Become a WAITRO member

Join the Global Innovation Family

WAITRO connects research and technology organizations, universities, and industry partners worldwide. Membership offers access to global R&D opportunities, strategic collaborations, and a platform to share expertise and drive sustainable impact.

Membership Types and Benefits

Full Members

  • Research institutes
  • Universities with a strong focus on research
  • Research laboratories

Benefits

  • Join international research consortia

  • Participate in WAITRO Capacity Development Initiatives
  • Access funding and networking opportunities
  • Connect with industry and research demands
  • Increase your global outreach
  • Host and join workshops, webinars, trainings
  • Participate in the WAITRO General Assembly (with voting rights)

Associate Members

  • Multinational enterprises (MNEs)
  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
  • Start-ups

Benefits

  • Partner with research organizations and universities
  • Gain insights into global R&D priorities
  • Define industry research needs and get connected to solution provider
  • Co-brand with WAITRO
  • Participate in WAITRO Capacity Development Initiative
  • Participate in research consortia & networking events
  • Attend WAITRO General Assembly (observer status)

Full Membership

Membership Fees

Annual Membership Fees (for Full Members only) are determined based on the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of the country where the organization is headquartered.

Category 1

$ 250
annually

  • GNI per Capita >2000 USD
  • Full Access to all Services and Programs

Category 2

$ 500
annually

  • GNI per Capita 2.000-10.000 USD
  • Full Access to all Services and Programs

Category 3

$ 1,000
annually

  • GNI per Capita 10.000-30.000 USD
  • Full Access to all Services and Programs

Category 4

$ 2,000
annually

  • GNI per Capita >30.000 USD
  • Full Access to all Services and Programs

Sustaining

$ >500 annually

  • Independent from GNI per capita
  • Full Access to all Services and Programs
  • Enhanced visibility on WAITRO website, newsletters, social media, and outreach campaigns

Sustaining Members

Organizations have the opportunity to upgrade their membership and become Sustaining Members by contributing at least twice their standard membership fee. This vital financial support helps strengthen the global impact of WAITRO and unlocks a range of exclusive benefits.

Interested in becoming a Sustaining Member?

Contact our team at info[at]waitro-operations.org

Become a Member

How to Apply

Becoming a WAITRO member is fast and simple. Fill out the online membership application. The WAITRO Secretariat will review your application and respond within one week.

Apply for Full Membership

Apply for Associate Membership

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Does an organization need to renew its WAITRO membership?
Yes. Membership must be renewed annually. Your organization’s contact person will receive a renewal notification from WAITRO.

Can an organization cancel its WAITRO membership?
Yes. The organization’s official contact person must submit a cancellation request to the WAITRO Secretariat. Please note that membership fees are non-refundable.

Can individuals become members of WAITRO?
No. WAITRO membership is only available to organizations. However, individuals can engage with WAITRO through events and partnerships.

Can an Associate Member upgrade to Full Membership?
No. Full Membership is exclusively for organizations actively involved in research or development. Exceptional cases are reviewed by the WAITRO Secretariat.

What is the difference between Full and Associate Membership?
Full Members: Research institutions, universities, and research laboratories.
Associate Members: For-profit companies (SMEs, startups, MNEs), NGOs, and investment firms interested in R&D collaboration.

WAITRO Contact Person

What is a WAITRO Contact Person (CP)?
The primary representative of a member organization, responsible for:

  • Receiving official notices from the WAITRO Secretariat
  • Connecting the organization with WAITRO activities
  • Delegating opportunities within the organization

How many Contact Persons does a member organization need?
At least two (primary & secondary). A third contact from the communications team is highly recommended.

Can my organization change its WAITRO Contact Person?
Yes. Notify the WAITRO Secretariat (email to Yucheng) to update contact details.

What happens if the Contact Person retires or leaves the organization?
The organization must appoint a new Contact Person and inform WAITRO immediately.

Application Process and Onboarding

How does my organization apply for WAITRO membership?
The application process is simple:
Step 1: Fill out the online membership application.
Step 2: WAITRO Secretariat reviews the application and responds within one week.

Who must sign the WAITRO membership application?
A senior official or manager with the legal authority to sign agreements on behalf of your organization.

Will my organization receive a membership certificate?
Yes. After approval, WAITRO issues a digital membership certificate.

What happens after my organization is accepted?
The organization’s contact person receives an onboarding package, including:

  • Official membership confirmation
  • Access to WAITRO programs & benefits
  • Invitations to upcoming events & opportunities

Will there be an onboarding session for new members?
Yes. The WAITRO Secretariat will organize an introductory meeting with the primary and secondary contact persons of your organization.

Membership Fees

How much does membership WAITRO cost?
Membership fees for Full Members depend on the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of the country where the organization is based. Sustaining Members contribute at least twice the standard fee. Associate Membership is free.

When are membership fees due?
Fees are billed annually at the start of the calendar year and must be paid by March 31 or within 90 days of admission.

Can membership fees be paid in instalments?
In special cases, yes. Contact the WAITRO Secretariat to discuss flexible payment options.

What payment methods does WAITRO accept?
Bank transfers and other standard international payment methods. Detailed instructions are provided in the payment request.

Are membership fees refundable?
No. WAITRO membership fees are non-refundable.

Who can I contact for questions about membership fees?
For any questions related to membership fees, please contact the WAITRO Secretariat and WAITRO Operations e.V. at [info@waitro.org] for assistance.

Become a Partner

Not Eligible for Membership?

If your organization doesn’t qualify for Full or Associate Membership, you can still engage with WAITRO as a Partner.

Benefits of becoming a WAITRO Partner:

  • Exclusive access to networking & collaboration opportunities with WAITRO members
  • Participation in WAITRO’s global initiatives
  • Development of joint initiatives with mutual benefits

Let’s Connect

Do You Have Any Questions?

We are here to help! If you have any questions or concerns about membership, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to assist you.

  • visite person’s profile page

    Dominik Reinertz 

    Managing Director

    WAITRO Office Germany

  • visite person’s profile page

    Yucheng Hang 

    Program Support

    WAITRO Office China