EXIST Startup Grant (EXIST-Gründerstipendium)

About this grant

12-month scholarship for students, graduates and researchers turning an innovative, knowledge-based idea into a startup: monthly living allowance of €1K (students), €2K (vocational qualification), €2.5K (graduates) or €3K (PhD holders), plus €150 per child per month, up to €30K team equipment, up to €10K equipment for new businesses and a €5K coaching budget. Apply via your university's startup network with a mentor; the company must not exist yet when funding starts.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Students who have completed at least half of their degree (team must not consist primarily of students)
• Graduates up to 5 years after graduation
• Researchers from universities or non-university research institutions
• At least one team member must hold a university degree; at most one member may hold a state-recognised vocational qualification
• The company must not have been established by the start of funding (it may be founded during funding)
• Application is submitted by the university/research institution startup network, not directly by the team

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