Would you like to receive support from the exist startup grant to help launch your startup? The grant application is prepared and submitted in collaboration with your university or research institution.

It is important to note that you do not submit the application yourself; rather, it is submitted by the university or research institution overseeing your project. For this reason, you should contact the relevant startup network or technology transfer office as early as possible.

We will support you throughout the entire process: from the initial development of the idea, through the submission of the application materials, to the successful implementation of the project with funding.

The purpose of the application is to present your startup project in a clear and compelling manner. It is not just about the idea itself, but about presenting a coherent and convincing overall concept.

What your concept paper should include:

• What do you want to develop, and what problem does it solve?
• What makes your idea innovative? What is its unique selling point?
• How do you plan to create value and succeed in the market?
• Who are your customers, and how big is the market?
• planning milestones
• What do you use the equipment and coaching resources for?
• Who are you, and what skills do you bring to the table? Who supports you?
• Have you already spoken with any potential customers?

You may also include additional documents that support your proposal.

The specific support you receive during the development process depends on your university or research institution. Therefore, be sure to reach out to your startup network early on.

Applications for the exist startup grant are accepted on an ongoing basis. There are no set deadlines.

Since preparing your application takes time, you should contact your university or research institution well in advance. Many startup networks begin supporting teams several weeks or months before the submission deadline.

Good to know

• Applications may only be submitted through universities or research institutions.
• The review will take several weeks.
• The company may not be established until funding has begun

The process for applying for the exist startup grant typically involves several steps.

1. Contact the startup network
   Contact the business startup advisory service, transfer office, or startup network at your university or research institution as early as possible.

2. Check the idea and eligibility
   We will work with you to determine whether your project meets the eligibility requirements for funding and how its level of innovation is assessed.

3. Prepare the application
   You will work with the startup network to prepare the application materials, including:

• Project Description
• Financial Planning
• Materials Planning
• Team Profile

4. Submit an application
   The university or research institution submits the application to the Project Management Jülich (PtJ).

5. Review and Decision
   The submitted documents will be reviewed by experts. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) will decide on the funding.

The complete application materials for the exist startup grant must be submitted via the „easy-Online“ electronic form system.

Certain documents that previously had to be submitted separately—including the applicant’s declaration of commitment, information regarding facts relevant to the grant, and the declaration regarding the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights—are now integrated directly into easy-Online and do not need to be uploaded separately.

The following documents no longer need to be submitted, or need only be submitted upon request:

• Testimonials
• Residence permit
• Birth certificates

It is also not necessary to upload these documents to easy-Online.

• The university or research institution uploads the complete application documents to the easy-Online system as individual PDF files, including the signed attachments (scanned copies or qualified electronic signatures).
• The XML file of the application form must also be sent by email to ptj-exist-gruendungsstipendium@fz-juelich.de be sent.
• Do not submit application materials by mail. Documents submitted by mail will not be accepted and will be returned.

However, the university or research institution must retain all signed original documents for at least five years after the project ends. In the event of an on-site audit, these documents must be available for inspection.

Jülich Research Center GmbH
Project Management Jülich (PtJ)
Berlin Office
P.O. Box 610247
10923 Berlin

Phone: +49 30 20199-411
Email: ptj-exist-gruendungsstipendium@fz-juelich.de

Applications for the exist startup grant are submitted in collaboration with experienced representatives from the startup networks at universities and research institutions.

These networks can help you prepare your application professionally.

Our tip
The sooner you get in touch, the better the network can help you with your preparations.

Find the right network for you here.