The EXIST Women Programme 2027 is now supporting women from universities and research institutions who want to transform innovative ideas into successful startups. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the programme helps aspiring female entrepreneurs develop their business ideas through mentoring, networking, financial support, and entrepreneurship training.
Designed specifically to encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship, the programme provides a structured pathway from research and innovation to business creation.
About the EXIST Women Programme
EXIST Women is an entrepreneurship support programme that helps women explore their entrepreneurial potential and further develop early-stage startup ideas. The programme focuses on strengthening entrepreneurial skills, building professional networks, and preparing participants for launching innovative businesses.
The programme runs for up to 10 months and combines mentoring, workshops, networking events, startup coaching, and practical business development support.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is designed for women affiliated with universities and research institutions, including:
- Female students
- Female graduates
- Female researchers and scientists
- Women with early-stage startup ideas
- Women interested in entrepreneurship and innovation
- Future female entrepreneurs from science and research fields
Applicants should already have an initial business idea, even if it is still at an early stage of development.
What the Programme Offers
Participants receive comprehensive support throughout the programme, including:
- Individual guidance from startup support networks
- One-on-one mentoring with experienced business mentors
- Entrepreneurship workshops and training
- Business model development
- Market analysis and validation
- Support to develop prototypes
- Networking with female founders and startup communities
- Access to the exclusive EXIST Women Community platform
- Assistance in finding co-founders
- Preparation for future startup funding opportunities
- Development of an individual startup roadmap
Networking Opportunities
Networking is a key component of the programme. Participants can benefit from:
- EXIST Women Founders Forum (optional)
- Female Entrepreneur Seminar (mandatory)
- Startup events and workshops
- Digital networking platforms
- Connections with mentors, role models, investors, and startup ecosystems
- Local university startup network events
Financial Support
Each participant receives €2,000 in in-kind support, which may be used for:
- Prototype materials
- Technical equipment
- Event participation fees
- Additional coaching
- Travel expenses
Some participants may also qualify for a scholarship of up to three months, depending on criteria established by their university.
Scholarship amounts are:
- Female students (Bachelor’s or Master’s): €1,000 per month
- Participants with completed vocational training: €2,000 per month
- Female graduates: €2,500 per month
- PhD graduates: €3,000 per month
Participants receiving the scholarship are also eligible for a child allowance of €150 per child per month.
Programme Duration
The programme runs for up to 10 months, providing participants with continuous support while they develop their startup ideas and entrepreneurial skills.
Funding Organization
The programme is funded by:
- Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)
- European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
Why Join the Programme?
Participants benefit from:
- Professional entrepreneurship training
- Personal mentoring
- Startup coaching
- Strong professional networks
- Access to Germany’s innovation ecosystem
- Business model development
- Greater visibility for female founders
- Preparation for future startup funding opportunities
The programme is designed to help women transform research, innovation, and early ideas into sustainable businesses.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Contact a participating university or research institution with a startup network.
- Confirm that their institution participates in the EXIST Women Programme.
- Prepare the required application documents.
- Submit their application through the participating institution.
- Work with their mentor and startup network throughout the programme if selected.
Important Note
Based on the information provided, the page describes the EXIST Women Programme and its structure, funding, and eligibility. However, it does not announce a specific 2027 application opening date or application deadline. Instead, applicants are encouraged to contact their university or research institution to learn about participation and local application procedures.
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