Berlin strengthens its role as a leading AI location in Europe

The newly opened #ai_berlin hub acts as a guide, platform and showcase for Berlin's AI ecosystem.

With today's opening of the #ai_berlin hub, the capital city is finally getting what its AI ecosystem has long needed: a central point of contact that brings all the key players together. The hub serves as a guide, platform and showcase for everything Berlin has to offer in terms of artificial intelligence – and that is quite a lot.

Around 100 guests from business, science and politics gathered for the official opening on 22 October. Mayor and Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey and Dr. Stefan Franzke, Managing Director of Berlin Partner, jointly gave the starting signal. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry took the opportunity to present its new mobile showroom – an exhibition concept that will allow AI start-ups to showcase their innovations at events in the city in the future. In the evening, the opening was celebrated with the CIC Berlin technology campus and numerous guests from Berlin's innovation clusters.

The hub connects the various players in joint initiatives and brings them together in relevant areas of application such as health, production and mobility. The goal is to build a sustainable structure that will permanently strengthen Berlin's AI landscape and position it globally. The initiative is being implemented by Berlin Partner for Business and Technology with the support of the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises.

The #ai_berlin hub also provides information about the AI ecosystem and relevant support services. Located at the CIC Berlin innovation and start-up campus, it is situated where innovation is already taking place – and in the future, the hub will also be present at other relevant technology locations in the city. The Berlin Partner network also ensures direct access to the capital's AI application areas.

The financial basis is sound: €725,000 from the budget of the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises has been allocated to the project for 2025. This start-up funding is intended to lay the foundation for Berlin Partner to develop an independently viable hub. This will ensure that activities remain closely aligned with the needs of Berlin's economy.

About the #ai_berlin hub

The #ai_berlin hub is open to anyone who works with artificial intelligence in Berlin or wants to use it. The spectrum ranges from start-ups and established companies to research institutes, multipliers and administrative institutions. As a central point of contact, the hub combines physical presence with digital formats, creating space for exchange and concrete cooperation. The focus is on a clear goal: to make Berlin's AI expertise visible internationally, create synergies between the players and position the capital as a leading AI location worldwide.

About Berlin Partner for Business and Technology

Berlin Partner is the central economic development agency of the capital and promotes innovation and growth in the city. The company assists companies and investors in setting up in Berlin and supports their further development on site. Its services include advice on subsidies and financing, support in finding locations and personnel, and the targeted establishment of networks with the scientific community. Berlin Partner operates as a public-private partnership: the state of Berlin and over 250 committed companies jointly support the initiative. Berlin Partner is also responsible for the international marketing of the German capital. Further information is available at www.berlin-partner.de.

Opening impressions

  • From left to right: Nadine Jüdes, Jean Arnaud (Aethos), Florian Schütz (KI Park), Marcus Hott (Noah Lab), Dr. Stefan Franzke, Clemens Kabel, Timon Rupp (CIC), Sam Rowe (CIC), Iris Seute (SAP), Stefan Wolter (IHK Berlin), Franziska Giffey (SenWEB), Dr. Aljoscha Burchardt (DFKI), Philipp Günther, Volker Hofmann (Science & Startups), Andrea Schlüter (TÜV Ai.Lab), Robin Hempel (SenWEB), Dr. Maxim Schnjakin (Bundesdruckerei), Dr. Juliane Haupt
  • Dr. Stefan Franzke (CEO Berlin Partner)
  • Franziska Giffey, Berlin's Senator for Economic Affairs
  • Dr. Stefan Franzke and Franziska Giffey officially open the #ai_berlin hub
  • Senator Franziska Giffey during her opening speech
  • Dr. Stefan Franzke, Franziska Giffey and Stefan Wolter (CEO IHK Berlin)
  • Franziska Giffey in conversation with Andrea Schlüter (TÜV AI.Lab)
  • From left to right: Antonia Jung, Ana Teresa Tomás, Michael Lesch, Philipp Günther, Wolfgang Treinen, Esther Zimmermann-Potthoff, Melanie Gartzke (all Berlin Partner)
  • Dr. Stefan Franzke and Franziska Giffey in conversation with Marcus Hott from Noah Labs
  • #ai_berlin hub panel with Juliane Haupt (Berlin Partner), Iris Seute (SAP), Stefan Wolter (IHK Berlin), Dr. Aljoscha Burchardt (DFKI), and Marcus Hott (Noah Labs)
  • Jean Arnaud (Aethos), Sam Rowe (CIC), Timon Rupp (CIC), Franziska Giffey (SenWEB) and Dr. Stefan Franzke (CEO Berlin Partner) in front of the entrance to CIC Berlin

© Eventfotografen | Manuel Gutjahr