Aleph Alpha unveils German-language AI model Kolibri for administration and industry

German AI company Aleph Alpha has released a new language model called "Kolibri" for public administration and industrial applications, aiming to strengthen its position in the European market for sovereign AI solutions. The model is designed for infrastructure controlled by customers themselves, addressing concerns about data protection and traceability. CEO Ilhan Scheer stated it demonstrates Germany's expertise in developing competitive AI models, with the model specifically tailored for German-language applications. Aleph Alpha, headquartered in Heidelberg with around 200 employees, recently announced a "transatlantic merger" with Canadian firm Cohere, effectively an acquisition. The joint venture will develop sovereign AI offerings for sectors including administration, finance, defense, and healthcare, with Germany's digital minister calling it a future "global AI champion."