Cologne commands one of the biggest domestic IT technology industries in Germany today. Home to more than 2,500 companies and employing approximately 27,000 people, the city's information and communications technology (ICT) industry generates €6 billion in annual revenue thanks to a bustling ecosystem built of global corporations, medium-sized enterprises and a thriving startup scene. As Germany’s most digitally advanced city, Cologne provides the perfect environment for ICT companies to thrive. The city boasts one of Europe’s best-developed internet infrastructures, whose defining feature is near-universal broadband coverage. In fact, Cologne has the highest rate of fibre-optic expansion in Germany, with 80% of the city covered. The district of Ehrenfeld best exemplifies Cologne’s dominance within the digital arena. Home to The Ship, Germany’s most digitally advanced office building, Ehrenfeld represents the future of workspace innovation as businesses benefit from the latest digital technologies, high-speed internet, and an environment designed for seamless connectivity. Cologne’s IT technology industry is powered by several major international companies. Microsoft Germany, Expleo Germany, and GS1 Germany are just a few of the global players with a significant presence in the city. However, the backbone of Cologne's digital economy is made up of its medium-sized enterprises and startups. Each year, startups account for 8% of all new companies in Cologne, with a strong focus on IT & technology. Telecommunications is another key driver of Cologne’s economy. Companies like Vodafone West and NetCologne have established a strong foothold in the region, employing around 4,000 people in high-value telecommunications roles. Cologne’s extensive ICT ecosystem is supported by a strong network of scientific institutions and universities. The city's academic and research infrastructure ensures a steady flow of talent and new ideas into the ICT sector, contributing to the region's high patent density, particularly in the field of digital communication.