Google joins Bavarian business association to advance digital transformation

Google has become the first US technology company to join the Association of Bavarian Businesses (vbw), BR reported, and is now the association’s 222nd member.

The employer-oriented business group said the membership aims to help advance digital transformation, industrial uses of artificial intelligence and technological sovereignty in Bavaria. Google will contribute expertise in cybersecurity, data-sovereign cloud solutions and industrial AI applications, the vbw said.

Vbw chief executive Bertram Brossardt said combining Bavarian industrial strengths with technology expertise would support the region’s competitiveness. Google Vice President Wieland Holfelder said the membership would provide a basis for closer cooperation on industry, technology and security.

Google has operated in Bavaria for almost 20 years and employs about 1,900 people in Munich, mainly in software engineering. The company plans to move into a new campus near the city’s main railway station in early 2027.

The vbw is a business network with 166 employer and business associations, representing more than 4.8 million employees, as well as 56 supporting members.