The funding is intended for students, graduates, and researchers from universities and non-university research institutions who wish to implement innovative and knowledge-based startup projects. Teams with some professional experience can also further develop their ideas in collaboration with a university or research institution.

In addition to financial support, you’ll benefit from the expertise of your university or research institution, personalized guidance, and a strong startup network. This is how exist supports you on your journey „From Science to Business.“.

The exist Startup Grant is designed for innovative startup ideas from the fields of science and research that are in their early stages. Funding is provided to teams that wish to develop their idea or technology into a marketable product or an innovative service with a clearly identifiable unique selling proposition.

This funding is intended in particular for:

• Students who have completed at least half of their degree program
• College graduates and research assistants up to five years after graduation or leaving the institution
• Startup teams with a maximum of three members

The program is open to all industries and technologies and supports both technology-based and knowledge-based startups.

Important to know

• The business must not have been established by the start of the grant period, but it may be established at any time during the grant period.
• At least one member of the team must have a college degree.
• No more than one person on the team may hold a state-recognized vocational qualification or a college degree that was obtained more than five years ago.
• Funding is provided for innovative projects with a clearly identifiable unique selling point and good prospects for commercial success.
• Further developments or combinations of existing products that do not involve significant innovation are not eligible for funding.

With the exist startup grant, you can focus entirely on developing your startup. The goal of the grant is to help turn innovative ideas from science and research into successful and economically viable businesses.

Funding is available in particular for:

• the development of marketable innovative products, technologies, or services
• the development of a viable business plan
• Preparing to start a business
• Developing your idea to market and funding readiness
• Market validation and customer feedback
• further developing collaboration within the founding team
• Coaching and support services provided by startup networks

This funding gives you the flexibility to focus on product development, market potential, and your business model during this critical early phase.

The exist Startup Grant provides support for twelve months as you prepare to launch your startup.

Also available: Child allowance: €150 per child per month; lump-sum investment and coaching funds

• Equipment for teams: €30,000
• Equipment grants for new businesses: up to €10,000
• Coaching budget: €5,000

In addition, you will have access to infrastructure, advising, and support services offered by your university or research institution.

Combination with other grants

The exist startup grant can be combined with programs that unable to cover living expenses, for example, through prize money or business plan competitions.

The exist Start-up Grant 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 part of the European Structural and Investment Funds. For more information, visit https://www.esf.de/.

The goal of exist is to foster more innovative startups originating from the fields of science and research in Germany and to strengthen sustainable startup ecosystems at universities and research institutions.

Applications are submitted through universities and research institutions and are managed by the Project Management Jülich (PtJ).