On Thursday, May 21 2026, Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered his opening address at the seventh German Startup Awards in Berlin, underscoring the role of startups in driving Germany’s innovation and competitiveness. He highlighted government efforts to make the country a startup‑friendly hub, including the High‑tech Agenda and the new Work‑and‑Stay agency to facilitate talent mobility. Merz called for confidence to tackle existing challenges and announced plans to lower corporate tax rates, strengthen social security, and double digital infrastructure capacity within five years. He outlined a focus on six key technologies—artificial intelligence, quantum technology, micro‑electronics, biotechnology, fusion energy, and climate‑neutral power and mobility—and the launch of a digital wallet by January 2027. The awards celebrated 1,200 member firms of the German Startup Association, noting 3,568 startups founded in 2025, a record figure.
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