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exist startup funding significantly…

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December 8, 2025

exist startup funding significantly simplified

funding

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) has simplified the funding of innovative startup projects in the exist programme. The changes are intended to bring about greater efficiency, less bureaucracy and greater transparency through a new IP deal database.

The exist programme supports knowledge-based startups from universities and research institutions. The aim is to strengthen the transfer of research results in Germany, promote the exploitation of research results in marketable products and services, and qualify scientists for a career as entrepreneurs. To simplify the application process, the BMWE has now implemented a number of improvements.

An overview of the simplifications at exist

Digitisation: With the elimination of the written form requirement, applications can now be submitted entirely digitally. Notifications are also issued and transmitted digitally. This saves time and speeds up processing by the responsible authorities.

Fewer application documents: The number of application forms for the exist startup grant has been halved. The required length of the concept paper has been significantly reduced. This simplifies the process for founders and makes it easier to access the programme.

More lump sums: Material resources can be applied for and invoiced as lump sums in the exist startup grant and exist Women programmes. Individual expense receipts no longer need to be submitted. This simplifies the administrative work involved in implementing the projects.

Simplified project implementation: The requirements and milestones during the project period have been reduced in the exist startup grant and exist research transfer funding lines. This significantly reduces the documentation effort for universities and founding teams.

Transparent communication: A new, user-friendly website and clear communication of the requirements help founders to understand the necessary steps for receiving funding more quickly.

New: the IP deal database

Many science-based startups need access to patents held by universities, for example. An IP deal database commissioned by the BMWE and implemented by the Technical University of Berlin is intended to contribute to transparency in the valuation of property rights and know-how. This will create a better understanding of the value of intellectual property at an early stage, making negotiations more efficient and paving the way for faster follow-up financing. The database is intended to speed up the previously time-consuming process of IP transfer.

Find out more about exist here