On May 29, 2025, ManpowerGroup, a leading global provider of workforce solutions, unveiled the five startups selected as finalists for its "AI, Tech, & #huManpower: Redefining the Future of Work" challenge. As a Platinum Partner of Viva Technology 2025, the company aims to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and human experience in the workplace. The finalists will showcase their groundbreaking solutions at the highly anticipated VivaTech event in Paris from June 11-14.

1. Selection Process and Vision

Chosen from a competitive pool of 137 global applicants, the finalists were selected by ManpowerGroup's Innovation Team. The chosen startups demonstrated their potential to employ bold, scalable technologies that align with the company’s vision of enhancing the human experience at work through AI. Each solution addresses key areas of focus in the challenge:

AI-Powered Marketing + #huManpower = The Perfect Job Match: This area emphasizes the use of AI-driven digital marketing to forge emotional connections between job seekers and opportunities that resonate with their skills and aspirations.

Personalizing the Job Journey with Tech-Driven Solutions: Solutions in this category aim to deliver a customized experience that guides candidates from the initial job search through to job completion, ensuring seamless transitions and ongoing engagement.

AI-Driven Redeployment for Faster, Smarter Hiring: Startups are leveraging AI to improve the efficiency of redeploying loyal associates, thus reducing hiring times and costs while enhancing the experience for both employers and job seekers.

Stijn Catteeuw, Director of Global Innovation at ManpowerGroup, expressed enthusiasm about the challenge’s response. "The response to our VivaTech challenge has been extraordinary, with applications from innovative startups from across the globe," he stated. "These finalists show how AI and technology can be powerful tools to enhance the human experience at work. We're inspired by their potential to reshape how people find, grow, and succeed in their careers."

2. Meet the Finalists

The five startups that have made it to the final round are:

Coachello: This platform enhances internal mobility and retention through AI-driven career mapping. It assesses long-term employability, identifies skill gaps, and delivers personalized coaching, including avatar role-plays for interview practice.

Hippolyte: Hippolyte.AI takes a disruptive approach to recruitment, utilizing advanced AI technologies and a proprietary language model to identify and qualify top talent via social media, while enhancing employer branding through immersive campaigns.

Hunel.io: Hunel focuses on turning missed matches into placements. By integrating with ATS and CRM systems, it uses AI to re-route non-selected candidates to other relevant openings, thus increasing placement rates and boosting recruiter productivity.

Popp: This AI-native recruitment assistant automates routine tasks across the hiring funnel, enabling recruiters to focus on strategic contributions and fostering meaningful relationships with applicants.

Workait: Workait is pioneering a marketplace of autonomous AI workers, customizable across over 70 psychological traits, capable of performing complex tasks in fields such as customer service, data analysis, and marketing.

3. Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Each finalist will participate in a dedicated client event hosted by ManpowerGroup on June 10, providing them with valuable exposure to potential partners and customers. On June 11, they will present their solutions live from the Pitch Studio stage at VivaTech. Following these presentations, one startup will be selected to collaborate on developing a proof of concept within a ManpowerGroup market.

This initiative not only highlights the innovative spirit of these startups but also reinforces ManpowerGroup’s commitment to integrating technology with human potential in the evolving landscape of work.

For more information about ManpowerGroup's "AI, Tech, & #huManpower" challenge, interested parties can visit the official VivaTech website.

4. About ManpowerGroup

ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN) is recognized as the leading global workforce solutions company, dedicated to helping organizations navigate the ever-changing world of work. The firm specializes in sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing talent, providing skilled professionals while creating meaningful employment opportunities for millions across various industries. With over 75 years of experience, ManpowerGroup has established itself as a trusted partner for both candidates and clients, celebrated for its commitment to diversity and ethical business practices.

Original press release