Funding Programmes for Starting a Business

EXIST

Graduates and scientists with an innovative business idea can use the EXIST programme to receive funding.

EXIST is a support programme of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWi) to promote the huge potential for business ideas
and entrepreneurs at universities and to increase the number of technology- and knowledge-based start-ups. There are two different lines of funding:

1. The EXIST Business Start-Up Grant provides support for preparing innovative, technology-oriented and knowledge-based start-up projects
   developed by academics, graduates, and students. The entrepreneurs receive a grant for 12 months. The programme also covers the costs
   for material, equipment and coaching up to 30,000 euro. The university offers workplace and infrastructure andprovides technical and
   start-up-related assistance.

2. The EXIST Research Transfer supports the development work required to prove the technical feasibility of new research-based ideas for start-ups,
   as well as the preparations needed for the business launch. The funding includes expenses for up to three staff members and for another person
   with managerial skills as well as costs of materials and equipment up to 250,000 euro. The maximum funding period is 18 months in the
   pre-start-up phase and 18 months after founding a company. During this second funding phase, the newly founded companies can be supported
   with up to 180,000 euro.

For further information and advice please contact L3S Resident Business Adviser Susanne Oetzmann.

mFund

mFund is a programme of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure that supports digital innovation in the field of mobility.

www.mfund.de

WIPANO

WIPANO is a new programme for innovative technology-oriented companies to support them in applying for a patent.

www.wipano.de