German Centres for Research and Innovation

The DWIH TokyoExternal link was founded in 2010 and brings together 34 German research organisations, universities, funding institutions and companies. It is the central platform for exchange between German and Japanese players from science, research, business and politics.

The DWIH organises specialised events, symposia, workshops, public lectures and academic competitions. The DWIH Tokyo supports German institutions in presenting research and innovation in Japan and provides advice on cooperation and event planning. Through its trilingual website and social media channels, the DWIH Tokyo provides information on current developments in science, research and innovation, funding opportunities and events in Germany and Japan.

Science and innovation in Japan

Since the 5th Basic Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (launched in 2016), Japan has systematically aligned its research towards societal needs through the Society 5.0 concept - in part to address the country's profound demographic challenges. The 6th Basic Plan, which currently runs until March 2026, focuses on healthy ageing, social resilience and increasing productivity through AI and digitalisation.

The upcoming 7th basic plan will continue this course and deepen the focus on Science for Society (and Economy). Research is to become more rapidly applicable in the sense of "actionable science" in order to be able to react immediately to global crises such as pandemics, natural disasters or other disruptive events. To this end, research capacities will be expanded and international collaborations further strengthened.

Cooperation between Japanese research structures and the German science system will remain a priority for 2026. Planned initiatives include exchange programs with the AHK Tokyo, NRW.Global Business, and the universities of Jena and Rostock. Key priorities include safe, ethically responsible AI and green hydrogen—topics that directly link research transfer and innovation with societal relevance.

The DWIH New DelhiExternal link, opened in October 2012, is the central contact point for German-Indian research and innovation cooperation. It brings together 32 German research organisations, universities, funding institutions and companies and provides information on the German research landscape in India. As a platform for exchange and networking, it supports access to the Indian research and innovation ecosystem and brings together scientists and stakeholders from research, innovation and business. The DWIH covers all research fields - from natural sciences and humanities to basic and applied research - and promotes cooperation between science and industry as well as academic entrepreneurship.

Science and innovation in India

India views science and innovation as key drivers for sustainable development and social progress. With the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the government is pursuing a knowledge-based, technology-driven and socially balanced policy. Science communication is broad and inclusive: museums, festivals such as the India International Science Festival and digital platforms such as Bhashini make research accessible, while open access initiatives such as One Nation, One Subscription provide free access to scientific publications.

India also relies on networks between institutions of higher education, industry, start-ups and civil society to promote socially relevant innovations. Participatory research is becoming increasingly important, for example through the PRIA Centre in New Delhi, which involves local communities in research processes.

For the DWIH New Delhi, this offers a broad spectrum of opportunities for the 2026 annual theme "Science for Society": inclusive science communication, promotion of participatory research, dialogue with innovation clusters and the deepening of German-Indian cooperation in socially effective technology development. The aim is to make scientific findings more visible and to strengthen international dialogue.