Berlin, Germany · Support OrganizationEXIST is the German federal government's flagship programme for promoting university-based entrepreneurship, operated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Running since 1998, EXIST provides two main grant instruments: the EXIST Business Start-up Grant (up to EUR 3,000/month per team member for one year) for student and researcher teams developing a business plan, and the EXIST Research Transfer grant (up to EUR 250,000 plus materials) for deep-tech spin-offs from universities and research institutions. Over 4,000 startups have received EXIST funding, and the programme has become a cornerstone of Germany's academic entrepreneurship infrastructure. EXIST also supports universities in building entrepreneurial cultures through its EXIST Potentials programme, which funds entire university startup ecosystems.
Support OrganizationAcademic EntrepreneurshipDeep TechGovernment Grants
Berlin, Germany · Support OrganizationThe German Startups Association (Bundesverband Deutsche Startups e.V.) is Germany's leading advocacy and networking organization for startup founders, established in 2012. With over 1,200 member startups and corporate partners, the Startup-Verband lobbies the German federal government on policy issues critical to founders, including employee stock option reform (ESOP), immigration for tech talent, and venture capital regulation. The organization publishes the annual German Startup Monitor, the most comprehensive survey of the country's startup ecosystem, and runs numerous programs including regional chapters, industry working groups, and the German Startup Awards. It plays a central convening role connecting founders with policymakers, investors, and corporates across Germany.
Support OrganizationPolicyAdvocacyStartup Ecosystem