startup Pitching platform
- Strengthens visibility and credibility of Armenian startups at EU level
- Enables cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Supports ecosystem capacity building, aligning startups with EU market standards and investor expectations
