DWIH Innovate

Innovation is a key driver of Germany’s future competitiveness. Through the High-Tech Agenda Germany, the Federal Government has identified key technologies and innovation as strategic priorities for securing future prosperity and technological leadership. Achieving these ambitions, however, requires more than scientific excellence. It requires people who can translate research into innovation, build international partnerships and navigate increasingly interconnected research and innovation systems.

Developing this transfer competence is the central objective of DWIH Innovate.

Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and implemented by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), DWIH Innovate provides participants with access to leading international innovation ecosystems through the German Centres for Research and Innovation (DWIH) in Brazil, India, Japan and the United States.

The programme is built on the conviction that transfer competence is best developed through direct experience in leading international innovation ecosystems. Understanding how research is translated into innovation requires more than theoretical knowledge. It requires first-hand exposure to different innovation cultures, technology transfer models and forms of collaboration between academia, industry and society.

Through carefully designed international learning experiences, participants engage with leading research organisations, innovation hubs, science-based start-ups, technology transfer organisations and other key actors within the innovation ecosystem. They gain valuable insights into how different countries foster innovation, support technology transfer and create environments in which scientific discoveries are translated into technologies, products and societal solutions.

By learning from international practice, participants develop the competencies needed to connect research with application, initiate international partnerships and contribute to collaborative innovation across borders.

International experience is therefore not an end in itself. The programmes equips participants with knowledge, skills and international perspectives required to strengthen Germany’s research, innovation and technology transfer landscape.

Who is DWIH Innovate for?

DWIH Innovate addresses two complementary target groups that contribute to Germany’s future innovation capacity.

Research-based Start-up Teams and Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs developing science-based innovations at universities, research institutions and other research-driven environments who seek international perspectives, strategic partnerships and access to leading innovation ecosystems.

Master’s Students and Doctoral Candidates

Highly motivated master’s students and doctoral candidates interested in innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship who wish to gain practical experience within internationally recognised innovation organisations in the partnering DWIH countries.

What Participants Gain

DWIH Innovate combines international experience with practical learning and strategic networking. Participants benefit from:

• Access to leading international innovation ecosystems through the DWIH network.
• First-hand insights into how research is translated into innovation in different international contexts.
• Practical experience within internationally recognised innovation organisations.
• International networks connecting academia, research organisations, start-ups, technology transfer organisations and innovation stakeholders.
• New perspectives on innovation cultures, technology transfer and international collaboration.
• Transfer competence for future careers in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Long-term international partnerships that extend beyond the duration of the programme.

Experience Innovation Where It Happens

The International Internships Programme provides scholarships to students and researchers – from Master’s students to postdoctoral researchers – enabling them to gain practical experience for a period of two to six months in internationally recognised innovation environments within the DWIH partner countries: Brazil, India, Japan, and the United States.

Internships take place at carefully selected partner organisations within the DWIH network, including research and innovation centres, technology transfer organisations, incubators, science-based start-ups and other institutions that play a key role in translating research into innovation.

Participants work alongside experienced professionals, gain practical insights into technology transfer, innovation management and international collaboration, and develop valuable transfer competence in a real-world environment.

Each DWIH location offers internship opportunities that reflect the strengths of its local innovation ecosystem and provide unique learning experiences and scholars receive fully funded scholarship allowances including travel costs and insurance.

What participants gain

• Practical experience in leading international innovation organisations
• Direct exposure to technology transfer and innovation management
• International professional networks
• Practical transfer competence
• New international perspectives on research and innovation
• Valuable experience for future careers in research, innovation and entrepreneurship

The call for application will be opening in November 2026, applications open in January 2027. First internships will start June 2027 in Brazil, India, Japan and US.

Explore the DWIH Network

Each DWIH location offers unique opportunities that reflect the strengths of its regional innovation ecosystem. Explore the individual DWIH locations to learn more about their activities and opportunities.