SF Tech Week Innovation Program 2026

The German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) San Francisco is now accepting applications for its SF Tech Week Innovation Program in cooperation with San Francisco State University (SFSU).

Designed for master’s and PhD students as well as recent graduates affiliated with German universities and research institutions, this one-week program offers in-depth, actionable insights into entrepreneurship and innovation in the San Francisco Bay Area. Participants will attend daily lectures and hands-on workshops led by SFSU faculty and industry experts, exploring topics such as design thinking, startup development, trustworthy AI, fintech, and the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem.

The English-language innovation program includes daily visits to SF Tech Week, one of the world’s largest decentralized technology conferences. Participants will have the opportunity to attend or participate in hackathons, panel discussions, startup showcases, networking events, and community meetups across San Francisco, engaging directly with founders and technology leaders while experiencing the Bay Area’s vibrant innovation ecosystem firsthand.

The SF Tech Week Innovation Program is part of DWIH Innovate, an initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) that aims to deepen institutional exchange while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among early-career entrepreneurs, researchers, and members of startup teams affiliated with German universities and research institutions.

Program Details:

• Program Dates: October 5–9, 2026 (during SF Tech Week)
• Location: San Francisco State University Downtown Campus, San Francisco
• Format: Daily lectures and workshops at SFSU combined with curated participation in SF Tech Week events
• Eligibility: Applicants must have an affiliation with a German university or research institution (Universität, Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften – HAW or staatliche Forschungseinrichtung) or have graduated from such an institution no more than 1 year before the start of the program.
• Included: Airfare, accommodation, and program costs are covered by DWIH San Francisco. Other expenses are not included.

Applications are now open. Please apply using the registration link below.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info.sanfrancisco@dwih.org.