Program Overview

EXIST Gründungsstipendium (EGS)

Introduction

The EXIST Gründungsstipendium (EGS) is a funding program that supports innovative, technology-oriented, or knowledge-based startup projects in the early phase. The program provides funding for a period of 12 months.

Eligibility Criteria

The following individuals are eligible for funding:

• Researchers from public, non-profit research institutions or universities
• University graduates and former scientific staff (up to five years after graduation or departure)
• Students who have completed at least half of their studies, provided that the team is not predominantly composed of students
• Founding teams with a maximum of three persons

Funding Amount

The funding amount varies depending on the qualifications of the founding team members:

• 3,000 per month for doctoral graduates
• 2,500 per month for university graduates
• 2,000 per month for technical staff
• 1,000 per month for students
• Additional 150 per month per child (child allowance)
• Up to 10,000 for single founders and up to 30,000 for teams for material resources
• 5,000 for coaching measures

Application Process

The application process involves the following steps:

1. Inform and Contact: The founding team contacts the startup service and informs themselves about the EXIST Gründungsstipendium.
2. Prepare Application: The team prepares an idea paper and a coaching and material resources plan with feedback from the startup service.
3. Submit Application: The team submits the application, which consists of a formal federal funding application and various attachments.

Project Duration

The project duration is 12 months. With good justification, the founding team can apply for a three-month cost-neutral extension of the project duration.

Responsibilities

The following individuals are involved in the project:

• Founding Team: Consists of up to three EXIST Gründungsstipendiaten, responsible for the entire project implementation
• Spokesperson: Coordinates all project matters with the university and the funding agency
• Mentor: Provides technical advice on the project topic, has a consulting function
• Startup Advisor: Advises on the application, coaching, and material resources plan, and accompanies the team during the project
• EXIST Coordinator: Mediates to the right contacts in the university administration, has cost center responsibility, and supports the founding team

Project Implementation

The project implementation involves the following steps:

1. Project Preparation: The founding team prepares the project, including applying for a UHH account and organizing equipment.
2. Project Start: The project starts, and the founding team receives their stipend contracts.
3. Project Duration: The founding team works on the project, achieving milestones and submitting reports.
4. Project End: The project ends after 12 months, and the founding team submits a final report.

Milestones

The following milestones must be achieved during the project duration:

• 1 Month after Project Start: ESF questionnaire, EXIST monitoring questionnaire
• 3 Months after Project Start: Seminar
• 5 Months after Project Start: Intermediate presentation, evaluation of intermediate status
• 10 Months after Project Start: Business plan, result report, EXIST monitoring questionnaire
• 12 Months after Project Start: Project end
• 15 Months after Project Start: Utilization report, de-minimis certificate
• 24 Months after Project Start: EXIST monitoring questionnaire