Germany opens door to Indian startups with Berlin launch

Berlin is being pitched as a gateway for Indian firms looking to crack Germany and the wider European market as both sides push for closer business and innovation ties

Germany has launched a new push to attract Indian startups, with Berlin positioning itself as a gateway for companies seeking a foothold in Europe.

The INDIA DESK Germany initiative will offer Indian firms access to workspace, onboarding, business development support, and use of labs and prototyping facilities in Berlin.

The project is being run by the German Indian Innovation Corridor (GIIC), a body set up to build business and innovation links between Germany and India, together with NLND Berlin, an innovation district focused on industrial transformation.

Berlin Partner, the city’s public business support agency, is also backing the scheme with support on issues such as relocation, talent and funding.

The launch event brought together representatives from government, industry, corporates and cross-border business networks, while speakers included India’s deputy chief of mission Abhishek Dubey, Berlin mayor and economics senator Franziska Giffey, and Jochen Neumeyer of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.

Siddharth Bhasin, managing director of GIIC, said: “INDIA DESK Berlin is more than a launch platform — it is a long-term bridge for bilateral business, trade and innovation between India and Germany.

“We want it to become the first destination for Indian companies looking to enter Germany, and for German corporates and institutions seeking meaningful engagement with India’s innovation economy.”

Following the launch, the scheme will begin working with Indian companies, corporates and institutional partners interested in market entry, pilot development and wider Indo-German innovation collaboration.

Martin Eyerer, general lead at NLND and chief executive of Green City Development Berlin, added: “India is one of the biggest opportunities Germany has right now, and can be a key partner for the years ahead.

“After joining Berlin Partner’s delegation to India last year, it was clear to me that NLND is perfectly placed as a landing pad for businesses and talent moving between Europe and India. GIIC is the right partner for this: our campus offering and physical infrastructure complement their strong industrial and innovation network.”

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_{Main image: Representatives from GIIC, NLND Berlin and Berlin Partner at the launch of INDIA DESK Germany in Berlin on 6 May, as the new scheme opened a route into the German market for Indian startups and innovation-led businesses. Credit: Supplied}