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EXIST Business Start-up Grant (EXIST-Gründungsstipendium)

Twelve months: monthly founder stipends of EUR1,000-EUR3,000 by qualification plus EUR150 per child, equipment up to EUR30,000 for a team or EUR10,000 solo, and EUR5,000 coaching · Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs (BMWK) / EXIST, administered by PtJ — Germany · rolling applications

German federal grant securing the living costs of founding teams from universities and research institutions during the pre-foundation phase to develop an innovative technology or knowledge-based business idea and business plan. Current lifecycle: rolling. Real economics: Twelve months: monthly founder stipends of EUR1,000-EUR3,000 by qualification plus EUR150 per child, equipment up to EUR30,000 for a team or EUR10,000 solo, and EUR5,000 coaching.

Tier 3germanyuniversity-spinoutpre-seedstipend

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Key facts

FunderFederal Ministry for Economic Affairs (BMWK) / EXIST, administered by PtJ — Germany
AmountTwelve months: monthly founder stipends of EUR1,000-EUR3,000 by qualification plus EUR150 per child, equipment up to EUR30,000 for a team or EUR10,000 solo, and EUR5,000 coaching
DeadlineRolling — apply anytime
Decision timeNo universal submission-to-award duration is published.
EligibilityA team of up to three students, graduates or researchers commercializing an innovative knowledge-based idea through a German university or research institution. The institution applies, supplies a mentor and infrastructure, and the company must not already exist at support start.
RestrictionsThe host institution administers the public grant and founder support under the current handbook; institutional and project reporting applies. Monthly stipends depend on qualification. Equipment and coaching ceilings are separate and cannot be treated as unrestricted founder cash.
Statusrolling

Always confirm on the official page before applying — dates and terms change.

Application process

  1. Engage the university or research institution's startup network
  2. Develop the concept with an institutional mentor
  3. Have the institution submit the EXIST application
  4. Complete federal project review
  5. If awarded, work for 12 months with the mentor, coaching and equipment budget
  6. Incorporate and prepare market entry during support

Background

Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs (BMWK) / EXIST, administered by PtJ — Germany operates EXIST Business Start-up Grant (EXIST-Gründungsstipendium). This pass separates direct cash, repayable finance, credits, incentives and umbrella programs so later ranking does not compare unlike instruments. EXIST reports more than 3,000 startup scholarships since 2007 The official page reports an over 86% company-creation rate and about 80% five-year startup survival

How the application really works

Engage the university or research institution's startup network → Develop the concept with an institutional mentor → Have the institution submit the EXIST application → Complete federal project review → If awarded, work for 12 months with the mentor, coaching and equipment budget → Incorporate and prepare market entry during support

Tips

Watch out for

Track record

No current applicant denominator or acceptance rate is published.

Frequently asked questions

Is this actionable now?
rolling. Universities and research institutions can submit institutional applications continuously.
What is the real economic value?
Twelve months: monthly founder stipends of EUR1,000-EUR3,000 by qualification plus EUR150 per child, equipment up to EUR30,000 for a team or EUR10,000 solo, and EUR5,000 coaching
Who is eligible?
A team of up to three students, graduates or researchers commercializing an innovative knowledge-based idea through a German university or research institution. The institution applies, supplies a mentor and infrastructure, and the company must not already exist at support start.
How does selection work?
Engage the university or research institution's startup network; Develop the concept with an institutional mentor; Have the institution submit the EXIST application; Complete federal project review; If awarded, work for 12 months with the mentor, coaching and equipment budget; Incorporate and prepare market entry during support. No universal submission-to-award duration is published.
What burden and restrictions apply?
The host institution administers the public grant and founder support under the current handbook; institutional and project reporting applies. Monthly stipends depend on qualification. Equipment and coaching ceilings are separate and cannot be treated as unrestricted founder cash.
What evidence exists?
EXIST reports more than 3,000 startup scholarships since 2007 The official page reports an over 86% company-creation rate and about 80% five-year startup survival No current applicant denominator or acceptance rate is published.

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