Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Since 2018, the national strategy for artificial intelligence has been strengthening the entire value chain, from research and computing capacity to models, software and applications.

The priority is to fast-track the adoption of AI throughout the economy, while consolidating infrastructure, data, skills and strategic technologies.

The sector in figures

• 1,114 French AI startups identified in 2026, compared with 781 in 2025.
• More than 45,000 jobs in French AI startups as of 2026.
• Nearly €16 billion raised by these startups since their creation, according to 2026 data.
• More than 4,000 researchers specializing in AI in France, based on institutional data published in 2025.
• 91 foreign investment decisions in 2025 across the fields of cloud computing, AI and quantum technologies, accounting for 3,100 jobs.
• €109 billion in private investment announced in February 2025 for AI infrastructure and projects in France.

France's ambitions

France’s strategy aims to strengthen computing and cloud infrastructure, support foundational and specialized models, develop generative, embedded, resource-efficient and trustworthy AI, train talent and fast-track adoption by businesses and public services.

Launched on July 1, 2025, and reinforced in June 2026, the “Dare to Use AI” plan sets out the following targets for 2030:

• 100% of large businesses using AI.
• 80% of SMEs and mid-sized companies.
• 50% of micro-enterprises.

A comprehensive value chain

France brings together stakeholders from the fields of semiconductors, cloud computing, data centers, cybersecurity, software, AI models and sector-specific applications, including startups, major corporations and research laboratories.

World-class research and talent

With over 4,000 specialized researchers and 13 Fields Medalists, France boasts a highly regarded scientific foundation. Institutions such as the French National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Control (INRIA), the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA), universities, Grandes Écoles and AI clusters support both education and partnerships between the research community and industry.

Computing infrastructure and low-carbon electricity

Supercomputers like Jean Zay, Adastra and the upcoming exascale system, Alice Recoque, bolster public computing capacity; Jean Zay alone has supported more than 1,400 academic and industrial AI projects. The “AI Factory France” initiative consolidates these resources. As of February 2025, 35 sites have been identified to host data centers. Established on January 31, 2025, the French National Institute for the Evaluation and Security of Artificial Intelligence (INESIA) focuses on strengthening AI evaluation and security. In 2025, 95.2% of the electricity generated in metropolitan France was low carbon, with an intensity of 19.6 g CO₂eq/kWh.

A European framework for trustworthy AI

The implementation of the European regulation on artificial intelligence fosters the development of reliable, transparent and secure solutions that align with European requirements for data protection and cybersecurity.

Support for research and strategic technologies

Since 2018, the “France 2030” investment plan has brought together nearly €2.5 billion for the nationwide artificial intelligence strategy. The “AI Clusters” program, announced in May 2024 with a budget of €360 million, supports nine centers of excellence that bring together higher education, research and the private sector.

Supporting adoption by businesses

The “Dare to Use AI” initiative combines awareness-raising, training and guidance. Programs such as “IA Booster France 2030,” “Data/AI Assessments,” “AI Accelerators” and various support mechanisms provided by Bpifrance help SMEs and mid-sized companies to identify, evaluate and deploy AI use cases.

• SoftBank

In June 2026, the Japanese group confirmed an initial investment phase of €45 billion, with the potential to reach €75 billion, to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure in France.

• MGX and Campus IA

MGX, in collaboration with Bpifrance, Mistral AI and NVIDIA, is developing a European campus dedicated to artificial intelligence. An expansion, representing an investment of approximately €7.5 billion, was announced in June 2026.

• Aiforia Technologies

This Finnish business, which specializes in artificial intelligence (AI) for use in anatomical pathology and medical research, has chosen France, specifically the Ile de France/Paris region, as the location for its first European AI hub outside of Scandinavia. The project is supported by strategic partnerships with AP-HP and the Institut Curie, and aims to strengthen the business’s commercial, support and development operations in France.