Startups in Germany | Founding

Exist Founder Scholarship

This funding program is launched by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. Innovative technology-oriented start-up projects and services based on scientific findings are funded. The scholarship covers personal living expenses for one year, material expenses and coaching. Since the program is aimed at researchers, university graduates and students, the respective university or non-university research institution submits the application. The chances are good: between 2007 and 2021, more than half of the 4,906 applications submitted during this time were approved. More about the scholarship here.

Exist research transfer

The Exist Research Transfer program has a different focus: It supports outstanding research-based start-up projects that involve complex and risky development work. It consists of two funding phases: in the first, the founders develop their research results further, in the second they prepare practical business activities and external financing. Research teams from universities or non-university research institutions are funded for up to 18 months. The chances are even better here: more than two thirds of the 660 applications from 2007 to 2021 were accepted. More about the program here.