Innovators Connect – Tandem 2026

Innovators Connect – Tandem 2026 is a 10-day Indo-German entrepreneurship programme for researchers and early-stage founders to collaboratively develop innovation ideas ready for incubation. The programme connects participants from India and Germany through interdisciplinary teams, expert mentoring, design thinking workshops, industry visits, investor interactions, and startup ecosystem exposure. Selected participants receive fully supported travel and accommodation. Winning teams will have the opportunity to visit Germany in 2027 to further develop their ideas and participate in a leading startup conference.

• Researchers with lab-to-market ideas.
• Early-stage startup founders with startups incorporated for less than 2 years.
• Applicants working in DeepTech and related technology domains including AI/ML, Biotechnology, Medical Technology, CleanTech, Semiconductors, Space Technology, Mobility, Engineering, Materials Science, Digital Healthcare, Marine Technology, Electronics & Telecommunications, Computer Science, and related fields.

• Fully funded travel and accommodation.
• Collaboration with researchers and founders from India and Germany.
• Mentorship from industry experts and startup leaders.
• Design thinking workshops.
• Expert talks and industry visits.
• Pitching sessions.
• Networking with investors, incubators, and ecosystem partners.
• Intercultural training.
• Access to Indian and German innovation ecosystems.
• Opportunity for winning teams to visit Germany in 2027.

• Application → Selection → Participation in the 10-day programme → Team collaboration and pitching → Winning teams selected for Germany visit opportunity.