A range of funding opportunities for innovative ideas and start-ups originating in science are available from the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. We can help you explore which programs are suitable for you and assist you with the application process. Arrange a funding consultation with our innovation manager Till Schlusen here. 

Start-Up transfer.NRW

The Programm „START-UP transfer.NRW“ is available for:

• Founders from North Rhine-Westphalian universities and non-university research institutions based in North Rhine-Westphalia

• Market-oriented further development of products, services, and processes (validation, proof of concept, prototyping). Preparation for starting a business by further developing a business plan for the start-up and early growth phase

• Project-related advice from a coach (mandatory).

• The GUIDE start-up coaches are happy to provide project-related advice. Get in touch with us!

Further information regarding START-UP Transfer.NRW:  PDF (German).

EXIST Gründerstipendium

The EXIST start-up grant offers start-up teams the opportunity to develop a business plan over a period of 12 months on attractive terms and to prepare for the launch of their business with the support of their university or research institution.

The most important requirement is that the planned business idea is an innovative, technology-oriented, or knowledge-based product with significant unique selling points and good prospects for economic success.

Further information regarding EXIST Gründerstipendium:  Überblick (German).

EXIST Forschungstransfer

EXIST-Forschungstransfer consists of two phases:

1. Funding phase: Here, research results with start-up potential are to be further developed with the aim of clarifying issues relating to the implementation of scientific results in technical products and processes. In addition, the business idea based on this is to be developed into a business plan and preparations made for the planned start-up of the company.

2. Funding phase: Here, the focus is on further development work, the commencement of business activities, and preparations for external corporate financing.

Further information regarding EXIST Forschungstransfer: PDF (German).

Gründungsstipendium NRW

The Gründungsstipendium NRW offers founders the opportunity to get their innovative business ideas off the ground. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization, and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia supports every founder who is about to start or has just started a business with a monthly grant of €1,200 for a maximum of one year.

In addition, founders have the opportunity to exchange ideas in founder networks and receive individual coaching.

Contact:

Till Schlusen

Telefon: +49 (0)203 379 3794
E-mail: till.schlusen (at) uni-due.de