Granting of subsidies to promote start-ups in the pre-seed and seed phase (Start-up Scholarship Guideline)

The Start-up Grant of the State of Lower Saxony supports innovative, digital, and knowledge-oriented start-ups in the pre-seed and seed phases with a non-repayable subsidy of up to €2,200 per month (for university graduates or persons with completed vocational training) or €1,100 per month (for students and other persons without a degree). Over a maximum period of 10 months, the grant supports both living expenses and costs related to the start-up. The aim is to provide founders in Lower Saxony with optimal conditions and to pave the way from the idea to a market-ready product. Applications can be submitted continuously until March 31, 2027.

Eligible are natural persons aged 18 and over with residence and future business location in Lower Saxony, whose company has not yet been founded on the day of application. Funding is provided for individual start-ups or teams of up to three persons, who are accompanied during the funding phase by an institution accredited in Lower Saxony – such as a university, research institution, start-up center, or incubator. A prerequisite is proof of an EXIST rejection or confirmation of non-EXIST eligibility when accompanied by a university or research institution. The application must include a project outline, CV, de minimis declaration, copy of the identity card, coaching confirmation, enrollment certificate or proof of degree, and, if applicable, a detailed support concept. Approval is granted via the customer portal of the Investment and Development Bank of Lower Saxony (NBank).