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ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup
Human First, Digital Always
Human First, Digital Always
Why this Challenge?

AI is moving from experimentation to everyday operations, and the conversation has shifted from technological potential to human performance. Leaders must run the business of Now while preparing their people for what comes Next.

ManpowerGroup created these challenges to partner with startups building human-first, AI-powered solutions that help organizations and workers navigate this duality; delivering results today while building the skills and systems for tomorrow.

Apply now

Our Startup Challenges
Agentic AI for Workforce Delivery at Scale

The context:
Always-on talent, human judgment when it counts. Organizations need to fill roles, fast, yet workforce delivery often depends on human availability or multiple vendors and tools which are time consuming to manage. How can agentic AI add value at scale, particularly to solve redeployment when a temporary assignment ends?

What we are looking for:
Agentic AI for always-on workforce delivery. We are looking for examples where AI provides speed and scale, humans give the edge. AI does the heavy lifting; humans make the calls that count.

Apply Now

Agentic AI for Workforce Delivery at Scale

The context:
Always-on talent, human judgment when it counts. Organizations need to fill roles, fast, yet workforce delivery often depends on human availability or multiple vendors and tools which are time consuming to manage. How can agentic AI add value at scale, particularly to solve redeployment when a temporary assignment ends?

What we are looking for:
Agentic AI for always-on workforce delivery. We are looking for examples where AI provides speed and scale, humans give the edge. AI does the heavy lifting; humans make the calls that count.

Apply Now

Agentic AI for Workforce Delivery at Scale

The context:
Always-on talent, human judgment when it counts. Organizations need to fill roles, fast, yet workforce delivery often depends on human availability or multiple vendors and tools which are time consuming to manage. How can agentic AI add value at scale, particularly to solve redeployment when a temporary assignment ends?

What we are looking for:
Agentic AI for always-on workforce delivery. We are looking for examples where AI provides speed and scale, humans give the edge. AI does the heavy lifting; humans make the calls that count.

Apply Now

Skills as Currency, People in Control

The context:
Your skills, your data, your next move AI has the potential to reshape jobs at scale – and people need to see where their skills fit and feel ownership of their careers. How do we put people in the driving seat and ensure they are prepared for tech advancements to make their work lives better?

What we are looking for:
We’re looking for AI solutions that put people in control of their careers—making skills visible, portable and actionable. Help individuals understand where their skills fit, own their data, and confidently navigate what’s next as jobs and technology evolve.

Apply Now

Skills as Currency, People in Control

The context:
Your skills, your data, your next move AI has the potential to reshape jobs at scale – and people need to see where their skills fit and feel ownership of their careers. How do we put people in the driving seat and ensure they are prepared for tech advancements to make their work lives better?

What we are looking for:
We’re looking for AI solutions that put people in control of their careers—making skills visible, portable and actionable. Help individuals understand where their skills fit, own their data, and confidently navigate what’s next as jobs and technology evolve.

Apply Now

Skills as Currency, People in Control

The context:
Your skills, your data, your next move AI has the potential to reshape jobs at scale – and people need to see where their skills fit and feel ownership of their careers. How do we put people in the driving seat and ensure they are prepared for tech advancements to make their work lives better?

What we are looking for:
We’re looking for AI solutions that put people in control of their careers—making skills visible, portable and actionable. Help individuals understand where their skills fit, own their data, and confidently navigate what’s next as jobs and technology evolve.

Apply Now

Selection Criteria
Future of Work Impact

Clear value proposition for human-first, AI-powered workforce transformation.

Innovation & Differentiation

Original solution with a strong innovation edge and defensible approach.

Scalability Potential

Ability to scale globally across markets, industries, and workforce segments.

Team and Vision

Committed team with a clear long-term vision and execution capability.

Market Traction

Demonstrated adoption, customer validation, or strong product-market fit.

Rewards
  • Win a Proof of Concept

    Collaborate with ManpowerGroup to develop and pilot a proof of concept within one of our global markets.

  • Pitch at VivaTech on the Pitch Studio

    Selected startups pitch their solutions live as part of the ManpowerGroup VivaTech Challenge.

  • Meet Our Clients

    Join a ManpowerGroup-hosted client event and connect directly with enterprise leaders.

  • Global Visibility

    Present to ManpowerGroup stakeholders worldwide and meet our Chief Growth and Innovation Officer.

Play an active role in our six business sectors

Your solution, product or service demonstrates that you can play an active role in LVMH's ecosystem and deliver on a large scale. Whether it be the creation process, the omnichannel customer journey, or operation and manufacturing, you support the Group's legacy of excellence and innovation in all areas of its 6 business sectors.

  • Fashion & Leather Goods

  • Wines & Spirits

  • Perfumes & Cosmetics

  • Watches & Jewelry

  • Other Activities

  • Selective Retailing

Timeline

47 Days 04 Hours

left to apply

left to apply

  • 23/02/2026

    Applications open

  • 13/04/2026

    Applications close

  • 04/05/2026

    The finalists are announced

  • 17/06/2026

    Final on the Pitch Studio

Apply Now

Apply now

FAQ

Who can apply?

Can I apply for more than one Startup Challenge/Award?

What is the difference between a Startup Challenge and an Award?

Is applying for an Award or Startup Challenge free?

Who can apply?

Can I apply for more than one Startup Challenge/Award?

What is the difference between a Startup Challenge and an Award?

Is applying for an Award or Startup Challenge free?

Who can apply?

Can I apply for more than one Startup Challenge/Award?

What is the difference between a Startup Challenge and an Award?

Is applying for an Award or Startup Challenge free?

Back to the Startups Challenges

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