DWIH Innovate – Global Pathways for Science-Based Innovation
DWIH Innovate – Global Pathways for Science-Based Innovation is a flagship initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) for the period 2026–2029. The initiative is anchored at the German Centres for Research and Innovation, which are a part of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The programme aims to strengthen Germany’s innovation ecosystem by fostering international mobility, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship among researchers and innovators.
The initiative will be designed and implemented in the DWIH countries, namely India, Japan, Brazil and the United States of America. For more information on the initiative and activities offered by the worldwide DWIH offices, please see DWIH Innovate – Worldwide.
The programme is targeted towards early-stage research-oriented start-up teams, entrepreneurs, PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers based in Germany that are looking to transform research into real-world impact through international collaboration and want to contribute to Germany’s future innovation capacity.
What does DWIH Innovate offer:
- Access to leading international innovation ecosystems through the DWIH network.
- First-hand insights into how research is translated from lab to market in an international environment.
- Practical experience within leading deep-tech innovation organisations.
- International networks connecting academia, research, start-ups, research industry, technology transfer agencies, and stakeholders in innovation.
- New perspectives on innovation cultures, technology scale-ups, technology transfer and co-creation.
- Transfer competence for future careers in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Long-term international partnerships that extend beyond the duration of the programme.
- Becoming a part of the DWIH and DAAD network.
DWIH Innovate is implemented through two complementary pillars:
- Soft Landing and International Networking
- International Fellowship Programme
Learn more about the programme here.
Upcoming programmes:
In 2026, kick-off events and networking activities will take place in Germany and key international innovation hubs, including San Francisco (USA) and Bengaluru (India), fostering long-term collaborations between academia, research institutions, industry, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
For current calls and programmes in India see: Deep Tech Gateway India – Softlanding Programme 2026.
Got questions: Write to Aadishree Jamkhedkar, Head of Programmes, German Centre for Research and Innovation, New Delhi at jamkhedkar@dwih.org.