Top global firms showcased groundbreaking innovations and digital transformation strategies at SAP Sapphire 2025, the annual flagship technology and business event hosted by SAP in Madrid, Spain.
Organisers of the event revealed that this year’s edition introduced major advancements designed to bring the power of Business AI to users across industries, redefining how work is performed. SAP’s Interim Managing Director for South Africa, Nazia Pillay, noted that enterprises are increasingly leveraging advanced technologies and integrated applications to drive innovation and growth. She said the emergence of Business AI, powered by trusted business data, is already transforming decision-making and operational efficiency for many organisations.
Among the highlights was global brewer Heineken’s introduction of “Hoppy,” an AI-powered chatbot built on the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP). Designed to improve internal data access, Hoppy has dramatically reduced the time employees spend retrieving information, from 15 minutes to just one. With Hoppy’s help, Heineken is also automating repetitive tasks and identifying data gaps, such as missing cost centre information in purchase orders.
In the esports world, Team Liquid has embraced SAP’s AI technology by using Joule agents to access real-time game statistics, player performance metrics, and tactical insights via natural language. Their dashboard, built entirely on SAP BTP, helps analysts deliver critical information to coaches and players between matches. Team Liquid co-CEO Victor Goossens described the collaboration as transformative, saying it has revolutionised how the team uses data for match preparation and strategic planning.
Urban transport leader CAF has also completed a successful migration to SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, integrating the technology into essential business processes such as procurement, finance, sales, and transport. Guillermo Apellániz, CAF’s Digital Transformation Director, expressed confidence in the system’s ability to meet evolving business demands in a dynamic market.
SAP’s cloud-based business transformation offering, RISE with SAP, also drew attention at the event as several companies shared their adoption stories. Siemens Healthineers, a leading medical technology firm, is using the platform to simplify operations and standardise processes as part of its digital transformation journey. CIO Stefan Henkel said the move supports the company’s mission to pioneer medical breakthroughs while boosting efficiency.
Xerox also announced its partnership with SAP to migrate to the cloud using RISE with SAP. The initiative is aimed at reducing IT costs, enabling faster innovation, and streamlining global operations. Louie Pastor, Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer at Xerox, highlighted SAP’s role in helping the company stay agile and competitive in a fast-evolving market.
The 2025 edition of SAP Sapphire once again underscored the growing importance of AI, data integration, and cloud transformation in shaping the future of global enterprises.
