EXIST Startup Grant
Nationwide grant program of the BMWK for innovative technology-oriented and knowledge-based startup projects from universities and research institutions. Scholarships for students, graduates, and researchers for up to 12 months. Applications can be submitted at any time until 31.12.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal of the EXIST Business Start-up Grant is to support knowledge-based start-up projects at universities and non-university research institutions in the early phase. Funding is provided for the development of a viable business plan, the creation of marketable products and innovative services, as well as the targeted preparation and support of the start-up through a qualified network.
Eligible expenses
- Personal scholarships (students, graduates, researchers)
- Material expenses (material and license costs)
- Coaching and consulting services
- Accompanying consulting by the founding network
- Child allowance
Non-eligible expenses
- Modification of existing products without significant unique features
- Funding of start-ups in traditionally liberal professions
- Product developments in the immediate interest of third parties
Eligible to apply
- Founders
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Applicant institution must be a university or research institution in Germany
- Integration into a sustainably secured founding network
- Founding team of a maximum of three persons
- Members must have a university degree obtained no more than 5 years ago or be students with at least half of the study credits completed
- Company formation must not have taken place at the start of the project
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Documents required for application
- Signed AZA form from easy-Online
- Detailed concept paper with work and financial plan
- Declaration of commitment from the founders
- Statement from the mentor
- Statement from the university or research institution
- Statement from the startup network
- Declaration of acknowledgment of subsidy-relevant facts
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Economic viability
- Contribution to the sustainability strategy
- Market relevance
- Diversity within the team
Description
The EXIST Start-up Grant is a nationwide funding program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action that supports technology-oriented and knowledge-based start-up projects at universities and non-university research institutions. In the early phase, students, graduates, and researchers receive a personal grant for up to twelve months to develop a viable business plan, create marketable products or innovative services, and prepare the path to company formation through a qualified network. The program specifically targets initiatives in the fields of consulting, corporate financing, as well as research and innovation that strengthen a vibrant and sustainable start-up culture.
Eligible for funding are German universities and research institutions that support founding teams with a maximum of three team members and are integrated into a sustainably secured start-up network with mentors and infrastructural support. 100% of eligible expenses are funded, including grants of up to €3,000 per person per month (plus €150 child allowance), material expenses (up to €10,000 for individual start-ups or €30,000 for teams), coaching (up to €5,000), as well as accompanying services from the start-up network (up to €10,000 plus €2,500 each for diversity and mentor allowances). Applications can be submitted at any time until December 31, 2027. Required documents include, among others, the signed AZA form, a detailed concept paper with work and financial planning, as well as declarations from the founders, mentors, institution, and start-up network. Selection is based on innovation content, economic viability, sustainability contribution, market relevance, and team diversity.