Incubators Connect 2.0: Innovation and Internationalisation

Since 2019, the DWIH New Delhi is working on formats to connect both the ecosystems in a systematic manner. It is focusing on connecting incubators at higher education and research institutions and early-stage research-based start-ups. Furthermore, it is involved in analysing policies, raising awareness of both the ecosystems in the other and advising on internalisation of start-ups and incubators.

The DWIH New Delhi connected incubators from India and Germany digitally in 2021 and has developed pilot formats with them, online and onsite. A major milestone in developing this network was the delegation of incubators and funding agencies from India to Germany in June 2023 which focused on workshops on innovation and internationalization and networking opportunities with incubators, regional networks, funding agencies and private ventures in Germany.

The programme in 2024 is a second step in the on-site exchange of incubators and aims to identify concrete formats and themes for international cooperation between incubators and for their start-ups.

Date: 26 February 2024 – 1 March 2024

Location: New Delhi and Bengaluru, India

The following elements are planned for Incubators Connect 2.0

• Workshops: Workshops for incubators from both the countries will be organised in New Delhi and Bengaluru together with support from partner incubators in India. Core elements of the workshop include discussions and brainstorming on concrete ideas and inputs on incubation and innovation programs between the incubators.
• Institutional visits: During the institutional visits the incubators from Germany will get firsthand insights into incubation structures and technology transfer offices at research institutions and universities in India and their formats for supporting startups. Exchange with local entrepreneurs is planned as well.
• Information sessions, meetings and networking with stakeholders: The sessions will offer an overview and insights into the innovation ecosystems including government initiatives and support programmes, funding mechanisms, international cooperation strategies of both India and Germany. They will connect policy advisors and government start-up promotion agencies from both the countries.

Target group: Directors, managers, and programme managers at incubation centres, innovation centres and transfer offices at German higher education and research institutions and select government funding agencies.
These centres are a part of research institution or a public or private university and have support from government funding agencies such as the EXIST programme. The delegation is planned for up to 20 participants with one participant per institution.

 Participation cost: The DWIH New Delhi will arrange and cover the local transport, accommodation and meals during the programme in New Delhi and Bengaluru for participants from Germany.

The participating institutions are expected to cover the international travel costs (to New Delhi and from Bengaluru) and visa costs for the participants from Germany.