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Berlin Introduces State-Owned AI Assistant to Modernise Public Administration
Berlin launches BärGPT, its first state-owned, open-source AI assistant, to reduce routine workloads and improve administrative efficiency. Developed by CityLab with Berlin Technology Foundation and tested with staff, BärGPT enables text generation, translation, summarisation, and document analysis. The tool prioritises data protection, security, and long-term sovereign AI use within Berlin’s public administration.
Berlin takes a significant step in administrative digitalisation with the launch of its first state-owned artificial intelligence assistant, BärGPT. The tool is introduced by the Berlin Senate Chancellery and developed by CityLab, the innovation lab of the Berlin Technology Foundation, with the aim of reducing routine workloads and improving efficiency across the city’s administration.
The initiative reflects Berlin’s broader strategy to modernise public services while ensuring data protection, operational security, and long-term digital sovereignty.
Open-Source AI Designed for Public Sector Needs
BärGPT is developed as an open-source solution and tested in close collaboration with administrative staff. This approach ensures the system responds directly to the real requirements of Berlin’s public administration rather than generic use cases.
The AI assistant enables users to ask questions, generate, translate, and summarise texts through a free chat function. It also includes a document management system that allows employees to upload their own files, which can then be searched and analysed within the system. In addition, BärGPT supports administrative workflows by allowing results to be exported in all commonly used file formats.
Focus on Security, Data Protection, and Sovereignty
To support use in regular operations, BärGPT is developed with a strong emphasis on data protection and security standards. The system is designed to operate securely within public administration environments, addressing concerns related to sensitive information handling.
Beyond operational efficiency, the AI assistant lays the foundation for Berlin’s long-term, sovereign use of artificial intelligence. By operating its own AI solution, the city aims to retain control over future development and ensure the technology evolves according to administrative needs.
Supporting Administrative Staff Through Practical AI Use
The introduction of BärGPT responds to structural challenges such as skills shortages and demographic change. By automating and simplifying repetitive tasks, the tool aims to free up administrative staff for higher-value work and support long-term resource savings.
To assist with adoption, the BärGPT Help Centre provides video tutorials and practical guidance to strengthen AI skills among employees and support daily use.
“With BärGPT, Berlin has succeeded in making the potential of artificial intelligence usable for public administration in a safe and practical way,” said Martina Klement, state secretary for digitalisation and administrative modernisation and chief digital officer of Berlin.
“I am pleased that we can thus contribute to relieving the burden on public administration staff and advancing the use of AI in Berlin’s administration – a success from which Berliners will also benefit in the long term.”
CityLab and Berlin Technology Foundation Lead Development
CityLab, part of the Berlin Technology Foundation, leads the development of BärGPT and works closely with administrative teams throughout the process. This collaboration ensures that the solution delivers practical value and integrates smoothly into everyday workflows.
“BärGPT demonstrates how public administration can responsibly utilise the opportunities of artificial intelligence: securely, autonomously, and according to need,” said Dr Benjamin Seibel, CityLab director. “The close involvement of employees has resulted in a solution that delivers real added value in everyday work and relieves the administration of time-consuming routine tasks. In this way, the Berlin administration is taking a major step into the AI age.”
The Berlin Technology Foundation remains responsible for the ongoing maintenance and further development of the AI assistant, ensuring continuity and adaptability over time.
Laying the Groundwork for Long-Term AI Use in Government
The launch of BärGPT marks a transition from experimental AI projects to operational deployment within Berlin’s administration. According to Nicolas Zimmer, chairman of the board of the Berlin Technology Foundation, the project demonstrates how public institutions can take ownership of AI development.
“From prototype to product in test operation: By operating its own AI assistant, the state of Berlin is laying the foundation for the long-term, sovereign use of AI and its targeted further development according to the needs of the administration. We are delighted by the Senate Chancellery’s confidence in us and are pleased to continue supporting them in this endeavour with our CityLab team.”
With BärGPT, Berlin positions itself as an active adopter of responsible AI in public administration, focusing on efficiency, security, and long-term governance rather than short-term experimentation.
