Powerhouse Germany
Germany can. Germany will.
Why the next technology wave is Germany's home turf.
Honestly: when did you last hear the word “powerhouse” next to Germany? This keynote is the counter-narrative to the crisis talk – an optimistic, fact-based outlook on Germany's technological future. Less complaining, more doing.
In the Powerhouse Germany keynote, Roman Weishäupl shows why Germany can do more in technology than the public debate suggests. His thesis: the next technology wave is physical – industrial AI, robotics, quantum and energy technology – and plays directly to Germany's strengths. After more than 10 years in Silicon Valley, Roman knows what speed and courage look like. His message: less complaining, more doing.
Look honestly.
See the strengths. Act.
Optimism that lasts needs substance. That's why the keynote doesn't open with cheering, but with a clear look at where things stand – and ends with concrete steps.
Reality Check
Where Germany really stands: speed, digitalization, bureaucracy. No sugarcoating – because confidence doesn't come from looking away.
Underrated Strengths
Industrial depth, engineering excellence, machine data, hidden champions and a deep tech scene that many still don't have on their radar.
Act
What this means for your company – and which steps you can take on the Monday after the event.
The next wave
plays on our field.
The internet and platform wave was shaped by others. The next wave leaves the screen: AI runs machines, factories, robots and energy systems – exactly where Germany has been strong for decades. This ties the keynote directly to Roman's storyline Riding Technology Waves.
Industrial AI
AI meets mechanical engineering: whoever builds the machines and understands their data has the decisive edge on the way to the intelligent factory.
Robotics
From factory automation to cognitive and humanoid robots – with a long tradition and new players like Neura Robotics. More in the Robotics Keynote.
Quantum Technology
World-class research and startups like planqc are bringing quantum computing from the lab into real applications. More in the Quantum Computing Keynote.
Energy, Space & Deep Tech
Energy transition, new materials, home-grown launch vehicles: from Isar Aerospace to the hydrogen economy, new markets are emerging where engineering excellence counts.
AI City Heilbronn
Heilbronn shows how fast Germany can move: with the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI), one of Europe's largest AI ecosystems is taking shape there – initiated by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, together with TUM Campus Heilbronn, the 42 coding school and companies bringing AI into real-world use together. A mid-sized city that doesn't wait for Berlin or Silicon Valley – it builds.
Made in Germany 2.0: German AI is already used around the world – from DeepL in Cologne to Black Forest Labs in Freiburg. The keynote shows what these examples have in common and what established companies can learn from them.
What your audience
takes away
Confidence built on facts – and a clear next step for their own company.
Confidence with substance
A counter-narrative to the crisis talk – with facts and examples instead of slogans.
Understanding the physical wave
Why industrial AI, robotics and quantum technology reward Germany's strengths.
Made in Germany 2.0
Which German tech companies and locations like AI City Heilbronn already compete at the top – and what they do differently.
From talking to doing
Concrete levers for your company – from the first pilot project to a culture of experimentation.
Powerhouse Germany keynote: frequently asked questions
What is the Powerhouse Germany keynote about?
It offers an optimistic yet honest look at Germany's technological future. Roman Weishäupl shows why the next technology wave – AI in machines, factories, robots and energy systems – rewards exactly the strengths Germany has built over decades. And how companies can turn that into concrete next steps.
Is Powerhouse Germany a motivational speech?
No. The keynote opens with an honest reality check and names where Germany is falling behind: speed, digitalization, bureaucracy. The optimism follows from facts – industrial depth, research excellence and a growing deep tech scene. The audience leaves with confidence and concrete starting points.
How does Powerhouse Germany relate to Riding Technology Waves?
Powerhouse Germany continues that storyline. Technologies come in waves: the internet and platform wave was shaped mostly by others. The next wave is physical – AI leaves the screen and runs machines, factories and energy. That puts it on German home turf.
Which audiences is the keynote suited for?
Industry and association conferences, SME and customer events, annual kick-offs and business conferences – wherever people should feel excited about the future again after a long stretch of crisis talk. It also works for international audiences who want to understand where Germany stands in technology.
How long is the keynote and in which languages is it available?
The Powerhouse Germany keynote runs 45 to 90 minutes, with Q&A on request. Roman delivers it in English or German – for 8 to 5,000 people, in Germany, Europe and internationally.
Can the keynote be customized and combined with other topics?
Yes. Every keynote is individually prepared: after an alignment call and a thematic deep dive, Roman builds in examples from your industry and region. The topic combines well with the Robotics Keynote or the Silicon Valley Keynote. Ideally, reach out 6–8 weeks before your event.
Ready for the future? Let's make this happen
As a standalone keynote or combined with other topics – tailored to your event.