VivaTech 2023 Amplifies Excitement Surrounding Machine Learning and AI

VivaTech 2023, Europe's largest start-up and technology event, showcased the latest trends in innovation. Attended by Kacper Kasdepke, eCommerce Strategist, and Cezary Jagaś, eCommerce Data Lead of Publicis Le Pont, the event provided valuable insights.

Established in 2016 by Publicis Groupe and Les Echos, VivaTech has become a prominent platform for showcasing cutting-edge technology. After a year of pandemic-related restrictions, last year's event focused on employee well-being, changes to corporate culture, trust vs. data, and future technologies.

This year, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning took centre stage at VivaTech 2023.

The AI-train has left the station…

What sets VivaTech apart is not only its perfect timing and location (although few things beat Paris in June), but also the sheer concentration of intellectual prowess under one roof. Under said roof, there was a palpable trend: the notion that the AI-infused world will first become visible for sports fans, a topic that seemed to be bang on the money with the Rugby World Championship coming up in France later this year and Paris Olympics in 2024.

Numerous pavilions and stages were dedicated to exploring how technological advancements can enhance and transform the world of sports.

That said, 'AI', 'Generative AI', 'Large Language Models' and 'Deep Learning' were just some of the words thrown around pretty much wherever you found yourself at: be it in the context of transportation services, logistics, healthcare, marketing and many others – all vendors were absolutely focused on how this technology will be leveraged, how it will impact products and services, and, most crucially, how it will transform our lives. No one asked the question “if” it will happen; that one was clear to everyone at VivaTech – it is now all about the 'when'.

Importantly, AI and Generative AI are no longer all talk – actual use cases were presented, including Sanofi’s decision-making app, Morgan Stanley’s GPT-4 powered chatbot assistant, Netflix generating backgrounds for their UI, Novartis using machine learning in drug R&D process or Walmart with an AI powered text-to-cart chatbot assistant. However, none of these were developed in a quarter – taking Sanofi as an example here, they worked on their case for over two years before they finally are able to show a ready, AI powered product that works and does what it was designed to do.

While the overall tone of the keynotes was positive, speakers emphasised the importance of GDPR, AI governance, digital sovereignty, data privacy, security, ethics, and the societal impact of AI. Multiple panels and keynotes delved into these crucial aspects of technology.

Additionally, the event underscored the significance of sustainability in the tech sector. With rapidly increasing emissions, decarbonization and renewable energy sources are now critical for the planet's survival and further technological progress.

...and it is here to stay

To summarise, Vivatech 2023 was dominated by the Generative AI revolution, which stands out as a lasting innovation unlike some other short-lived trends. Data security, GDPR compliance, and AI governance were also in sharp focus, with industry leaders calling for agile legislation to effectively implement and expand AI's capabilities. The passing of the EU Commission's AI Act, announced during VivaTech, received extensive discussion throughout subsequent sessions.

At Publicis Le Pont, we are tirelessly working on leveraging machine learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Generative AI to enhance productivity. From extracting shopper insights through NLP techniques in strategy to processing AI-powered data visualisation tools for shelf and performance information in analytics and utilizing Generative AI in localised and targeted content production, we are embracing these technologies to account for diversity and enhance the online shopper experience.

There is no doubt that the ongoing surge in AI will push us further into previously unachievable realms. However, we acknowledge that there is still a learning curve when it comes to working with AI and generative AI technologies. Companies have a responsibility to provide materials and knowledge to facilitate this transition, while individual users must approach these machines mindfully. The AI revolution is just beginning, and everyone has the opportunity to catch up and understand the world of language models and synthetic media.