The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has launched DWIH Innovate, a new programme designed to give researchers and science-based entrepreneurs from Germany practical experience in leading innovation ecosystems around the world. 

Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) with EUR 2.7 million until the end of 2029, the programme is implemented through the German Centres for Research and Innovation (DWIH) in Brazil, India, Japan and the United States. Its aim is to strengthen international mobility, entrepreneurship and knowledge and technology transfer by connecting participants with research organisations, start-ups, incubators and other innovation actors. 

DWIH Innovate offers two main routes. The first is aimed at research-based start-up teams and entrepreneurs, providing short international programmes combining networking, matchmaking, visits and exposure to different innovation and technology-transfer models. Activities are being developed across the DWIH locations in New Delhi, New York, San Francisco, São Paulo and Tokyo. 

A second route offers international internships of two to six months for Master’s students, doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers. Placements will be hosted by organisations such as innovation centres, technology-transfer organisations, incubators and science-based start-ups in Brazil, India, Japan and the USA. Scholarship support will include travel costs and insurance. 

The internship call is expected to be announced in November 2026, with applications opening in January 2027 and the first placements starting in June 2027. 

The programme focuses particularly on fields such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation, health, climate protection and energy, helping participants translate research into applications while building international networks and innovation skills.