Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to apply for EXIST-Women 2025.

Goal

• You will receive financial support (3-month grant of up to €3,000/month and a one-off lump sum of €2,000 for materials).
• You are part of a 12-month network that gives you exclusive access to coaching, workshops and a great community of female founders, coaches and experts.
• During this period, you can validate your idea and take the next steps in the start-up process.

What is being funded?

• Innovative start-up projects and services - these can also be non-knowledge or technology-based.
• You can also (further) develop your entrepreneurial personality.

Who is being funded?

• Female students (you have a Bachelor's degree or have completed more than half of your studies)
• Academic staff
• Alumnae (you may have graduated more than 5 years ago)
• Women with vocational training
• You may work a maximum of 20 h/month if you would like the scholarship.
• Women who have previously received start-up funding from the federal or state governments (e.g. EXIST or Young Innovators) are not eligible for funding.
• You do not have to have studied at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences to apply to us. However, please first apply to the university where you completed your last degree!
• An idea is not a prerequisite! What is important is your motivation to be part of this great community and to want to make a difference!
• Coaching in English is available. However, you will need a basic understanding of the German language to participate in the workshops.

How is funding provided?

• Duration: 12 months (scholarship max. 3 months). The scholarship is optional.
• One-time material costs of € 2,000 (can be used for material resources or travel expenses, for example). The material costs are independent of the scholarship.
• Access to a comprehensive mentoring program with topic-specific workshops, e.g. on idea development, purpose, prototyping and business model development.
• You will have a (female) mentor at your side who will support you in your project.
• Exclusive community events for EXIST Women scholarship holders from the Stuttgart start-up ecosystem.