Successful launch for the roadmaps: Germany’s technological future presented at the HTAD Days

The publication of the technology roadmaps during the HTAD Days from 18 to 22 May 2026 marked a key milestone for the High-Tech Agenda Germany (HTAD). The roadmaps for the six key technologies – artificial intelligence, microelectronics, quantum technologies, biotechnology, fusion and battery technology – mark the strategic starting point for technological progress ‘Made in Germany’.

The roadmaps define specific targets, milestones and indicators for Germany’s technological development in key future-oriented fields. They were developed through close consultation between the ministries, with the active involvement of the federal states and various stakeholders from science and industry.

As the strategic cornerstone of the further implementation of the High-Tech Agenda, each roadmap answers a key question: What specific steps need to be taken to sustainably increase Germany’s value creation, competitiveness and technological sovereignty in the respective key technologies?

The Federal Government explicitly regards the documents now available as a starting point. The roadmaps, labelled ‘Version 1.0’, form an initial working basis that is not only to be implemented but also continuously developed further. Their success depends largely on effective cooperation between the federal government, the federal states, industry and the scientific community.

The official publication took place on Wednesday 20 May following discussion in the Federal Cabinet. A group photo of the Cabinet underscored the political unity: the entire Federal Government stands behind the High-Tech Agenda Germany. The roadmaps were then first presented to the Committee on Research, Technology and Space before being publicly announced at a press conference. At the same time, the roadmaps were published on the website and an online consultation was launched, allowing all interested parties to comment on the content of the roadmaps. The consultation is now open until at least the end of June.

© BMFTR / Czybik & Schmid Media / Tobias Koch

The German Bundestag was also actively involved: during a ‘gallery walk’ at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) on Wednesday afternoon, MPs were able to find out in detail about the content of the roadmaps. For two and a half hours, the lead ministries were available for discussions and technical exchanges.

Events accompanying the roadmap launch

The launch was accompanied by a series of further events. It kicked off on Tuesday 19 May with an exclusive preview at the Federal Chancellery. There, invited representatives from academia, industry, associations and state ministries were given a first look at the six HTAD roadmaps. The intensive exchange – including with the lead ministries – highlights the strong commitment of all those involved to jointly drive forward the High-Tech Agenda for Germany.

The six roadmaps were presented in summary form on Thursday, 21 May 2026, during a joint presentation by the lead ministries. Following an introduction to the structure and the respective milestones, representatives answered questions from the audience. Interest was exceptionally high: with more than 2,000 viewers, the livestream achieved the highest viewing figures in the organisation’s history.

© BMFTR / Czybik & Schmid Media / Tobias Koch

To accompany the official publication of the roadmaps, numerous specialist side events provided a forum for in-depth discussions on key future topics of the High-Tech Agenda. From keynote speeches at re:publica to information sessions on AI real-world laboratories and the AI Robotics Booster, the full scope of the HTAD was on display. Events such as the ‘Deep Tech Momentum 2026’ conference, featuring a keynote address by Federal Minister Dorothee Bär and discussions with the Start-up Factories on the HTAD as well as the challenges of the SPRIND transfer initiative, or the partner dialogue on the development of the national IP strategy, made it clear that the High-Tech Agenda is not merely a political initiative, but is being concretely shaped - and further developed.

With the High-Tech Spaces, the AI Robotics Booster and the F.A.S.T. initiative, the Federal Minister for Research also launched three lighthouse measures of the HTAD.

With the successful launch of the roadmaps, the foundations have been laid. Now the crucial implementation phase begins, aimed at bringing future technologies into use more quickly, thereby boosting competitiveness, creating greater value and enhancing Germany’s technological sovereignty.

© BMFTR

All events at the HTAD Days

19 May 2026 Roadmap preview (exclusive)

19 May 2026 Information session on the establishment of AI real-world laboratories

20 May 2026 Roadmap handover, press conference, presentation to the Committee on Research, Technology and Space

21 May 2026 Presentation of the HTAD roadmaps

20–21 May 2026 Deep Tech Momentum 2026 Further information

18–20 May 2026 re:publica Further information

22 May 2026 Partner dialogue on a national IP strategy as a lever for the high-tech agenda

22 May 2026 Information session on the AI Robotics Booster