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EXIST — Existenzgründungen aus der Wissenschaft

EXIST Start-up Grant (EXIST-Gründungsstipendium)

Supports german federal founding grant for students graduates and researchers developing technology based ventures from university.

OpenBundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWE)Germany
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About

EXIST-Gründungsstipendium (EGS) is the entry-level founding support sub-program within the federal EXIST initiative, operated since 1998 by the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWE) and administered by Projektträger Jülich (PtJ). It is specifically designed for students, graduates, and scientists at German universities or publicly funded research institutes who wish to develop techno…

What this grant funds

Technology-oriented and knowledge-based business creation emerging from university or research institute.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
Funding analytics

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Eligibility criteria

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Application process

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What you have to submit

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Timeline

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Last verified: 29 Jul 2026Source: www.exist.de