The changes to EXIST Research Transfer and EXIST Start-up Grant are based on the startup strategy adopted by the Federal Government on July 27, 2022. The aim of the revised guidelines is, among other things, to increase the proportion of women and diversity in the founding teams and to increase the alignment of start-up projects with Germany's sustainability goals. The quality and quantity of startups from science should also continue to increase.
The most important changes at EXIST
The most important changes to the EXIST start-up grant include:
- The Founders’ Scholarship was renamed the Founders’ Scholarship.
- The implementation of the Federal Government’s High-Tech Strategy 2025 and the Sustainability Strategy Agenda 2030 were set as objectives.
- Increasing the proportion of women and diversity in founding teams were set as goals.
- The possibility has been created to extend the project duration once by three months upon request of the grant recipient, with continued payment of the founding team's scholarships, provided that one of the team members gives birth to a child during the term.
- The amount of the incentive bonus was increased by 2,500 euros if the founding team is diverse (in terms of different gender distribution and nationality).
- The amount was increased by a further 2,500 euros if a mentor could be found to provide professional support.
- Changes to the lump sum for non-cash resources: Project management and invoicing are to be simplified and made comparable to the processing of the incentive bonus; non-cash resources planning is carried out with the application, and the corresponding milestone is eliminated.
- After one month, an initial meeting will take place with the founding team, network, mentor and PtJ supervisors.
- A Phase II for AI as a model project is planned.
The following changes apply to EXIST research transfer:
- The implementation of the Federal Government’s High-Tech Strategy 2025 and the Sustainability Strategy Agenda 2030 were set as objectives.
- If delays occur during the project period due to maternity protection regulations, an additional extension of the project period by up to 3 months is now possible, with additional personnel resources for the founding team.
- The amount of the incentive bonus was increased by 2,500 euros if the founding team is diverse (in terms of different gender distribution and nationality).
- The amount was increased by a further 2,500 euros if a mentor could be found to provide professional support.
The new guidelines can also be found on the Website of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection can be downloaded.
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