Von der Idee zur Gründung – mit EXIST-Women in 2026 durchstarten

With EXIST-Women unterstützt das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie gründungsinteressierte Frauen an Hochschulen und Forschungseinrichtungen in der Phase vor der Unternehmensgründung, insbesondere bei der Entwicklung ihrer Unternehmerinnenpersönlichkeit und der Weiterentwicklung ihrer Gründungsidee.

Who can take part?

Teilnahmevoraussetzungen: Female students (in their Master's degree or who have completed more than half of their Bachelor's degree), graduates (the degree can also have been completed more than 5 years ago), female academics, female employees and women with vocational training and a connection to the university who are interested in the topic of start-ups and would like to take part in a qualification programme lasting several months. Participation is therefore not only possible while studying but also while working (for female employees up to 0.5 job). A grant can be awarded to bridge a period of three months during which either no income is earned or a maximum of 20 hours per week are spent in gainful employment. A simultaneous combination of the 3-month EXIST-Women grant with another funding programme to finance living expenses, such as BAföG, unemployment benefit or citizen's allowance from the Federal Employment Agency, is excluded. A concrete start-up idea may or may not exist. Funding is also available for ideas that are not based on knowledge or research but are geared towards subsequent commercial activity. Women who have previously received start-up funding from the federal or state governments are not eligible for funding. The foundation of a corporation and/or the commencement of business activities must not have taken place before the start of participation.

What is on offer?

Teilnahme an einem Qualifizierungsprogramm zur Unternehmensgründung

Individual coaching from the university's start-up network, entrepreneurial support from a mentor and a nationwide network of female founders

One-off funding of €2,000* (e.g. for coaching, travel expenses or validation of the start-up idea)

a 3-month scholarship of €1,000 - €3,000/month (depending on qualifications) + child allowance (if no income is earned or max. 20 h/week is worked)

What is expected?

Teilnahme am Intensivprogramm in Form von mindestens sieben Sprints (theoretische Trainings durch Wissensvermittlung & Praxisanteile in Form einer Hausaufgaben und Reviews)

Regular attendance of relevant seminars and events organised by the start-up network and the funding provider (the latter is mandatory)

Participation in appointments for individual counselling by the mentors

At the end of the qualification programme, which lasts several months, a one-pager is submitted in which the start-up idea and the results developed are presented briefly and concisely
(there is no obligation to found a company)

Weitere Informationen zu EXIST-Women: www.exist.de/EXIST/Navigation/DE/Gruendungsfoerderung/EXIST-WOMEN/EXIST-WOMEN/exist-women.html

How can I take part?

Jetzt heißt es bewerben! Hier geht es zum jeweiligen Hochschulstandort für das Jahr 2026: