EXIST-Women

A central component of the German government’s start-up strategy is to promote female founders and strengthen diversity in the start-up landscape. By continuing EXIST-Women, the German government is setting an example in this regard. The funding line includes events, consulting and support services, as well as financial grants for prospective female founders. The KIT and more than 100 other universities have successfully qualified for this funding.

Who is the programme for?

Applications are open to female graduates, scientists and students who have completed at least half of their studies, as well as women who have completed vocational training and are connected to the KIT. A specific start-up idea is not mandatory for the application. The decisive factors for awarding the scholarships are the motivation, creativity and innovative ability of the applicants.

The programme is open to ideas and disciplines of all kinds – from deep-tech start-ups to social innovations. Before the start of participation, neither the establishment of a corporation nor the start of business activities may have taken place.

What does the programme entail?

12-month support programme

Participants acquire in-depth knowledge of start-up-related topics such as personal development, idea generation, prototyping, validation, market analysis, business model development and networking. Events take place at our premises in Karlsruhe or at our partner universities. In addition to voluntary offers, there are also compulsory seminars.

Financial support

The amount of financial support depends on various factors and ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 euros per month. The scholarship can be combined with other funding provided certain conditions are met. All participants will receive a one-time payment of 2,000 euros for material expenses, regardless of the scholarship. These include, for example, participation fees for events, travel expenses or coaching that will help to implement their projects.

Please note for the optional scholarship: A simultaneous combination with another scholarship, active employment or a funding programme to finance the participants’ living expenses is excluded.

Network

The participants benefit from individual consultations and the knowledge of experienced experts. The programme also creates an exclusive network in which women can learn from each other and share their experiences.

Application 2026

The application deadline for 2026 has passed.

We are happy to assist you at any time with our general offers or our Female Founders Network. If you have any questions, please contact femalefounders@irm.kit.edu directly.