“Berlin is strong where trust matters”
A conversation with Philipp Günther about the new AI competence centre ai.berlin hub
Philipp Günther is an innovation manager at Berlin Partner for Business and Technology.
What is the strategic mission of the new ai.berlin hub—and what sets it apart from other AI initiatives?
The idea emerged from a very simple question put to the players in the field themselves: What does the Berlin AI ecosystem need to become stronger? The answer was better orientation, more networking, and a collective voice to present to the outside world. That is exactly what we are focusing on. We see ourselves simultaneously as a pilot, a platform, and a showroom—providing a neutral touchpoint that unites the ecosystem and makes it visible. Nothing of this kind currently exists elsewhere in Germany—or the rest of Europe.
Berlin is considered Germany's AI capital. How can this position be strengthened?
Berlin is, above all, the startup capital. More than a third of German AI startups are based here. Together, Berlin’s AI companies generate around 2.4 billion euros in turnover. Our task is to forge closer ties between this innovative power and major corporations, research institutions, and international markets. In doing so, companies are deliberately focusing on trustworthy, highly specialised B2B solutions. Around 75% of Berlin’s AI companies work in the business-to-business sector—many in application areas such as healthcare, industry, or fintech. In these areas, trust is crucial for success.
Large language models are being built elsewhere. Is that a disadvantage?
No. Berlin does not need to develop another foundation model to be internationally relevant. Our strength lies in domain-specific applications that are regulatory-ready, secure, and practical. In Europe especially, the demand for sovereign AI solutions is growing—and that is where Berlin has a clear profile.
How do you translate networking into concrete projects?
On several levels. Within Berlin, we are setting up working groups on topics such as skilled labour, internationalisation, and infrastructure. At the same time, we are bringing AI expertise together with industry knowledge in a targeted way—for instance, through formats like Industry Connect. Internationally, we are looking outward. This year, for example, to India—with new contacts in Bengaluru and stronger integration within the EU.
You mention you see yourself as a pilot. How do you “pilot” companies to Berlin?
Many international firms are looking for a location with a proximity to science, access to talent, and moderate costs. Berlin offers exactly that. We help them dock into the ecosystem, arrange partners, and ensure that new players find their feet quickly with formats like our onboarding breakfast. The hub is also an actual physical location.
Why is that important?
We want to be available and give support where the players in the field need it. Our hub opened at the Treptower Cambridge Innovation Centre Berlin. Right next door is the Deep Tech Hub Berlin at MotionLab, so it’s a place where software, deep tech, and industrial applications come together. Physical proximity promotes exchange, synergies, and new ideas—and we want to contribute specifically to that on the ground.
How is ai.berlin hub linked to Berlin’s Zukunftsorte project?
We are still in the early stages. Having opened the hub in October 2025, we are taking these conversations step by step. But our ambition is clear: We want to contribute to several AI, industry and innovation hubs across the city and build partnerships. The Zukunftsorte, a project managing sites in Berlin that generate future innovation, offer enormous potential because they already have a strong thematic focus and established networks. We see our role as linking these sites more effectively and embedding AI as a cross-cutting technology. We are currently identifying where specific collaborations will emerge. We are consciously doing so in the form of an open dialogue without a rigid blueprint, as both the technology and the ecosystem are moving incredibly fast.
Your verdict after these first few months?
AI is moving at lightning speed—and so is Berlin. We are striving to stay flexible and remain closely aligned with what the community actually needs. If we can achieve that alongside our partners, Berlin will continue to cement its role as a leading European hub for AI innovation.
Rico Bigelmann for Potenzial