Working Together for Applied AI: DFKI and Inria at the German Park at Vivatech 2026
Photo: © DFKI, Juan Diego Mejia
At the international high-tech and startup trade fair Vivatech in Paris (June 17–20, 2026), the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and the French computer science institute Inria will showcase their close research collaboration in the German Park (Hall 7.3, Booth 3E14) and send a strong signal for the future by establishing a Franco-German AI center. The goal is to strengthen high-performance European AI and further advance the transfer of AI technologies to the economy.
DFKI and Inria have been collaborating in a bilateral partnership since 2020. The focus is on joint research projects carried out by mixed teams from both organizations. Two current projects exemplify societal challenges in Germany and France and make a concrete contribution to greater social participation. The “RoGSiLT” and “NEARBY” projects will be presented at the joint booth in the German Park.
Robust AI for Sign Language Translation
RoGSiLT (Robust and Generalizable Sign Language Translation) is developing AI-based solutions for German and French Sign Language (DGS and LSF). Innovative AI methods aim to significantly improve translations between spoken language and sign language. The goal is to improve both the translation of text into sign language and the conversion of sign language from videos into written language. Modern techniques such as multimodal neural networks, self-supervised learning, and large language models are intended to overcome existing hurdles—such as limited data availability, lack of generalizability, and unnatural translations. A key component is the development of new data resources, including extensive parallel corpora of sign language videos and associated texts.
Project presentation: Wednesday, June 17, all day, Hall 7.3, Booth 3E14
Robust Brain-Computer Interfaces in Everyday Life
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) open new avenues for human-machine interaction by using brain signals to directly control technical systems. NEARBY (Noise and variability-free BCI systems for out-of-the-lab use) develops innovative BCI systems with low noise and variability that function reliably even outside the laboratory. The goal is to create robust, practical solutions that pave the way for the use of brain-computer interfaces in everyday life—for greater self-determination, efficiency, and intuitive interaction. At the conclusion of the project, the German-French team will present the current state of research.
Project presentation: Thursday and Friday, June 18–19, all day, Hall 7.3, Booth 3E14
Milestone for Europe’s digital sovereignty: DFKI and Inria establish a German-French AI research center
DFKI and Inria are taking their partnership to a new level: The leading research institutions will sign an agreement to establish an open, binational German-French research center for artificial intelligence.
The signing ceremony will be held in the presence of Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology, and Space, and Philippe Baptiste, French Minister for Higher Education, Research, and Space. This ambitious project aims to establish a strong European AI player at the intersection of cutting-edge research, industry, and society.
German Park Stage, June 18, 10:00–10:30 a.m.
Further information
www.vivatech.com
https://www.dfki.de/en/web/qualifications-networks/international-cooperation/german-french