German tech start-ups are rapidly embracing artificial intelligence, with adoption rates surging in recent years, according to a new survey released by the Bitkom, the German Association for Information Technology. The study, which polled 152 German tech start-ups online between March and April 2025, reveals that 82% are currently utilizing AI, a significant increase from 76% a year prior and 49% in 2023. An additional 16% are actively considering or discussing AI implementation.
The perceived importance of AI has also dramatically increased; 89% now consider it the most crucial future technology, up from 80% in 2024. The survey highlights growing concern regarding the viability of start-ups not integrating AI, with 55% now believing these companies face a bleak future, a rise from 39% just a year ago. Furthermore, 43% stated they would struggle or be unable to offer their current products and services without AI.
Currently, AI is being deployed by German start-ups for dual purposes: supporting business operations (63%) and enhancing product or service offerings (62%). Generative AI specifically is prevalent, adopted by 87% of start-ups utilizing AI – 71% for internal business support and 54% as part of their product portfolio. This trend may be linked to the observation that 74% have noted that incorporating AI into their products can facilitate securing funding. However, a notable 35% also concede that AI has, so far, not consistently met initial expectations.
The forthcoming European AI Act is generating considerable debate within the start-up community. A substantial 63% express concerns that overly strict regulation could deter the development of sophisticated AI solutions within the EU. A further 45% are confident that the AI Act will restrict their ability to utilize or develop AI and 43% fear it will create a competitive disadvantage compared to companies in countries like the United States and China. Despite these reservations, 71% remain optimistic about Europe’s potential to achieve a leading position in the global AI landscape.
