Startup Office

Follow us!

EXIST Research Transfer

EXIST Research Transfer

EXIST Research Transfer is a nationwide funding program with the aim of increasing the number of particularly ambitious technology-oriented start-ups from universities and non-university research institutions.

EXIST Research Transfer supplements the broad-based EXIST Start-up Grant with a special excellence-oriented measure for high-tech start-ups.

Who is eligible for funding?

Funding phase I
  • Research teams at universities and research institutions (maximum of three scientists, one of whom may be a technician or laboratory assistant).
  • Another person with business management expertise.
Funding phase II
  • Technology-oriented companies that were founded during or as a result of funding phase I.

What is eligible for funding?

Funding phase I
  • Technically demanding foundation projects with long development times to prove basic technical feasibility.
  • The development of a business plan for the implementation of the business idea and the preparation of the company foundation.
Funding phase II
  • Development work to turn the business idea into a marketable product and measures to start business operations.

How is funding provided?

The funding period in funding phases I and II is normally 18 months in each case.

Funding phase I
  • In funding phase I, up to €250,000 in material resources are available for preparing the start-up; in justified individual cases, this amount may be exceeded.
Funding phase II
  • In funding phase II, shortly after the innovative high-tech company is founded, a higher start-up grant of up to €180,000 is awarded.

Applications for EXIST research transfer can be submitted on March 31, August 31, and November 30 of each year.

Let us advise you on Exist research transfer