18-Year-Old German Student Launches AI Startup to Develop Digital Product Passports

Nico Bergstreiser, an 18-year-old student from Bergheim, Germany, is making waves in the AI start-up scene by founding his own company, DPP Flash, while still attending school. The startup focuses on creating software for digital product passports, which are becoming mandatory under a forthcoming EU directive. Starting February 2027, products such as batteries must carry these digital passports, accessible via QR codes, providing critical data like product origin, material composition, and recycling instructions.

Balancing his studies with entrepreneurship, Nico dedicates roughly 20 hours a week to his business. Despite being the youngest member of the founding team, his self-taught expertise in AI and social media has proven invaluable. Alongside two partners aged 26 and 32, Nico aims to offer affordable digital passport solutions tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises, which currently face high costs with existing products. Impressively, the startup has already secured a pilot customer, marking a significant milestone.

Nico plans to fully commit to his company after completing his Abitur, preferring the hands-on experience of building a successful startup over traditional university studies. This initiative highlights the vibrant emergence of young entrepreneurs leveraging AI innovation within Germany's growing tech ecosystem.