EXIST Modellprojekte
Funds EXIST Modellprojekte that build regional founder ecosystems through focused support for deep technology model initiatives.
EXIST Modellprojekte sits inside BMWE’s EXIST umbrella and is part of the ministry’s long-running university spinout system. This track is aimed at model projects that build regional founding capacity, with the current portal framing it around network development, founding culture, and regional deep-tech support. It is the most ecosystem-oriented of the EXIST lines. It is a German annual grant with a published range of EUR 535,000 to EUR 5,350,000. Eligibility is limited to German-registered and German-operating for-profit applicants, individuals are excluded, and consortia are not required. The portal also points to AI-oriented model projects and notes a current round with 142 supported public and private universities. This route suits universities, hubs, and regional innovation actors that can turn a pilot into a repeatable support structure. Applications read best when they show how the project will strengthen the local startup ecosystem, reach founders in a defined region, and improve the quality and quantity of knowledge-based spinouts. The award is large enough to support infrastructure, staffing, and multi-partner coordination when the use case is clearly regional.
No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Annual.