EXIST Startup Grant

EXIST Start-up Grant supports technology-oriented and knowledge-based start-up projects by students, graduates, and researchers at universities throughout Germany. The program provides a living allowance, material resources, and coaching to realize innovative ideas and strengthen research transfer. The goal is to accelerate the creation of future-oriented start-ups from universities and to increase their economic potential and scalability. Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant for a maximum project duration of 18 months and can be applied for continuously.

For the application, the founders must be organized in a team of at least two persons with relevant expertise and demonstrate a university or public research institution as a host. A financing plan, project description, and CVs of the team members constitute the formal requirements. The selection process considers the innovativeness of the project, its technology orientation, and the concrete transfer in the evaluation. The funding amount is up to €100,000 in the first year and €75,000 in the second year, covering living expenses and project-related costs (material resources, coaching, and consulting fees). Submission deadlines are announced quarterly, allowing flexible planning. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy specifically supports the path from research to business formation with this program.