BärGPT – AI Assistant for the Berlin Public Administration
Drafting internal memos, composing emails, searching files. Everyday administrative work is shaped by routine tasks that require significant time and effort. With BärGPT, a state-owned AI assistant is being tested for the first time within the working environment of the Berlin public administration. Developed by CityLAB Berlin and deployed by the Berlin Senate Chancellery, the system supports typical office tasks, improves access to administrative knowledge and strengthens digital competencies in the responsible use of AI.
How was BärGPT developed?
BärGPT was developed by CityLAB as an open source application with a clear focus on security, traceability and practical usability. Workshops and pilot tests with administrative staff early in the process clarified the specific requirements that an AI system must meet in the public sector: legal certainty, transparency and full compliance with data protection regulations. BärGPT was designed accordingly, from prompt handling and document retrieval to support for drafting and editing texts. User perspectives have continuously informed further development.
BärGPT is intended to demonstrate how AI can simplify routine tasks such as drafting internal memos, preparing email drafts or searching extensive document collections so that administrative staff have more time for complex decisions.
How does BärGPT support administrative tasks?
BärGPT combines a chat interface with a powerful document management function. Users can formulate prompts, generate text or retrieve information, similar to widely known AI tools, but BärGPT is specifically adapted to the requirements of public administration. The system is particularly effective in situations where large volumes of information must be filtered quickly, for example when reviewing extensive files.
The integrated RAG search function, Retrieval Augmented Generation, can sift through and summarize uploaded documents. Results are not only delivered quickly but remain traceable. Each response clearly references its underlying source. This improves the ability to verify, contextualise and process information in a legally secure manner.
Why is BärGPT an important test for Berlin?
By 2030, approximately 30 percent of public administration employees will retire. Secure and reliable AI solutions can help manage increasing workloads. With this prototype, Berlin is testing an open, data-secure and locally deployable system designed to strengthen digital sovereignty. All components are open source. Operation can take place entirely within BSI-certified environments without dependence on individual providers.
With BärGPT, we are not developing a standard chatbot but an AI tool specifically designed for typical administrative tasks.
What comes next for BärGPT?
BärGPT began as a prototype. The objective is clear: long-term integration into the digital working environment of the Berlin public administration. The system is therefore being continuously developed, with a focus on real practical needs and close collaboration with administrative units.
In the coming months, BärGPT will be further adapted and expanded together with the Berlin Senate Chancellery through an agile development process. In parallel, discussions are being held with additional state authorities to explore further fields of application and prepare for long-term implementation.
FAQ
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What is BärGPT?
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How does BärGPT support the Berlin public administration?
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How secure is BärGPT with regard to data protection?
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Why does BärGPT rely on open source technologies?
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How is BärGPT being further developed?
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