France is positioning itself as an artificial intelligence superpower with significant advancements in the field. The Viva Technology conference in Paris highlighted the country's progress, including the success of French AI firm H, which secured $220 million in funding from investors such as Amazon and Google's ex-CEO Eric Schmidt. Notably, French AI companies are attracting investments from US tech giants. France's finance minister, Bruno Le Maire, emphasized the country's desire to develop its own AI capabilities, despite collaborations with American companies. France has a strong ecosystem for AI research and development, including renowned facilities and universities.

President Emmanuel Macron aims to position France as Europe's tech leader but acknowledges the need for more big players in the continent. French advertising and PR company, Publicis Groupe's CEO Maurice Levy, believes France has the potential to become one of the top five countries in AI development. The country is determined to bridge the gap with the US, China, and Europe in AI advancements. France garnered approximately 20% of overall European AI startup funding in 2023, although the UK remains the AI leader in Europe. Macron emphasized the challenge of balancing AI innovation and regulation at an appropriate scale in Europe.