DWIH Innovate – Global Pathways for Science-Based Innovation

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.

Who is the programme for?
The programme addresses two complementary groups from Germany that are looking to transform research into real-world impact through international collaboration and want to contribute to Germany’s future innovation capacity.

Research-based start-up teams and entrepreneurs-
Early-stage deep-tech startup founders and founding team members at universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutions and other research-based institutions who seek to develop high-potential innovations through international collaboration and gain first-hand experience in leading innovation ecosystems of the world.

Graduates and early-career researchers-
PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers interested in entrepreneurship, technology transfer and industry-oriented research, who wish to explore and strengthen their entrepreneurial and innovation skills through practical collaboration at leading innovation institutions. Programmes will be open to recent Master’s graduates and highly motivated Master’s students (2-year programmes) as well.

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 –
This module provides short-term international stays, preparatory and accompanying online training, participation in innovation events and dedicated soft-landing programmes hosted by DWIH offices. Participants take part in carefully curated programmes, international conferences, matchmaking events, and networking formats that connect them with local innovation ecosystems.

Participants not only gain access to leading innovation ecosystems, research institutions, universities and incubators but also other start-ups, investors, and industry partners in the DWIH countries.

The programmes prepare participants to explore market entry while enabling them to understand how international innovation ecosystems are organised, explore technology transfer models and incubation opportunities, and discover collaborative approaches to addressing shared technological challenges.

International Fellowship Programme-
This module offers 2–6 month funded fellowships that enable participants to undertake internships or innovation stints at start-ups, industries and deep-tech incubators. Participants work alongside experts, gain practical insights into research in an international context, technology transfer, innovation management and international collaboration, and develop valuable international transfer competence in a real-world environment.

Internships take place at carefully selected partner organisations within the DWIH network, including research and innovation centres, technology transfer organisations, incubators, and science-based start-ups. Selected fellows will receive fully funded scholarship allowances including travel costs and insurance.

Fellowships will be offered via an application process and applicants will be selected through a competitive selection process.

Each DWIH location offers internship opportunities that reflect the strengths of its local innovation ecosystem and provide unique learning experiences.

In addition to these modules, DWIH Innovate places a strong emphasis on networking, communication, and outreach, with programme activities promoted through the DWIH network, DAAD, and Research in Germany platforms.