DWIH Innovate: Michigan Softlanding Program

Two Cities, Two Sides of Michigan’s Innovation Ecosystem

The five-day program is structured around two complementary locations, each representing a different stage of the innovation and technology-transfer journey.

Days 1–3: East Lansing — Research, Transfer and Softlanding

The first part of the program focuses on the infrastructure that helps research-based companies develop technologies, establish partnerships and prepare for engagement with the U.S. innovation ecosystem. Participants will meet researchers, technology-transfer professionals, public-sector partners and organizations supporting international companies entering the United States.

With organizations such as Fraunhofer USA, Michigan State University and the MSU Research Foundation, East Lansing offers access to applied R&D, contract research, university-industry collaboration, prototyping, commercialization support and soft-landing infrastructure. Participants will also gain insights into state-level economic development, incentives, investment support and the broader conditions for establishing partnerships in Michigan.

The program will include research and facility visits, ecosystem briefings, discussions with technology-transfer and commercialization experts, and opportunities to present participating start-ups to local innovation stakeholders.

Days 3–5: Detroit — Industry, Piloting and Scale

The second half of the program moves to Detroit and focuses on how technologies are tested, deployed and scaled in an industrial environment.

Participants will engage with Michigan’s automotive and advanced-manufacturing ecosystem, including manufacturers, suppliers, corporate innovation teams, investors, start-ups and organizations supporting industrial pilots and international expansion. Innovation platforms such as Michigan Central and Newlab, together with organizations such as Automation Alley, provide a window into how emerging technologies are connected with real industrial applications and potential customers.

The Detroit program will feature company and innovation-site visits, meetings with corporate and investment stakeholders, networking formats and opportunities to explore potential technology partnerships, pilot projects and longer-term collaboration.

Across both locations, the delegation will connect with researchers, founders, investors, industry representatives, economic-development organizations and technology-transfer experts. The objective is not simply to introduce participants to the U.S. market, but to provide first-hand experience of how an international innovation ecosystem connects research, technology transfer, entrepreneurship and industrial application.

Who is eligible?

Research-based Start-up Teams and Entrepreneurs

Applicants must currently be enrolled in a Master’s degree or higher, or have completed a PhD or PostDoc no more than four years before the application deadline, and must currently be affiliated with a university, university of applied sciences, or research institution in Germany.

What is included?

• Full participation in the five-day softlanding program and all scheduled site visits, workshops and networking activities
• Curated opportunities for transatlantic networking, relationship-building and introductions to potential U.S. research, industry, investment and innovation partners
• Hotel accommodation during the official program period
• Meals and refreshments provided as part of the official program
• Round-trip airfare in economy class, in accordance with the applicable travel guidelines. Flights will be booked centrally through the DAAD Head Office; participants should not book their own flights.
• Access to curated meetings with research organizations, industry partners, investors, innovation hubs and other stakeholders across the Michigan ecosystem

How do I apply?

Applications must be submitted through the online application form. Please click Register below to access the application form.

As part of the application, please upload a brief, easy-to-understand pitch deck in English as a PDF attachment. The deck should consist of no more than five visually engaging slides and provide a concise overview of:

• The start-up and the innovation or technology it is developing
• The business model and, where applicable, plans for international growth
• The current stage of development and key milestones achieved
• The team and relevant expertise
• The value of potential U.S. partnerships, including what your start-up hopes to gain from these collaborations and what it can contribute in return

The application deadline is October 15, 2026.

For questions regarding the program or application process, please contact DWIH NY Head of Programs Dr. Jan Lüdert at luedert@dwih.org.