InnoXchange Programme: Delegation from India to Germany

Selection process

• Through the call for application for the incubators, the incubators will nominate their representative for participation in the Indo-German InnoXchange Programme.
• The startup selection in the programme will take place via nomination from incubators, followed by selection by an expert committee.
• The incubators will nominate 2 to 3 deep tech startups supported under any of DST programmes or under their incubation.
• The selection of the incubators and startups will be done by the expert committee constituted by DST.

Eligibility criteria for incubators 

• Incubators with a prior experience of 7 years and a proven track record for incubation.
• Preference will be given to the incubators supporting deep tech startups, have managed various funding programmes and have participated in any cross-border or bilateral programmes.
• The incubator will nominate their representative on the basis of the following –
  •  A minimum of 5–7 years of experience working in startup or incubation ecosystem.
  • Have closely worked with or mentored startups, led collaborations and managed programmes.
  • Preference will be given to representatives who have been part of any cross-border, international or soft-landing programmes.

Eligibility criteria for startups 

• Applications from startups are sought through nominations from incubators.
• The nominated startups should be at TRL levels 4 to 6 and preferably have some relevance or prior exposure to the German ecosystem.
• The nominated founder must hold a minimum of 51% shareholding in the startup.
• The startup’s age must be in accordance with the norms prescribed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• The startups nominations should be broadly from the domains like Energy, Climate, Health Tech Semiconductor, Quantum computing, and other relevant deep tech innovations.

Terms & Conditions

• The selected participants (incubator representatives & startups) will have to pay the refundable deposit of INR 30,000 per participant. Upon successful completion of the program the same will be refunded to the participants.
• The participants should hold a valid Indian passport, with minimum validity of six months from the travel dates.
• Selected incubators and startups should demonstrate the ability to contribute meaningfully to bilateral cooperation through workshops, networking, and ecosystem development.
• DST, through SINE would be providing the round-trip airfare, visa and medical insurance charges for the selected participants of the delegation.
• The DAAD (DWIH New Delhi) would be providing the local hospitality, including accommodation, local transport and food (wherever applicable), during the delegation visit in Germany.
• Any additional expenditure (including stay beyond the days approved by the DST visit) therein should be borne by the participant.