Pilot program for students, researchers, and teams from science

Pilot program for students, researchers, and teams from science-based startups interested in starting a business

DAAD Supports Aspiring Entrepreneurs with Short-Term Stays in Global Innovation Hubs

Through a pilot program housed within the Network of German Houses of Science and Innovation (DWIH), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports students, researchers, and teams from science-based startups interested in launching a business as they further develop their business ideas. The “DWIH Innovate” program is designed to help grantees gain international practical experience and forge connections with leading innovation ecosystems worldwide. The BMFTR is funding the program through the end of 2029 with an initial allocation of just under three million euros. The program is being implemented in collaboration with the five DWIHs funded by the Federal Foreign Office in Brazil, India, Japan, and the United States.

“Germany’s innovative strength as a hub for science and business thrives on excellent research, entrepreneurial thinking, and international networking. With ‘DWIH Innovate,’ we are providing scientific talent and startup teams from Germany with initial access to key innovation ecosystems worldwide. The experience, skills, and networks gained there are intended to help accelerate startup initiatives in Germany and strengthen innovation activity here at home,” said DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee.

Modules for Startups and Early-Career Researchers

“DWIH Innovate” is aimed at future founders and members of research-based startups at German universities and research institutions. Master’s students, doctoral candidates, and postdocs from German universities are also eligible to participate. The pilot program offers two funding modules for different target groups.

Short-term stays in startup hubs

In the “Networking and Skill Building” module, founders and startup teams have the opportunity to explore the world-renowned innovation and startup scenes at the DWIH locations in New Delhi, New York, San Francisco, São Paulo, and Tokyo. Stays of up to two weeks are designed to help recipients ease into the respective innovation ecosystems. While there, they will meet mentors, visit incubators and innovation centers, and connect with local startup communities. This is intended to provide them with inspiration for the further development of their startup projects in Germany. Interested individuals can already apply for the DWIH locations in New Delhi, San Francisco, and Tokyo. Additional locations will follow.

Internships at Innovative Companies

The “Internships” module enables master’s students, doctoral candidates, and postdocs to undertake two- to six-month placements at technology-oriented startups or innovation centers in Brazil, India, Japan, or the U.S. During this time, participants gain practical experience at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and technology development. They expand their knowledge of knowledge transfer from universities and research institutions and establish international contacts that can prove valuable for future ventures. Interested individuals can apply for the module starting in January 2027.

Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.

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