Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Cologne: a buzzing digital metropolis

Cologne is one of Germany’s most vital locations for Information and Communications Technology (ICT). There are more than 2,500 companies in this sector, employing around 27,000 people and accounting for a turnover of approximately 6 billion Euros.

As Germany's most digitally advanced city, Cologne provides the ideal conditions for companies in the ICT sector. The basis for this is one of the best-developed internet infrastructures in Europe with near-universal broadband coverage. At around 80 percent, the city also boasts the highest expansion rate of fibre-optic cables in Germany. According to a study by the Cologne Institute for Economic Research, companies based in Cologne are also leading edge in terms of the level of digitalisation. The district of Cologne-Ehrenfeld is also home to "The Ship",Germany's most digitally-advanced office building.

2500 Companies
25000 Employees
6 bil Euros revenue/year

High growth, high revenue, high power

With Microsoft Germany GmbH, Expleo Germany GmbH and GS1 Germany, the city is home to leading international providers in the sphere of software and hardware development. There is also a large number of medium-sized companies as well as a dynamic startup scene. ICT startups account for eight percent of all startups per year in Cologne. With companies such as Vodafone West and NetCologne, Cologne's highly lucrative telecommunications sector employs around 4,000 people in the region.

Cologne's supercharged network

The city's extensive ICT ecosystem is made up of a diverse range of players, including a dense network of scientific and educational institutions that provide outstanding conditions for research collaborations and excellent recruitment opportunities. It's no surprise then that patent density in the field of "digital communication" is above the country average in the Cologne region. Strong associations are another important location factor: The Verband der Deutschen Internetwirtschaft e. V. – eco – (Association of the German Internet Industry), Europe's largest industry association with approximately 800 members, is also based in Cologne. Moreover, leading ICT trade fairs are held here such as dmexco, the largest online marketing trade fair in Europe; while gamescom is the world's largest trade fair for digital games with more than 300,000 visitors each year.

 - KölnBusiness

Artificial Intelligence in Cologne

Artificial intelligence can support and relieve human users. On our overview page you can find out how companies in Cologne can benefit from AI  on their path to growth, competitiveness and future resilience, and how KölnBusiness supports them.

To the AI info page

Downloadables

Information on Cologne's ICT Industry
  • ICT Sector Overview PDF | 2 MB

Any questions?

Our industry experts are happy to help you.
Daniel Lidón

Foreign Investment Advisor

Information and Communications Technology