Germany - High-tech Agenda

The High-Tech Agenda Germany was adopted by the Federal Government in July 2025 with the aim of strengthening Germany's competitiveness, value creation and technological sovereignty. It aims to once again position Germany as a leading location for future technologies and attract international specialists, investors and innovative companies.

The Strategy focuses on six key technologies that are considered to be the engine of technological progress:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Quantum technologies
• Microelectronics
• Biotechnology
• Fusion and climate-neutral energy production
• Technologies for climate-neutral mobility

These areas are to be researched, developed and exploited more quickly through targeted investments. The focus is on the development of technological capacities in Germany and Europe. The agenda aims to increase innovation and lay the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Six key technologies in detail

Germany wants to take a leading position in artificial intelligence. Investments in computing capacity, data infrastructures and AI models are planned to make AI more widely usable in business, healthcare and medicine.

In the future, quantum technologies will increase data and information security and enable new medical applications. Research, start-ups and business are to jointly develop quantum computers and applications of the future.

In the field of microelectronics, Germany is being developed as a leading location. The aim is to bring together specialists, research and production so that the next generation of high-performance microchips comes from Germany.

Biotechnology is promoted as a key factor for health, nutrition and sustainability. New biotechnological processes are to accelerate therapies and vaccines and secure agricultural yields.

In fusion research and climate-neutral energy production, Germany wants to expand its scientific strength. In addition to fusion, renewable energies such as solar, wind power, geothermal energy and hydrogen technologies are also being promoted.

For climate-neutral mobility, the focus is on battery technologies, alternative fuels and new forms of mobility, such as drone technologies for transport and agriculture.

Strategic research fields

As part of the High-Tech Agenda Germany, the so-called strategic research fields - in addition to the key technologies - are another focus. These include five key areas where research and innovation are considered crucial to secure and develop the long-term prosperity and security of the population: Aerospace, health research, security and defence research, marine, climate and sustainability research, and the humanities and social sciences.

These research fields contribute to varying degrees to the further development of key technologies and promote their transfer into practical applications.

Key initiatives focused on digital skills and workforce qualification 

• Quantum Future Professionals: A dedicated initiative to increase the number of specialists in quantum technologies. It focuses on expanding interdisciplinary training opportunities and ensuring the workforce can operate next-generation quantum computers and secure communication systems.

• Microtec Academy: A specialized qualification program designed to train the next generation of specialists in microchip design and semiconductor production, aimed at securing Germany’s technological sovereignty.

• AI Robotic Booster: Starting in 2026, this initiative will establish testing and training centers. It aims to bridge the gap between AI research and practical digital skills for operating multi-purpose robots in industry and healthcare.
• Regulatory Laboratories (Real-world Labs): These act as "living classrooms" where specialists and researchers can test digital innovations under real-world conditions, facilitating the fast-track learning of new regulatory and technical frameworks.
• Translation Centers (e.g., for Biotechnology): These centers focus on the "transfer" of digital and scientific skills, specifically training researchers to use AI and digital data models for drug development and gene therapy.
• International Talent Attraction: A strategic focus on making Germany a magnet for international digital specialists through improved conditions for investors and innovative startups.
• Competence Clusters for Battery & Mobility: Investing in regional clusters to retrain the workforce in battery materials, circular economy software, and drone technology for transport and agriculture.

Implementation

For each key technology, the federal government presents flagship initiatives with clear timetables. Among other things, these measures are planned:

Artificial intelligence: From 2026, a so-called ‘AI robotic booster’ is set to identify applications for multi-purpose robots and to set up testing and training centres. The aim is also to bring one of the planned large-scale European AI factories (“AI Gigafactories”) to Germany. The facility is expected to start operations in mid-2027.

Quantum technologies: By 2030, at least two error-corrected quantum computers at the European top level are to be implemented and made accessible. As early as 2025, a first German research satellite for quantum communication is to go into operation. In parallel, the Quantum Future Professionals initiative envisages increased training for professionals, complemented by the expansion of interdisciplinary training opportunities.

Microelectronics: A competence centre for microchip design is to be established by 2026. The aim is to strengthen Germany's technological sovereignty and increase its attractiveness as an investment location. This includes strategies for new factories as well as qualification measures, for example through a planned ‘Microtec Academy’.

Biotechnology: A translation center for gene and cell therapy will be created to advance the development of novel therapies. In the future, these could contribute to the treatment of previously difficult-to-cure diseases. In addition, the funding of interdisciplinary projects that use artificial intelligence for the more efficient development of pharmaceuticals is planned. Programmes such as Go-Bio next will also support the transfer of scientific knowledge into practice.

Fusion and climate neutral energy production: First, a roadmap for the construction of a first German fusion reactor will be developed and the necessary technologies will be identified. From 2026, new regulatory sandboxesfor the energy transition are also planned to test innovations under real conditions and to increase investment security. In addition, a research initiative on deep geothermal energy and a hydrogen research hub (‘Hydrogen4Future’) will be set up.

Technologies for climate-neutral mobility: In the long term, the government aims to build competitive battery production, including circular economy, in Germany by 2035, embedded in a European network. Battery research is to be strengthened by clusters of competence in areas such as materials, production and solid state technology. In addition, the promotion of e-fuels and CCU technologies is foreseen, in particular to support the aviation and maritime transport transition. From 2026, model regions for future mobility systems will also be developed and transformation clusters for drone applications will be established.

The High-Tech Agenda Germany thus creates a strategic framework that links research, business and society – and strengthens Germany’s role as an innovation nation in international competition. By the end of the parliamentary term (2029), at least 18 billion euros will be invested in the high-tech agenda.