* Analysis of sectors, products, regional distribution, and financing

* Comparison of Germany with Israel as the best practice ecosystem

* Impetus for the debate concerning ethical issues and boundaries when using AI

Startups are putting artificial intelligence (AI) to use: a good 40 percent of German startups say that AI has a (very) big influence on their business model – an increase of almost 14 percent compared with the previous year. Consequently, a large number of German startups rely on AI.

AI is one of the key technologies for the digital future. Startups are crucial in advancing these innovations and play an important role in strengthening Germany’s competitive position.

Reason enough to take a closer look and find out where German startups really stand when it comes to AI. That’s why the Bundesverband Deutsche Startups e.V. (German Startups Association) and hub:raum, the tech incubator of Deutsche Telekom, jointly published the study “Artificial intelligence – the state of German startups”. The project was also supported by the Institute for Applied AI at Stuttgart Media University and the KI Bundesverband (Federal association for AI).

The six key findings of the study are:

Franziska Teubert, CEO of the startup association, said: “For Germany, it is now very important to maintain momentum in terms of innovative technologies and make our economy fit for the future. Startups that are hit particularly hard by the coronavirus crisis as a result of their usually limited capital base must therefore be given targeted support. Although the government responded quickly and launched the rescue package for start-ups, visions for new impetus that can be turned into growth are now needed. Artificial intelligence must remain a fundamental part of this”.