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EXIST Business Start-up Grant (EXIST-Gründerstipendium) is sponsored by German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK) (co-financed by the European Social Fund). The EXIST Business Start-up Grant supports innovative, technology-oriented or knowledge-based startup projects originating from German universities and research institutions.
It provides comprehensive funding for the development of business ideas, marketable products, and services to facilitate the transition from academia to self-employment.
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Search similar grants →Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Students who have completed at least half of their studies, university graduates, and scientists from universities and non-university research institutions in Germany. Graduates and former research assistants must have completed their degree or last employment no more than five years ago. Teams of up to three people are eligible. The application is submitted via the university or research institution. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Monthly grants (€1,000 to €3,000 per person), material expenses (up to €10,000 for individual, up to €30,000 for teams), coaching (up to €5,000), child allowance (€150 per month per child). Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is December 31, 2027. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
Past winners and funding trends for this program