EXIST-Women
EXIST-Women is a funding program by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) that provides targeted support for women on their journey to starting a business.
At the University of Freiburg, the program is coordinated by the Start-up Office. In 2026, up to fifteen women will again be able to participate, benefiting from comprehensive training, individual coaching, mentoring, and an exclusive network. Up to ten women will also receive a lump sum of up to €2,000 for materials. Finally, five of the participants will be eligible for a three-month scholarship of up to €9,000.
The project will start on March 15, 2026 (the scholarship payment phase will be determined individually and may also take place later in the year). You can apply until February 15, 2026.
Program Overview
Who can participate?
The EXIST-Women program at the University of Freiburg is called “Startup|Women” and is aimed at female graduates, scientists, students who have completed at least half of their studies, and women with a professional qualification and a connection to the University of Freiburg.
You can apply even if you don't have a specific start-up idea yet. The main factors considered when awarding scholarships are your motivation, creativity, personality, and innovative strength.
Which disciplines can apply?
EXIST-Women supports ideas from all disciplines and industries—from high-tech and services to social innovations. It is important that you have not yet founded a corporation or started business activities before participating.
Do you have questions about the program?
We have set up an online Q&A session for your questions during the application phase – you can dial in without registering.
Your benefits
12-month support program
Starting in March 2026, you will embark on a diverse core program with several mandatory and optional thematic modules. In workshops such as “Entrepreneurial Empowerment” and “Unconscious Bias,” you will strengthen your self-confidence, reflect on your resources, and learn to overcome structural barriers. Supplementary crash courses will deepen your knowledge in important areas such as financing, pitch techniques, and negotiation training.
In addition, a lecture series will provide you with practical knowledge on key start-up topics. You also have the option of participating in our “Bridge-the-Gap” series, which covers other important topics specific to women. Starting in 2026, we will also be offering smaller and larger networking events where you can deepen your contacts with other female founders.
Optional financial support
You can apply for a three-month scholarship:
- 1,000 euros/month for female students in the second half of their studies
- 2,000 euros/month for women with vocational qualifications
- 2,500 euros/month for female graduates
- 3,000 euros/month for female scientists with doctorates
It is not possible to receive other funding at the same time during the three-month scholarship period. However, subsequent funding is possible, for example through the EXIST start-up scholarship, if the conditions for this are met. To be eligible for the scholarship, you must either have no income or work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Material grant
In addition to the grant, you can receive up to €2,000 from EXIST-Women for project-related expenses—for example, travel costs, event participation, or coaching.
Mentoring and Network
You will be accompanied by experienced experts and benefit from their knowledge. At the same time, you will become part of an exclusive network and can exchange ideas with other participants, learn from each other, and develop new perspectives.
You can submit your application for EXIST-Women until February 15, 2026 (inclusive).
The pitching event for applicants will take place on March 11, 2026, starting at 3:00 p.m. – please make a note of this date.
Do you have questions about the program? Get in touch with us!
Further information:
Apply now and secure your funding!
Workshops and continuing education formats
The EXIST-Women program offers various workshops and formats that are exclusively available to all selected participants and are mandatory. Participants will receive more detailed information by email.
Mandatory appointments:
Kick-off event for EXIST Women grant recipients
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
This kick-off event offers you the perfect opportunity to learn more about the program, the scholarship, and the planned events. You can also get to know the other scholarship recipients and network directly.
What can you expect?
- Important information about the EXIST Women program
- Exchange and networking with other grant recipients
- Mini-workshop with ideas for clarity and self-confidence when starting a business, activating your own resources, and possible support offers
Finally, we invite you to a champagne reception on our rooftop terrace—the perfect opportunity to engage in conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.
Crash course in starting a business: Female Founders
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Many good ideas never come to fruition because potential female founders fear they don't yet have enough expertise. This exclusive crash course for EXIST Women scholarship holders gives you a compact insight into the most important aspects of starting a business: from developing your business idea to financing, sales, and marketing, right through to possible legal forms.
The focus is less on legal and tax details and more on how to turn your idea into a viable business model, step by step.
After the crash course, you will have the necessary basic knowledge to confidently launch your business project.
Speaker: Dr. Harald Schützeichel, serial entrepreneur, founder, start-up advisor at the University of Freiburg
Events
Events to choose from:
In addition, you can attend the Entrepreneurship lecture series (depending on your interests). This is open to anyone who is interested. Dates and registration details can be found below.
Events
