Germany to Deploy AI Solutions for Public Sector with OpenAI & SAP Partnership
Germany is set to significantly expand its artificial intelligence capabilities within the public sector through a new partnership between leading AI provider OpenAI and European software giant SAP. The collaboration, slated to launch in 2026, aims to provide administrations, schools, universities, and other public institutions with access to advanced AI applications tailored to German regulations.
According to Julie Lavet, European manager for OpenAI, the initiative will ensure “Germany gains access to the best technologies on German conditions.” The companies envision millions of public sector employees utilizing AI to streamline daily tasks, automate processes, and enhance citizen services, ultimately freeing up time for more direct engagement with the public.
Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger lauded the cooperation as “a good signal for digital location Germany,” emphasizing the importance of AI as a driver of innovation and competitiveness.
Balancing Sovereignty with Global Technology
While the project prioritizes German data sovereignty, data protection, and legal compliance, it relies on key technological components from US-based companies. OpenAI is headquartered in San Francisco, and SAP’s subsidiary, Delos, will utilize Microsoft’s Azure cloud software. Moreover, the AI servers will be powered by GPUs from Nvidia, also a Californian company.
SAP’s technology and AI lead, Philipp herzig, stressed the project’s security, stating it’s “a fully sovereign offer that will meet the red lines of the Federal Office for Security in data Technology (BSI) and which is operated from Germany.” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for German public institutions to leverage AI responsibly and effectively. Data will remain within German data centers, preventing unauthorized access.
Expanding Infrastructure & National Strategy
To support the partnership, SAP will expand its cloud infrastructure at delos to include 4,000 GPUs – high-performance graphics processors ideal for AI applications. This will create one of Germany’s largest national AI cloud installations. While substantial, the system remains smaller than those found in leading AI nations like the USA, China, and increasingly, India.
The collaboration directly supports germany’s national AI strategy and high-tech agenda, which aims to substantially increase AI-driven economic value by 2030.
(Source: DPA-Infocom, DPA: 250924-930-78826/2 – Direct from the dpa news channel)
