Berlin strengthens its position as a leading European hub for artificial intelligence

With today’s opening of the #ai_berlin hub , Berlin gains a central venue dedicated to the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI). Acting as a guide, platform and showcase for the city’s AI ecosystem, the hub further cements the German capital’s role as one of Europe’s leading centers for AI innovation.  

Berlin is already Germany’s top location for AI. More than 30% of the country’s 687 AI startups are based in the capital. Over 550 companies in the city offer digital services built on their own AI technologies — about 61% of them startups. Together, they generate €2.4 billion in revenue and employ more than 13,000 people. Berlin is also home to two of Germany’s national AI competence centers – the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and the Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data (BIFOLD) – alongside numerous university and non-university institutes and corporate hubs advancing AI research, development and practical applications.

The #ai_berlin hub provides information about the city’s AI ecosystem and available support programs It connects stakeholders across sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and mobility, driving collaboration and innovation.  The goal is to establish a future-ready structure that strengthens and globally positions Berlin’s AI landscape over the long term. The initiative is led by Berlin Partner for Business and Technology, with support from the Senate for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises.    

The hub was officially opened by Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s Mayor and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, and Dr. Stefan Franzke, CEO of Berlin Partner, who were joined by about 100 guests from business, academia and politics. During the event, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Berlin) unveiled its new mobile showroom, offering AI startups the opportunity to present their innovations at events across the city. The opening celebration continued into the evening at the CIC Berlin technology campus, together with guests from across Berlin’s innovation clusters. 

Franziska Giffey, Mayor and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises: “We want to make Berlin the number one location for innovation in Europe, and artificial intelligence plays a central role in this. AI is one of the key technologies for the future viability and competitive strength of Berlin’s economy. With the #ai_berlin hub, in partnership with the Cambridge Innovation Center, we’re creating a place that brings together the community, expertise, and ideas of our AI ecosystem – making Berlin’s innovative spirit visible and taking it to the next level.”

Dr. Stefan Franzke, Berlin Partner CEO: “The launch of the #ai_berlin hub is a major step toward strengthening Berlin’s AI ecosystem.” Together with our partners, we’re developing strategic guidelines and creating closer links between cutting-edge research, startup innovation and the city’s key application clusters. We warmly invite Berlin-based companies and research institutions to join this initiative.”    

Philipp Günther, Manager #ai_berlin hub: “As a core team, we’re an active part of the ecosystem. We understand the needs of its players, drive joint initiatives, and serve as a central contact point for partners. When all stakeholders contribute their strengths, we can establish Berlin as the leading location for trustworthy AI.” 

The new #ai_berlin hub is located on the CIC Berlin innovation and startup campus  – with plans to expand to other key technology sites across the city in the future.  The team currently operates from six dedicated workspaces on campus. The CIC’s open layout encourages direct exchange between developers and founders. From this base, the team coordinates activities, initiates collaborations and organizes events together with partners. The Berlin Partner network further provides access to the capital’s wide range of AI application fields.

For 2025, the project has been allocated €725,000 in the budget of the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises as initial startup funding. Berlin Partner has been tasked with developing the hub into a self-sustaining platform, ensuring that its activities remain closely aligned with the needs of Berlin’s business community. 

Photos for free use, with credit to BerlinPartner/eventfotografen, will be available here: https://www.berlin-partner.de/presse/detail/berlin-staerkt-seine-rolle-als-ein-fuehrender-ki-standort-in-europa

Further information about the #ai_berlin hub at www.ai-berlin.com/hub

Information about ai in Berlin can be found at ai-berlin.com

About the #ai_berlin hub 

The #ai_berlin hub is an open platform for everyone developing or applying artificial intelligence in Berlin – from startups and established companies to research institutions, networks and public-sector actors. With its physical space and digital services, the hub offers a central meeting point for exchange and collaboration. Its goal is to showcase Berlin’s AI expertise, foster synergies, and position the city as one of the world’s leading AI locations.

Berlin Partner for Business and Technology – Working for Innovation and Growth

Berlin Partner for Business and Technology is the capital’s business development agency for growth and innovation. The organization supports companies and investors as they relocate to Berlin and expand their presence in the city. Its experts provide guidance on financing opportunities, advise on finding suitable space and qualified staff, and help build networks with partners from the research community. Berlin Partner is backed by the State of Berlin and more than 250 companies committed to promoting their city, making it a strong public-private partnership. In addition, Berlin Partner is responsible for marketing Germany’s capital on the global stage. www.berlin-partner.de/en