TECH 2026: Schwarz Digits Expands Partner Ecosystem and Supports Startups

• The Schwarz Digits ecosystem continues to grow alongside global and European leaders, with around 600 partners already forming a powerful network.
• Schwarz Digits enters into a new strategic partnership with Dutch telecommunications provider KPN.
• As a sovereign cloud infrastructure, STACKIT is a core component of two major projects driving the digitization of German public authorities.
• Schwarz Digits launches a startup program to provide digital innovations with a sovereign foundation and accelerate their scaling.
   

At this year’s Technology Experience Convention (TECH) in Heilbronn, Schwarz Digits is showcasing itself as a driving force for Europe’s digital independence. Through its growing partner network, an interconnected solution portfolio, and strategic investments, Schwarz Digits has established itself as an expert in sovereign European solutions. With the launch of its new startup program, young tech companies can now also benefit immediately. In doing so, Schwarz Digits enables the sovereign use of globally leading technologies and significantly expands its ecosystem.

Growing Ecosystem for Digital Sovereignty
The IT and digital solutions designed to protect the digital infrastructure and sensitive data of the companies of Schwarz Group have long been established in the market, offering viable alternatives to non-European providers. Strategic collaborations and global partnerships on equal footing prove that market-leading technologies and digital sovereignty can go hand in hand: around 600 partners are already part of the Schwarz Digits ecosystem. Due to high demand, this number is growing on a weekly basis. Together, they are working on sovereign solutions for various sectors, including the public sector, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, non-profits, and religious organizations.

“Digital sovereignty is the prerequisite for the long-term viability and future of the European economy. To meet global challenges, we need strong European solutions that combine technological excellence with digital self-determination,” emphasizes Christian Müller, Co-CEO of Schwarz Digits at TECH. “By strategically expanding our partnerships and collaborations, such as with KPN, we are creating a secure, future-proof infrastructure that sustainably strengthens digital independence and Europe as a business location.”

Sovereign European Cloud for the Netherlands
The Dutch telecommunications provider KPN and Schwarz Digits are together introducing a sovereign European cloud for the Dutch market. The joint cloud solution will be hosted in KPN’s data centers in the Netherlands, guaranteeing the highest level of digital sovereignty, secured under European law. KPN will provide connectivity and IT services, while Schwarz Digits will supply the European cloud infrastructure through STACKIT.

Digital Sovereignty for the Public Sector
As part of an EU-wide tender by GovTech Deutschland, STACKIT, the cloud provider of Schwarz Digits, was selected as a component of the multi-cloud portfolio of Bechtle AG, which was contracted for the "Deutschlandplattform" (Germany Platform) and the MEDI:CUS healthcare platform. The framework agreement, with a total volume of up to 250 million euros, ensures that authorities at the federal, state, and municipal levels have standardized and sovereign access to highly scalable infrastructure and AI services.

Schwarz Digits is also part of a consortium that was awarded the contract to build the AI platform for the Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization (BMDS). The BMDS selected the consortium led by SVA System Vertrieb Alexander GmbH as part of a group of actors tasked with implementing the AI platform project, which is valued at approximately 250 million euros. Together with Codesphere and Schwarz Digits, a sovereign environment is being created for specialized procedures such as KIPITZ for intelligent document processing, as well as for AI applications that will accelerate planning and approval processes.

The consortium offers an AI platform that is entirely German-owned and strengthens Germany’s role as a value creator within the AI ecosystem. The rollout at the federal and state levels will be carried out through entities including GovDigital, the nationwide cooperative for integrating sovereign IT solutions for digital public services in the public sector.

Schwarz Digits Empowers the Shapers of Europe’s Digital Future
To further strengthen Germany and Europe as business locations, Schwarz Digits is already making targeted investments in promising companies. Now, the company is also launching a program to support ambitious startups and help them scale their innovations. As a technology leader in digital sovereignty, Schwarz Digits is thereby expanding the ecosystem as a whole. Backing promising startups strengthens digital sovereignty by promoting freedom of choice, competition, and the capacity to innovate. Young software companies headquartered in Europe that are less than five years old and pursue a digital business model are eligible to apply for the program. Applications will be reviewed by an internal jury.

“A strong digital ecosystem thrives on collaboration on equal footing and innovative momentum. With our strategic partnerships and the new startup program, we are building exactly that bridge: we offer ambitious founders a sovereign, secure foundation to scale their innovations,” emphasizes Rolf Schumann, Co-CEO of Schwarz Digits at TECH. “By providing targeted support to young tech companies and welcoming them into our network, we accelerate the journey from idea to market readiness - and sustainably strengthen Europe’s digital future.”

Depending on the stage and technical complexity of the project, the startup program offers cloud credits for the entire STACKIT service portfolio. In addition, startups benefit from the expertise of Schwarz Digits specialists through tailored consultations in the areas of business development, AI, cybersecurity, and cloud. Furthermore, the selected young companies can get to know the ecosystem of the Schwarz Group companies through Schwarz Digits and leverage valuable contacts within the startup ecosystem.

The goal of the program is to guide forward-looking solutions “Made in Europe” on their path to real-world operation. At the same time, the sovereign infrastructure helps young companies avoid hidden IT costs, lengthy sales cycles, and restrictive vendor lock-in effects right from the start.

You can find the startup program at www.stackit.com/de/warum-stackit/vorteile/start-up-programm.