EXIST Startup Grant and EXIST Research Transfer

One of the objectives of EXIST is to improve the startup climate at universities and non-university research institutions. In addition, the number and success of technology-oriented and knowledge-based startups is to be increased. To this end, the BMWK supports university graduates, scientists and students in preparing their technology-oriented and knowledge-based startups. EXIST has been promoting a lively and sustainable startup culture at public and private universities in competitions since 1998.

EXIST Startup Grant

  • The funding programmes of the BMWK offer support for founders from universities and non-university institutions. The Startup Grant supports you on the way to your startup. The aim is to prepare the successful market entry of an innovative product.

  • The following conditions must be met:

    • The project must be based on an innovative, technology-oriented idea or knowledge-based service
    • The founders are students, graduates or scientists
    • The team must consist of up to three people
    • The company must not have been formally founded before the start of the project.

     

    If these conditions are met, there is a good chance that you will be able to start your company within the framework of EXIST.

  • The following added value is included for you:

    • The living expenses of the founders are covered by the scholarship.
    • Social security expenses are already included in the grant and will not be reimbursed additionally.
    • Material expenses of up to 30,000 € will be covered.
    • Coaching expenses of up to 5,000 € incurred in the course of the startup are covered.

  • You can find more information about the EXIST-Gründerstipendium on the BMWK website. Of course, you can also simply contact the Startup Service of the TU Clausthal - we will be happy to arrange an appointment for further consultation.

 

EXIST Research Transfer

EXIST Research Transfer supports outstanding research-based startup projects that involve complex and high-risk development work. The programme is divided into two phases: Funding Phase I, which focuses on the preparation of the startup, and Funding Phase II, which focuses on market entry.

Research Transfer Funding phase I

  • The BMWK's funding programmes offer support for startups from universities and non-university institutions. The aim is to support the preparation and implementation of technically particularly high-risk projects from research.

  • The following conditions must be met:

    • The basis is a research project or a scientific thesis
    • The members of the founding team have at least a diploma or a master's degree.
    • The founding team consists of a maximum of three people and one additional person with a business administration background.
    • The duration of the realization is between 1 and 1 ½ years.

  • The following added value is in it for you:
    Within the framework of Funding Phase I, up to € 250,000 will be used to cover

    • personnel costs of the founders
    • Social security expenses are already included in the funding amount and will not be reimbursed additionally.
    • Material expenses within the framework of the project as well as the payment of support staff
    • coaching and consulting

    are provided. After funding phase I, it is possible to obtain further funding for the team within the framework of the second funding phase.

Research Transfer Funding Phase II

  • The aim of this phase is to build on Funding Phase I and focus on the startup of business activities and preparation for external financing.

  • The following conditions must be met:

    • A proof of concept or a business plan based on funding phase I must be available.
    • The main know-how providers from Funding Phase I must still be involved.
    • One third of the funding amount must be contributed by the founders.
    • The entire period must not be longer than 18 months.

  • The following added value is in it for you:
    Within the framework of Funding Phase II, up to €180,000 will be used to cover

    • personnel costs of the founders
    • Social security expenses are already included in the funding amount and will not be reimbursed additionally.
    • Depreciation on assets
    • material costs and intellectual property rights

    are made available.

More information

You can find more information about EXIST Research Transfer on the BMWK website. Of course, you can also simply contact the Startup Service of the TU Clausthal - we will be happy to arrange an appointment for further consultation.