Nine innovative startups from Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine showcased their solutions at the EU4Innovation East Pitch Contest during VivaTech 2026, one of Europe’s largest technology and startup events. Organized by the EU4Innovation East project, the competition highlighted the growing innovation potential of the Eastern Partnership region and its increasing integration into the European innovation ecosystem.
Held on the Pitch Studio Stage at VivaTech’s 10th anniversary edition, the contest brought together founders, innovation experts, and ecosystem leaders to discover emerging technologies addressing global challenges across artificial intelligence, healthcare, cybersecurity, climate technology, industrial automation, education technology, and the circular economy.
The nine startups selected through national competitions and ecosystem partnerships were Denovo Sciences, MedPair, and TACTUN from Armenia; SELFTALK, LyricFluent, and Oto from Moldova; and SEC-TA, Z1RO, and Hydratico from Ukraine.
The startups presented their solutions before an international jury composed of Arielle Santé (IncubAlliance Paris-Saclay), Stéphanie Potok (INRAE Transfert), Ricardo Marvão (beta-i), and Jean-Michel Dalle (Agoranov), all recognized leaders in entrepreneurship, innovation, and startup development.
Following the evaluation process, the jury awarded first place to Hydratico (Ukraine), a climate-tech startup developing breakthrough supercavitation technology for energy-efficient desalination and industrial wastewater treatment. Second place was awarded to MedPair (Armenia), a healthtech platform improving patient-physician communication and clinical workflows. Third place went to Oto (Moldova), a digital solution helping hospitality businesses improve customer experience through QR-based ordering and multilingual digital menus.
In addition to the jury awards, Z1RO (Ukraine), a startup producing sustainable molded packaging from natural fibers, received the Audience Choice Award following a public vote.
The contest formed part of EU4Innovation East’s broader efforts to strengthen startup ecosystems across the Eastern Partnership region by facilitating access to international networks, expertise, investors, and markets. During VivaTech, participating startups also benefited from networking opportunities, meetings with investors and ecosystem stakeholders, and exchanges with European policymakers and innovation leaders.
Commenting on the event, Yann Riegel, Project Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), said:
“The quality of the startups participating in this year’s pitch contest demonstrates the remarkable progress being achieved across the innovation ecosystems of Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Through EU4Innovation East, the European Union is helping entrepreneurs access opportunities, partnerships, and international markets that can accelerate their growth. These founders are developing solutions with global relevance and show how innovation can contribute to economic resilience, competitiveness, and stronger ties between the European Union and its Eastern Partnership partners.”
The EU4Innovation East Pitch Contest reflects the European Union’s commitment to supporting innovation-driven growth and fostering stronger cooperation between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries. By providing visibility to high-potential startups on international stages such as VivaTech, the initiative contributes to building a more connected, competitive, and innovative European neighbourhood.
“The EU4Innovation East Pitch Contest demonstrates that innovation knows no borders. The startups we have seen today are addressing global challenges, from water security and healthcare to cybersecurity and sustainability. Their success is a reminder that some of tomorrow’s most impactful solutions can emerge from any ecosystem when talent is given the right opportunities to connect, collaborate, and scale,”— Julien Schmitt, Project Director, EU4Innovation East
The EU4Innovation East project is funded by the European Union, co-funded by the French Government, and implemented by Expertise France.
