Key Takeaways
- Nvidia and Deutsche Telekom are investing €1 billion in a new AI cloud centre in Munich
- The facility will launch in Q1 2026 and boost Germany’s AI computing power by 50%
- Major partners include SAP for software and Siemens for industrial applications
- European companies will gain secure, sovereign AI infrastructure
Nvidia and Deutsche Telekom have announced a €1 billion ($1.1 billion) investment to build Europe’s largest industrial AI cloud centre in Munich, Germany. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate Europe’s AI capabilities and address the continent’s growing data sovereignty concerns.
Europe’s AI Catch-Up Strategy
The new AI hub represents Europe’s latest effort to close the gap with global AI leaders United States and China. Scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2026, the centre will provide European companies with secure, local AI infrastructure for processes ranging from design to robotics.
Germany’s biggest telecom operator emphasized that the facility will guarantee the highest standards of data protection, security and reliability. This comes amid increasing European focus on data sovereignty – ensuring citizens’ and industrial data remains protected under local laws rather than being handled by foreign tech firms.
Leadership Perspectives
At the Berlin launch event, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang declared: “Germany’s engineering and industrial strengths are legendary, and now it’s being supercharged by AI.”
Deutsche Telekom CEO Timotheus Hoettges highlighted the timing, noting “AI is a huge opportunity” for Germany, which has been mired in recession for two years. He added, “It will help to improve our products.”
Technical Capabilities and Partnerships
The Munich-based centre will be powered by thousands of Nvidia’s advanced AI chips, providing approximately 50% more AI computing power for Germany. Deutsche Telekom is providing the physical infrastructure while German software giant SAP supplies the platforms and AI technologies to run the site.
Siemens, another project partner, will use the centre to enhance its own AI capabilities and offer improved software services to clients. Major automotive customers including Mercedes-Benz and BMW will be able to conduct complex AI-powered simulations for vehicle development.
European AI Context
Europe has significantly intensified its AI efforts recently. The continent’s fastest supercomputer, Jupiter, was inaugurated in Germany in September, with researchers noting its potential to boost AI model training.
Concerns about data sovereignty and overreliance on U.S. tech giants have escalated since Donald Trump returned to the White House. Tensions have grown between the U.S. and Europe on various issues, including EU tech regulations that Trump has repeatedly criticized.
In September, SAP board member Thomas Saueressig emphasized the urgency: “We cannot wait five years. Europe is far behind.” He stressed the importance of European firms being able to rely on local IT services and called for accelerated digital capability building.



