VivaTech alone will draw more than 100,000 attendees, including 9,000 startups and 2,000 investors from 125 countries to celebrate innovation and hear from industry titans. (Humble brag: we’re proud to have brought 200 foreign companies, including full sponsorship for 51 selected international startups, helping them make connections and advance their business projects in the Paris Region, Europe and beyond).

But did you also know there are dozens of other tech events happening the same week? Under the umbrella of TechDays Paris, thousands of international companies, entrepreneurs and investors will explore the Paris Region’s innovation ecosystem up close and personal — like at Paris-Saclay SPRING, a unique opportunity to get an exclusive look at the technological innovations and scientific achievements that are made here every day. Indeed, with 40% of French public research and private R&D, the Paris Region is truly a global innovation leader, and the Paris-Saclay innovation cluster is the spearhead.

Of course, the Paris Region is not just a destination for a one-off week of events — it has also become a global destination for companies looking to source top talent and the latest technology. Take artificial intelligence, for example. It’s no coincidence that the biggest tech companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Fujitsu and IBM (the list goes on…) have set up AI and machine learning research hubs in the Paris Region.

New regional initiatives have also significantly increased access to applied AI tools and data for startups and SMEs. Concretely, companies can benefit from an “AI Pack” to receive personalized support from AI experts; access to powerful algorithms and data storage services; and financial support. Additionally, the “Paris Region 2021 AI Plan” aims to solidify and amplify the reigon’s existing strategic advantage in terms of AI talent by providing crash courses for jobseekers to develop their skills and even opening the first specialized AI high school in France.

The tech scene in the Paris Region is riding a wave of momentum. There are now more than 8,000 startups and fundraising has doubled in only three years, with €5 billion projected for 2019. Much of this growth can be attributed to international entrepreneurs and investors flocking to the region to source incredibly talented people, unlock powerful technologies and secure the funding they need to grow. Plus, who wouldn’t want to enjoy a glass of champagne on a networking river cruise along the Seine after a long week of events?