In the lead-up to the highly anticipated AI Action Summit in Paris on February 10–11, 2025, France has unveiled the “AI Convergence” Challenges, a groundbreaking initiative to showcase the power of artificial intelligence in addressing pressing technological and societal issues.
Announced as part of the summit’s overarching mission, the challenges aim to unite academic and industrial ecosystems globally while demonstrating how AI can act as a transformative force for humanity. The initiative invites researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from all sectors to propose ambitious projects that leverage AI to tackle unresolved issues.
Five Themes to Guide Innovation
Participants are encouraged to align their submissions with one of five priority themes:
- Public Interest AI: Solutions for societal well-being.
- Future of Work: Innovations addressing workplace transformations.
- Innovation and Culture: AI’s role in fostering creativity and cultural growth.
- Trust in AI: Building ethical and transparent AI systems.
- Global AI Governance: Collaborative frameworks for responsible AI deployment.
Selected projects will gain significant visibility during the summit, presenting an unparalleled opportunity to shape the global AI agenda.
Driving Ethical and Sustainable AI
The French government envisions the challenges as pivotal in steering the world toward a “third way” for AI—one that is ethical, sustainable, inclusive, and trustworthy.
“Together with the French President and the Prime Minister, we aim to promote an AI ecosystem where trust and societal benefit are central,” said Clara Chappaz, Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs.
Anne Bouverot, Special Envoy for the AI Action Summit, emphasized the global scale of the initiative:
“The AI Convergence challenges capitalize on the vitality of French and international ecosystems, celebrating the talents worldwide who are using AI to solve real-world problems.”
Summit to Spotlight AI’s Potential
The AI Action Summit, a flagship event hosted by France, will bring together an influential mix of Heads of State, international organization leaders, CEOs, academics, NGOs, and artists, making it a key platform to discuss AI’s future.
“AI is a formidable accelerator and differentiator across society, from health to education, environment to economy,” stated Bruno Bonnell, Secretary General for Investment in charge of France 2030. “These challenges allow us to define progress and transform practices for a resilient and sustainable future.”
With the launch of the AI Convergence challenges, France continues to position itself as a leader in responsible AI innovation, fostering collaboration and driving solutions that serve the common good.
Interested participants are invited to submit their proposals ahead of the summit and join this transformative effort to shape the future of AI.
