Berlin Startup Scholarship

The Berlin Startup Scholarship supports technology-oriented founders in successfully entering the market in the capital with funds from the European Social Fund Plus. Scholarships of up to €2,500 per month can be granted for a duration of 6 to 36 months to accelerate the development of innovative products to market maturity and their sustainable placement. The program promotes both established and newly founded incubators and project sponsors who act as multipliers and pass the financial grants directly to the scholarship recipients. Through close cooperation with the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Enterprises, coordinated support is ensured, combining professional expertise and regional networking.

Eligible for funding are public universities, universities with a designated research sector, startup centers, as well as companies with their own research and development division. Consortium formation is possible, and applicants with a material self-interest (for example, as venture capital providers) may also apply for funds. A prerequisite for approval is that the measure is carried out in Berlin and that the funded individuals are qualified through a university degree or technical expertise. Applications must be submitted exclusively via the IBB funding portal by the deadlines published in the respective project call. By combining grant funding, professional support, and clearly defined legal frameworks, the program makes an important contribution to strengthening the startup ecosystem and innovation capacity in Berlin.