Nvidia Backs Four German AI Startups as Chancellor Tells Business to 'Open Your Doors'

Nvidia is putting more money into Europe's artificial intelligence sector, naming four German startups it plans to back as part of a commitment approaching $10 billion for companies, universities and research institutions across the continent. The plans were announced at the Invest in Germany Summit in Berlin on Monday. The startups are Agile Robots, Avelios Medical, Mirelo and Reflex Aerospace, though Nvidia did not say how much each would receive.

Agile Robots builds AI-powered machines for manufacturing, logistics and healthcare; Avelios Medical makes AI-driven hospital management software; Mirelo develops AI models that generate audio for videos; and Reflex Aerospace designs and builds satellites.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany aims to lead in integrating AI into key sectors, pointing to manufacturing, machinery and the automotive industry. He urged small- and medium-sized businesses to make use of the data they already hold. "Please open your doors for AI to make use of your data," he said, calling it a real advantage for Germany.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said AI would strengthen rather than replace German industry. "AI can only augment your capability, it will not replace your capability," he said. Nvidia is also widening its work with the German government and its Industry 4.0 Platform, and on Monday the two sides signed a joint declaration of intent on AI models for industrial applications. Earlier, Siemens announced AI solutions developed with Nvidia at its Erlangen factory, saying they could cut engineering work in production preparation by up to 85% and reduce production planning costs by as much as 20%. Huang visited France last week to announce investments in four French startups and is due to give a keynote in Berlin on Wednesday.