The initiative
DIGITAL X is Europe's leading cross-industry digitalization initiative. With the aim of driving forward the digital transformation in business, politics, and society, Deutsche Telekom brings together corporations, SMEs, start-ups, politicians, visionaries, and leading experts in a comprehensive community. The declared goal is to create tangible momentum for Europe's digital agenda and to take action together. For sustainable digitalization and enhanced competitiveness.
Success story of the DIGITAL X initiative
“How can digitalization help companies move forward, and how can we support them in this?” This question provided the impetus for launching the initiative in 2017. Today, more than 200 national and international partners are involved. As a result, business, politics, companies, public institutions, and associations benefit from a strong and extensive partner network, best-of-breed solutions, and exchanges on an equal footing. Whether you are a digitalization novice or a pro, a start-up or a DAX-listed company, interested in sharing best practices or engaging in expert discussions, there is one thing that unites everyone from the outset: networking, exchanging ideas, learning from each other—tackling digitalization together.
Thousands of encounters. One shared mission.
A lot has happened since 2017—on stage, in conversations, and in people’s minds. Year after year, DIGITAL X has continued to evolve and set new trends. The milestones along our journey show what’s possible when people come together to shape the future of digitalization—and just how much potential still lies ahead.
2025
DIGITAL X went on tour again in 2025 - for the first time also to Vienna. With the DIGITAL X Focus Edition AI in Cologne, the initiative also placed a special emphasis on the defining technological topic of our time: Artificial Intelligence. Around 5,000 future shapers used the premiere of the new format for inspiration, exchange, and concrete insights into the digital futur
2024
Around 50,000 visitors experienced the digital future, from AI avatars to robots for city cleaning. The innovative power was palpable everywhere – in keeping with the motto “Ready for Impact!”
2023
Two days of innovation and inspiration: DIGITAL X 2023 attracted 50,000 visitors. Future visions came to life on six stages, with 250 speakers and 300 partners.
2022
DIGITAL X 2022 will once again transform Cologne into the city of the future. More than 30,000 guests will celebrate the world exhibition of digitalization. Thank you all for two days of pure digitalization!
2021
DIGITAL X is reinventing itself: one city, four districts, over 100 locations. DIGITAL X 2021 offered two unforgettable days at the 2 million square meter event site in the heart of Cologne!
2020
Even during the coronavirus crisis, we found a way to make DIGITAL X happen: DIGITAL X DIGITAL EDITIONS provided the answer and an opportunity: our own content platform as a knowledge network in the B2B sector.
2019
DIGITAL X attracted over 30,000 participants in 2019. With regional events and the grand finale in Cologne, it has established itself as a leading digitalization initiative.
2018
Over 15,000 participants attended the six DIGITAL X Live events across Germany. With top speakers such as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and musical entertainment from the Black Eyed Peas.