youstartN – Funding Program of the Education Foundation

youstartN – Funding Program of the Stiftung Bildung supports innovative student and apprentice companies as well as forward-looking startup ideas with a clear focus on education for sustainable development (SDGs). Nationwide, Stiftung Bildung awards straightforward grants ranging from €500 to €1,000 to finance materials, machinery, equipment, events, workshops, and fees. Projects in rural structurally weak regions are given priority to establish and further develop sustainable business projects at schools. The fully online application process enables a fast, paperless submission by the deadline of October 31, 2026. Up to 150 applications are funded annually, with every student, apprentice, or teacher having a sustainable connection to at least one of the 17 SDGs eligible to participate. The funding rate is 100%, and a jury decides monthly on the submitted projects based on the criteria of innovation, integration into the school context, and sustainability relevance.

The aim of the youstartN program is to strengthen young actors in their startup phase and implement their practical ideas within the classroom environment. Submitted concepts are transparently accompanied through an online application form and standardized evaluation procedures. Support is provided to student and apprentice companies as well as cooperatives that already exist or are in the founding process. Furthermore, all projects approved by June 14, 2026, have the chance to be awarded the youstartN funding prize of an additional €3,000. Reporting and accounting are also conducted digitally, allowing the focus to remain on project implementation and sustainable impact. In doing so, youstartN lays the foundation for a cross-generational culture of education and entrepreneurship at schools and training companies.