Healthtech & AI Startups Win Fundtruck Competition

The highly anticipated Fundtruck entrepreneurial competition has kicked off its 2026 season, with its inaugural stop at VivaTech in Paris. This year's event saw a record number of applications, highlighting the vibrant startup ecosystem in France. Sixteen promising ventures pitched their innovations to a distinguished panel of 35 investors, entrepreneurs, and business support professionals. Following rigorous evaluation across two distinct pitching sessions, two companies have secured their spots in the grand finale: Athana and Zylio.

Athana, founded by Thaddée Caron, is making waves in the healthtech sector. The company is developing a wearable medical device that utilizes connected cryotherapy to provide immediate, natural relief from hot flashes, a common symptom experienced by individuals undergoing menopause or chemotherapy. This innovative approach addresses a significant unmet need in women's health, a market segment experiencing substantial growth and investor interest. The global women's health market is projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years, driven by increasing awareness and technological advancements.

In the afternoon session, Zylio emerged victorious. This AI-focused startup, co-founded by Bertrand Dumast, is revolutionizing procurement processes for businesses. Zylio deploys intelligent agents to autonomously manage supplier bids, contracts, and invoices. By ensuring adherence to negotiated terms and optimizing purchasing margins, the company offers a compelling solution for enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. The market for AI in procurement is expanding rapidly, with businesses seeking to leverage artificial intelligence to streamline complex financial operations and reduce costs, a trend amplified by recent economic uncertainties.

The Fundtruck's Paris leg, held at VivaTech – Europe's largest technology exhibition – underscores the event's role as a crucial platform for early-stage company visibility and funding opportunities. The competition's format, featuring intense three-minute pitches followed by five-minute jury Q&A sessions, provides a concentrated environment for startups to demonstrate their value proposition.

This initial stage of the Fundtruck 2026 tour was supported by its long-standing partners, including La Banque des Startups by LCL, HubSpot, Bpifrance, IVECO, CF Advisory, and CF - Compagnie Fiduciaire. These collaborations are vital for nurturing the next generation of French innovation, providing not only financial backing but also strategic guidance and market access.

With their advancement to the finals, Athana and Zylio will now prepare to compete against winners from subsequent stages of the Fundtruck tour, which will traverse France throughout the year. The grand finale, scheduled for later this year, will crown the ultimate winner of the 2026 Fundtruck competition, further solidifying their position within their respective industries.