Ralph Jimmy Schulz (22 October 1968 – 25 November 2019) was a German technology entrepreneur and politician. A member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), he served in the Bundestag from 2009 to 2013 and again from 2017 until his death in 2019. Schulz became widely recognised as a voice for digital policy, internet freedom and the modernisation of public services.

Early career and business

Schulz began his career in the commercial internet sector during the early years of public online services in Germany. He founded Cyber Solutions GmbH, an internet service provider, and later sold the company before focusing on political work. His practical experience as an entrepreneur and operator of technical services shaped the way he approached regulation, data protection and the needs of startups and small technology firms.

Political career and areas of focus

In the Bundestag Schulz used his technical background to press for clearer rules and greater attention to digital topics. He argued for accelerated digitalisation of public administration and education, stronger measures on IT security, protection of personal data, and policies intended to preserve open access to the internet. He regularly framed policy debates in practical terms, emphasising interoperable systems, transparent procurement and the importance of digital literacy.

Roles and notable activities

  • Founder of Cyber Solutions GmbH, an early German internet service provider.
  • Member of the German Bundestag (2009–2013; 2017–2019) representing the Free Democratic Party.
  • Advocate for digital policy, including digitalisation of services, data protection and internet freedom.

Illness and death

In June 2019 Schulz publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a disclosure that drew responses from colleagues across the political spectrum. He died on 25 November 2019 in Hohenbrunn after a battle with the disease, aged 51. Reports at the time provided details of his diagnosis and the parliamentary tributes that followed: diagnosis announcement and death notice.

Schulz is remembered for helping to keep digital issues on the agenda of his party and the Bundestag and for bringing hands-on technical experience into public debate. His career illustrates the growing overlap between internet-era entrepreneurship and public-policy work aimed at adapting societies and institutions to technological change.