High-Tech Agenda Germany: German Government publishes roadmaps for key technologies

On 20 May 2026, the Federal Cabinet presented the first roadmaps of the High-Tech Agenda Germany (HTAD). With these roadmaps, the German Government is setting out its innovation policy strategy in concrete terms to strengthen competitiveness, technological sovereignty and value creation in Germany and Europe. According to the Federal Government, almost half of the HTAD’s 76 flagship measures are already being implemented.

The new technology roadmaps define specific targets, milestones and development paths for key future technologies and are to be continuously refined in collaboration with industry, academia, the federal states and other stakeholders. In parallel, a public online consultation has been launched, which will run until the end of June 2026.

High-Tech Agenda Germany focuses on key technologies

The High-Tech Agenda Germany was published in July 2025 by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). It centres on six key technologies:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Quantum technologies
• Microelectronics
• Biotechnology
• Fusion and climate-neutral energy generation
• Battery technologies and climate-neutral mobility

The HTAD is complemented by strategic research fields such as aerospace, health research, security and defence research, and climate and sustainability research.

The roadmaps now published are based on 26 partner dialogues with representatives from the federal government, the Länder, academia and industry, which took place between January and April 2026.

Specific targets for AI, quantum technologies, chips and biotechnology

With the AI Roadmap, the Federal Government aims to develop Germany, together with European partners, into a world-leading AI hub and a leading market for industrial AI applications. Among other things, an ‘AI Robotics Booster’ is planned for so-called embodied AI, which is intended to accelerate new applications in robotics and industry from 2026 onwards.

Quantum technologies also play a central role in the HTAD. By 2030, two error-corrected quantum computers of the highest European standard are to be developed in Germany. In addition, quantum sensors are to be used in future for medical applications such as the early detection of diseases. In the field of quantum communication, the Federal Government is focusing on new approaches to cyber-secure data transmission.

The Microelectronics Roadmap builds on the German government’s 2025 Microelectronics Strategy. The aim is to establish Germany as a leading European hub for chip design and semiconductor technologies. New chip factories, pilot lines and a centre of excellence for chip design are intended to accelerate the transfer of research into industrial applications and make supply chains more resilient.

In biotechnology, the HTAD is focusing on personalised medicine and innovative therapies. The first individualised mRNA cancer immunotherapy is set to be approved by 2028. In addition, the “Berlin Center for Gene and Cell Therapies” is being established as a new innovation centre, which will receive up to 100 million euros in funding by 2035 and is intended to provide space for up to 20 start-ups.

Fusion technology and battery research as fields of the future

In the field of fusion, the German government is pursuing the goal of establishing the world’s first commercial fusion power plant in Germany. According to the government, new value-creation potential and jobs are already emerging in laser, magnet and materials research.

Battery technologies are also considered a strategic priority of the High-Tech Agenda Germany. With the Battery Cell Research and Production Facility in Münster, a functional lithium-ion battery cell was produced for the first time at the end of 2025 along a fully European process chain. At the same time, new battery technologies such as sodium-ion batteries are intended to reduce critical raw material dependencies and strengthen European technology development.

HTAD as a ‘participatory agenda’ for research and innovation

The German government explicitly describes the High-Tech Agenda Germany as a ‘participatory agenda’. The roadmaps are intended to be living working documents, regularly updated and further developed in collaboration with implementation partners. Further technology roadmaps – including in the field of hydrogen – are already in preparation.

This opens up new opportunities for universities, research institutions, start-ups, SMEs and companies to engage in collaboration, technology transfer and European funding projects in strategic future-oriented fields.

We are happy to support Bavarian stakeholders in research and innovation in identifying suitable European funding opportunities and international partnerships in the fields of key technologies, innovation and research.

Contact at BayFOR