Building the Germany–India Innovation Bridge

Official Partnership Launch Event for NLND Berlin and GIIC with the support of Berlin Partner
Join us for the official launch of the partnership between NLND (Neuland) Berlin and GIIC — launching the INDIA DESK Germany for Indian companies to land and expand into the EU markets via Berlin and Germany. Strategic mentorship, expert advisory, and hands-on innovation support are core to the India desk to let Indian companies/startups/scale-ups seamlessly expand into the EU markets.
This partnership arrives at a defining moment. In January 2026, the EU–India Trade Agreement created a historic free trade zone connecting nearly 2 billion people and two of the world’s largest economies. India is also the world’s 3rd largest unicorn hub, with 73 startups valued at over US$1 billion.
GIIC is Europe’s leading platform connecting German and Indian startups, investors, and institutions with direct access to decision-makers and innovators. Together with NLND Berlin, this partnership builds a powerful innovation bridge between Germany and India — unlocking cross-border growth, collaboration, and technology exchange.
Join us for a conversation about strengthening international partnerships, and connecting key actors across Berlin and global ecosystems.
Agenda
17:00 - Optional Campus Tour
Meet at the A9 Innovation Hub Reception
18:30 - Welcome + Introduction
Welcome to NLND | Martin Eyerer - General Lead NLND
Introducing the India Desk | Siddharth Bhasin - Managing Director, GIIC
18:50 - Opening Addresses
H.E: Ajit Gupte - Ambassador of India to Germany

Franziska Giffey - Mayor of Berlin & Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises

Dr. Jochen Neumeyer - Federal Foreign Office, Deputy Head of Division India, Bhutan, Regional Organisations South Asia
19:20 - Cross-Border Innovation Expansion: Panel Discussion
Upen Barve - Founding Partner & Executive Board Member, GIIC
Dr. Stefan Franzke - CEO, Berlin Partner
Martin Eyerer - CEO, GCD / General Lead, NLND Berlin
Dr. Şilan Hun - Head of Startup Partnering, Siemens Mobility
19:50 - Closing Remarks
Jan Lachenmayer - Chair of the Executive Board, GIIC
20:00 - 20:30 Networking + Drinks

About NLND Berlin
NLND (Neuland) Berlin is a 150.000 sqm innovation district catalysing industrial transformation. We bring together industry and SMEs with universities, startups and government to create a European lighthouse project for AI, Deep Tech, Industry 4.0 and future city technologies.
Programming includes early-stage founding programming, as well as venture-clienting and accelerator programs hosted in partnership with Plug and Play and JUNI. The district hosts an Innovation Hub, a 8000-person Conference Center, Production Space, and a Prototyping Hall, as well as Cafés, a restaurant, and a sports park.
NLND Berlin is a project of Philip Morris GmbH, strategised, developed and operated in collaboration with Green City Development GmbH.
Discover more from NLND
nlnd.com | LinkedIn | Instagram
About GIIC
The German Indian Innovation Corridor (GIIC) is a platform for building long-term innovation and industrial collaboration between Germany and India. GIIC connects corporations, startups, investors, research institutions, and public stakeholders to enable market access, co-development, and cross-border scaling. Through flagship formats such as the German Indian Innovation Summit and targeted initiatives like the India Desk, GIIC creates structured pathways for partnerships, technology transfer, and ecosystem integration between both countries.
Discover More about GIIC and be a member
GIIC.co