Deep Tech Gateway India - Softlanding Programme 2026 (Apply till 10 September 2026)

Participants will gain first-hand exposure to India’s research and innovation ecosystem through visits to high-technology labs at leading research institutions and deep-tech incubators; thematic workshops along with participation in one of India’s largest technology conferences. Additionally, the programme will facilitate networking with key stakeholders from research, start-ups, industry and the innovation ecosystem in India.  

Deep Tech Gateway India – Softlanding Programme 2026 is being organised by DWIH New Delhi, a unit of German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) together with the IIT Hyderabad Technology Incubation Centre (iTIC), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad.  

This programme kicks-off the DWIH Innovate – Global Pathways for Science-Based Innovation project in India, a flagship initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), anchored at DWIH New Delhi. 

When? 

Location: India – Bengaluru and Hyderabad 

Dates: 16 November – 21 November 2026 

Who can apply? 

PhD (ongoing or completed) / Postdocs (PhD not older than four years) working on a (deep) tech product (TRL 3-6) and currently affiliated with a university, university of applied sciences or a research institution in Germany. 

OR 

Founding members of (deep) tech start-ups (TRL 3-6) with minimum Bachelor’s degree and preferably a Master’s degree affiliated with a university, university of applied sciences or a research institution in Germany. 

Note:  

• Applicants of Indian origin should have spent at least 2 years in a study or research programme in Germany at the time of the application.
• Applicants must apply as individuals, either as researchers or start-up founders. The programme is designed for individual participants rather than teams. If two or more applicants from the same start-up or research group apply, the applicant whose profile and application is a stronger fit for the programme will be given preference.

What does the programme cover? 

• Curated programme tailored to the focus area of your deep-tech product. 
• Visits to research institutions, deep-tech incubators, start-ups and industries. 
• Participation in workshops, information sessions and panel discussions. 
• Networking mixers with subject experts, venture capitalists (VCs) and other start-up and innovation ecosystem stakeholders. 
• Opportunities to explore pathways for research collaboration, market entry and technology transfer. 
• Participation in booth and pitching sessions (tbc) at the Bengaluru Tech Summit. 

What’s in it for you? 

• Direct access to the key stakeholders of the Indian innovation landscape. 
• Access to the innovation network of DWIH New Delhi. 
• On-site experience of India’s thriving start-up ecosystem and culture. 
• First-hand insights into the start-up ecosystems of Bengaluru and Hyderabad, leading innovation hubs in India. 
• Connections for future collaborations in research and product development. 
• Participation in Asia’s largest integrated technology event, Bengaluru Tech Summit. 
• Becoming a part of the DWIH and DAAD network. 

Focus areas 

The core themes of the programme are Biotechnology and Mobility. Applicants should be working on deep-tech product innovations broadly aligned with these themes. The thematic areas listed below are indicative.  

Biotechnology

• (Digital) Healthcare Technologies  
• Medical Technologies 
• Antimicrobial Resistance/ Drug Discovery 
• Diagnostics and Devices

Mobility

• Electric Mobility and Electric Vehicles (EVs) 
• Battery Technologies and Energy Storage 
• Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies 
• Smart and Sustainable Transportation Systems 
• Advanced Materials and Intelligent Mobility 
• Charging Infrastructure and Energy Management 

Number of participants: 10 

Financial support for participants:

DWIH New Delhi will cover the financial costs for the participants during the programme dates (wherever applicable) such as: 

• International air travel 
• Visa fees 
• Meals 
• Domestic transportation 
• Accommodation in Bengaluru and Hyderabad 
• Participation fee for the Bengaluru Tech Summit 

Important Note: 

• The decision on granting visa to foreign nationals is at the discretion and as per the regulations of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Indian Government. 
• The DWIH New Delhi, DAAD Regional Office New Delhi will formally apply for grant of political clearances to foreign nationals for smoother visa processes and on-site participation in this programme. 
• As per the regulations of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Indian Government and depending on the nationalities of the persons, the visa processes may vary (E-Visa/ Paper Visa applications at respective consulates). 

Parallel to the activities in India, similar international immersion programmes for research-based start-ups and deep-tech entrepreneurs are scheduled for Tokyo (DWIH Tokyo) and the USA (DWIH San Francisco). A call for participation in these programmes is currently active.