AI Study 2025.
The current situation of German AI companies - challenges, needs, recommendations for action.
The AI Study 2025 by Cloud&Heat and the German AI Association analyses the situation of AI-developing companies in Germany. For the first time, our study provides insights into the perspective of those who are actively shaping AI solutions - and uncovers the critical need for action in terms of framework conditions and digital sovereignty.
The initiators of the AI study.
Focus on AI-developing companies: A hitherto missing perspective.
Existing analyses on Germany as an AI location often focus on the user side. Our AI Study 2025 deliberately focusses on the companies that develop AI technologies themselves. By interviewing 57 decision-makers from these companies, we have gained a picture of their specific challenges, needs and their assessment of the competitiveness of the location.
Key findings of the AI Study 2025.
#1 General conditions critically assessed
#2 Performance with catch-up potential
Only 11 % of AI companies see better framework conditions in Germany than in other countries; 70 % rate them as worse. It is also worrying that 54 % perceive a deterioration in conditions over the past year.
Although 46 % of the companies surveyed feel that the technical and economic performance of German AI companies has improved compared to the previous year, only 23 % believe that Germany is better positioned here than other countries.
#3 Top challenges for AI developers
#4 Digital sovereignty - important, but at risk
The biggest hurdles are access to capital, existing regulations and legal aspects, access to data, qualified personnel and customer acquisition. Almost half of the companies cite capital and the legal framework in particular as key challenges.
Around 80 % of AI companies consider digital sovereignty to be important or somewhat important for themselves and their customers. At the same time, 82 % rate Germany's digital sovereignty as critically endangered or endangered.
#5 Desire for concrete measures
Most frequently, AI companies would like to see the promotion of research and development directly in companies, improved access to data and its exchange as well as better access to capital. The promotion of access to high-performance computing infrastructure and the expansion of university AI research are also relevant levers for improving the situation of AI companies.
Sovereign infrastructure: A foundation for the AI location.
One of the key findings of the study is the need for a sovereign cloud infrastructure. As a German provider of cloud services and cloud technologies, we address this key requirement. We offer the technological basis for AI-developing companies to operate securely, scalably and confidently.
Participation in AI Study 2026
Would you like to stay up to date and possibly take part in the study yourself next year? Then register here:
Contact persons.
If you have any questions about the study, please contact Ronny Reinhardt.
