A successful start for EXIST Women 2026: 14 female founders are kicking off the funding year with a wide range of ideas—from medicine to art history. At the kick-off event at the startup office, participants not only networked but also raised a toast to an exciting year ahead.

On March 19, the kickoff event for the new funding year of the EXIST Women Program 2026 took place at the startup office. A total of 30 women had previously applied with their business ideas. Following a written selection phase, 18 of them also presented their projects to a jury.

In the end, 14 participants secured a spot in the program: Five of them will receive a scholarship, another five will receive a lump-sum grant for supplies, while four will participate in the program without financial support.

The diversity of the submitted ideas is impressive: ranging from medical innovations and environmental sciences to projects in art history, these initiatives reflect the wide range of disciplines represented at Freiburg’s universities.

The kick-off event gave the participants a chance to get to know one another and gain an initial insight into each other’s projects. The group wrapped up the successful event with a toast on the rooftop terrace.

The Startup Office looks forward to providing intensive support to the participants in the coming year. Numerous workshops, networking events, and other initiatives are planned to support the founders on their journey.

A promising start to an exciting year!