Innovators Connect – Tandem 2026
A 10-day Indo-German entrepreneurship programme for researchers and early-stage founders to co-develop innovations and access global startup ecosystems.
About the Program
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.
Eligibility requirements
- 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.
Offerings / Benefits
- 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.
Sectors supported
Selection process
- Application → Selection → Participation in the 10-day programme → Team collaboration and pitching → Winning teams selected for Germany visit opportunity.
Related funding opportunities
IIT Bombay's flagship startup competition offering mentorship, investor access, equity-free funding, and global exposure.
India pre-selection pitch opportunity for startups seeking Japan market access, Japanese corporate partnerships, and a chance to pitch at TechGALA 2026.
National technology translation and commercialization program supporting healthcare innovations from development to product trials, deployment, commercialization, and market adoption.