The best place for your idea might be outside the lab.

exist is the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy’s startup support program for ventures originating in academia and research. The program helps students, graduates, researchers, startup teams, and universities turn knowledge, research, and technology into successful startups.

"exist" stands for the path From Science to Business: from the initial idea through the preparatory stages of founding a company to the further development of research-based startups and robust startup ecosystems.

But exist is much more than just funding. The funding combines financial support with coaching, mentoring, university infrastructure, startup networks, and access to the German startup and innovation ecosystem. A successfully approved exist grant also demonstrates that your project has innovation potential and has undergone expert review. This makes exist the seal of quality for science-based startups from Germany.

Whether you're just starting to think about starting a business, preparing to launch a startup, or looking to turn your research into a scalable company, exist can help you take the next step.

The type of startup funding that’s right for you and your team depends on where your project is in its development. Support is available for innovative startup projects in science and research: from initial ideas and knowledge-based startups to deep tech companies with a high research component.

Key factors include an affiliation with a university or research institution, a compelling potential for innovation or problem-solving, and a commitment to advancing your project in collaboration with a startup network.

Want to know if you and your team meet the eligibility requirements for the exist startup grant? Click here for the EGS Check.

exist supports startup projects originating from academia and research at various stages of their development. The funding option that’s right for you depends on where you and your team currently stand: Do you already have a concrete business idea? Are you working on a research-intensive DeepTech innovation? Or would you like to become part of a strong startup ecosystem?

The first step is always to contact the startup network at a university or research institution. There, you’ll receive guidance on the appropriate funding programs, the application requirements, and the necessary documents. Together, you’ll determine which path is right for your project.

The usual procedure is:

1. Contact the Startup Network
2. Classify an idea or research finding
3. Select the appropriate exist program
4. Prepare the application together
5. Take advantage of funding and further develop your project
6. Preparing for the next round of funding or the growth phase

exist helps you and your team turn scientific ideas, research findings, and technological innovations into a startup. Depending on the program pillar, exist offers financial support, mentoring, access to university infrastructure, and guidance from experienced startup networks.

In addition, exist helps you build valuable connections within the startup ecosystem: with other founders, universities, research institutions, investors, companies, and further funding and support programs. In this way, exist guides you from your initial idea through the next steps toward founding your business, securing funding, and achieving growth – From Science to Business.

An EXIST grant is much more than just financial support. It demonstrates that a project meets the highest scientific standards, possesses significant innovation potential, and has a strong foundation for further business development.

The type of startup funding that’s right for you and your team depends on where your project is in its development. Support is available for innovative startup projects in science and research: from initial ideas and knowledge-based startups to deep tech companies with a high research component.

Key factors include an affiliation with a university or research institution, a compelling potential for innovation or problem-solving, and a commitment to advancing your project in collaboration with a startup network.

Want to know if you and your team meet the eligibility requirements for the exist startup grant? Click here for the EGS Check.

You can find more information about the eligibility requirements for the various exist programs here.

exist Startup Grant →

Research Transfer →

exist Women →

The exist Startup Grant is designed for startup ideas originating from research and academia that are in the pre-launch phase; exist Women supports women interested in starting a business who have an initial startup idea; and the exist Research Transfer program supports particularly development-intensive startup projects that have already demonstrated proof of concept.

About the programs

The application for an exist grant is prepared step by step. The first step is to meet with the startup network at your university or research institution. After that, your idea, eligibility for funding, team, innovative content, and next steps are reviewed.

The specific procedures vary depending on the program.

During the funding period, different deadlines, obligations, and milestones apply depending on the program pillar. As your project progresses, check the details for your specific program pillar to see which requirements apply to you.

Would you like to know what happens with an exist project after it has been approved? Here is an overview of the key steps during the funding period: from the project launch through milestones, events, and reporting requirements to project completion and the next steps in development.

Since each exist program pillar is structured differently, the links will take you directly to the respective project timelines for the exist Startup Grant, exist Research Transfer, and exist Women. This way, you can find out what’s important in your funding track and when, and how you and your team can make the best use of the funding.

An exist grant demonstrates that a startup project has undergone a technical review and possesses significant innovation potential. Funded teams typically bring scientific substance, a compelling business model, and clear development prospects to the table. As a result, exist stands not only for financial support but also for verified quality, and can serve as a strong signal to investors, companies, and other partners, helping to open crucial doors.