EXIST Business Start-up Grant (EXIST-Gründungsstipendium)

The EXIST Business Start-up Grant is a German federal programme (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus) that supports innovative, technology-oriented and knowledge-based startups emerging from German universities and research institutions in the pre-founding phase. It funds up to 12 months of work on developing the product or service and a viable business plan, as a non-repayable grant.

Support includes monthly stipends per founder (from €1,000 for students up to €3,000 for experienced scientists, for teams of up to three), up to €30,000 for material costs, up to €5,000 for coaching, and up to €15,000 for network advice. Eligible founders are students, graduates and researchers from German universities and research institutions, with an innovative idea that has clear unique selling points and good economic prospects.

You don't apply directly. Contact your German university's or research institution's startup service first; the institution submits the application on your behalf (with your idea paper, CVs and support letters). Proposals go through formal review, expert appraisal, then a funding decision. There is no fixed deadline.