EXIST
Federal grants to launch startups from research
About
EXIST is a federal funding programme run by Germany's Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) that supports research-based and university spin-out startups with non-dilutive money. The EXIST-Gruendungsstipendium pays founders a monthly living stipend (roughly 1,000 EUR for students, 2,500 EUR for graduates and 3,000 EUR for those with a doctorate) for up to 12 months, plus material costs of up to 30,000 EUR for teams and a coaching budget; EXIST-Forschungstransfer funds more research-intensive spin-outs at higher levels. Eligibility centres on students, graduates and scientists founding out of universities and research institutions. The dedicated EXIST-Women track adds a 10-month coaching, mentoring, networking and stipend programme aimed at increasing the share of female founders.
Can help with
If you are a student, graduate or researcher, you can secure a monthly living stipend, material and coaching budgets, and mentoring to turn a research-based idea into a company before you take any equity investment.
