What if your email account were suddenly blocked? What if your credit card were no longer accepted? What if your digital services were no longer available?
Digital sovereignty means understanding, making your own decisions, and remaining capable of taking action. This requires knowledge, secure and transparent technologies, open standards, and genuine alternatives.
As a hub for digital innovation, Karlsruhe brings together specialized expertise in this field: from computer science and IT security to law, data protection, and AI, all the way to technology transfer and media art. Here, cutting-edge solutions are developed, tested, and put into practice.
On October 9, 2026, the karlsruhe.digital initiative will publicly present the Karlsruhe Manifesto on Digital Sovereignty at the ZKM’s Media Theater.
The event will explore what digital sovereignty means, why it affects us all, and what specific opportunities and alternatives are already available today in Karlsruhe.
What can you expect?
Manifesto Launch
Presentation of the Karlsruhe Manifesto on Digital Sovereignty
Karlsruhe Sovereignty Ecosystem
Short pitches highlight specific contributions from Karlsruhe to digital sovereignty.
Signing & Exchange
: Sign the manifesto, discuss it, and engage in conversation with numerous stakeholders from Karlsruhe.
#Save the Date
October 9, 2026 · 3:00–5:00 p.m.
ZKM | Media Theater
More information about the program and the speakers will be available shortly.
In a world of digital dependencies, monopolistic platforms, non-transparent AI systems and geopolitical uncertainties, digital sovereignty is becoming a prerequisite for a free, secure and empowered society.
And that is why Europe needs more than technological innovation. In order to create genuine freedom of choice, to be able to make self-determined decisions and to remain capable of acting even in critical situations, we need competence, trust and the ability to actively shape digital developments.
What is…
Digital sovereignty means that citizens, companies and the economy can fulfill their tasks and role(s) in the digital world independently, self-determinedly and securely.”
It therefore helps companies and organizations to act in a resilient and economically successful manner. Digital sovereignty is therefore a key prerequisite for a functioning, free and democratic society and can be a competitive advantage.
Why now?
Digital dependencies, monopolistic platforms, non-transparent AI systems and geopolitical uncertainties pose new challenges for companies, administrations and society. The ability to use and further develop digital technologies in a self-determined manner is increasingly becoming a competitive and resilience factor.
Why Karlsruhe?
Excellence in computer science, IT security, data protection, law, ethics, AI and technology transfer meets an innovative administration, international appeal as a city of media art and strong entrepreneurial implementation power.
And karlsruhe.digital?
Planned measures and timeline:
