Google on Thursday unveiled an artificial intelligence (AI) centre in Berlin, as the US tech giant seeks to expand its infrastructure in Germany.
The new Google AI centre is the central component in a large-scale investment programme worth €5.5 billion ($6.4 billion), and is intended to promote closer cooperation with representatives from science and politics.
In the historic rooms of the Forum on Museum Island in Berlin’s Mitte district, Google will bring together teams from Google DeepMind, Google Research and Google Cloud under one roof.
The facility also includes a space for presenting the latest AI technologies.
Philipp Justus, Google’s head of Central Europe, said the centre is a place for collaboration and debate that will boost Germany’s AI capabilities.
Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger called the development “a good day for Germany,” showing the country’s position as an attractive high-tech location.
“New ideas, collaborations and products are emerging here that benefit start-ups, small and medium enterprises and industry,” he said.
Wildberger also addressed concerns that the dominance of US corporations such as Google is jeopardizing Germany’s digital sovereignty.
“Digital sovereignty is extremely important for Germany and for Europe,” he argued, but it “does not mean doing everything on your own.”
“We continue to work in partnerships on an equal footing,” he added.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner sees the new centre as a sign of confidence in the strength and future of the capital city, which he said is on its way to becoming the number one location for innovation in Europe.
Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner speaks during a press conference at the opening of the Google AI Center Berlin. Soeren Stache/dpa
German Minister for Digital and Public Service Transformation Karsten Wildberger speaks during a press conference at the opening of the Google AI Center Berlin. Soeren Stache/dpa