EXIST start-up grant
EXIST start-up grant supports students, graduates and scientists from universities and non-university research institutions who are interested in setting up their own business.
Terms and conditions of the EXIST start-up grant
The start-up teams receive an EXIST start-up grant at attractive conditions for a period of 12 months to draw up a business plan and prepare for their business start-up with the support of their university or research institution.
The most important prerequisite is that the planned business idea is an innovative, technology-oriented or knowledge-based product with significant unique selling points and good prospects of commercial success.
Services are also funded under these conditions. The application is submitted via the university or research institution. You can find out about the milestones of the EXIST funding phase using our exemplary project process.
Funding body
EXIST-Gründungsstipendium is a funding program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF). The ESF is one of the European Structural and Investment Funds. Further information can be found at www.die-strukturfonds.de.
Current downloads
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Handbook - EXIST start-up grant
PDF / 18 MB -
EXIST start-up grant guidelines - revised version dated April 18, 2023
Status: April 18, 2023 / PDF / 537 KB
All downloads on the EXIST start-up grant
Downloads: Promotion logos
In this secure area, you will find all the required promotional logos.
Further information on the EXIST start-up grant
Funding application
Information, documents and support for the application
Course of the project
The milestones that specifically drive successful market entry
