EXIST Women Programme 2027 in Germany | Funding, Mentorship, Startup Support & How to Apply
Overview
The EXIST Women Programme 2027 is a German government-backed initiative designed to encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship and launch innovative startups from the idea stage. Funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus, the programme is delivered through participating universities and research institutions across Germany. It provides up to 10 months of structured startup support to help women transform innovative concepts into viable business opportunities.
Who can apply
The programme is open to women interested in entrepreneurship who have an initial business idea. Eligible applicants generally include female undergraduate students who have completed at least half of their studies, master students, graduates, PhD researchers, scientists, and female employees at universities and research institutions. Applicants who have already established corporate entities such as a UG, GmbH, or AG before applying are generally not eligible. International women enrolled at eligible German institutions may qualify depending on the requirements of the specific participating institution.
What you get
Participants receive up to 10 months of structured support, which includes individual mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship workshops, business model development, startup coaching, market validation support, and membership in the exclusive EXIST Women Community. Each funded participant receives €2,000 for startup-related expenses such as prototype development, technical equipment, travel expenses, coaching, workshop participation, and startup materials. Eligible participants may also receive an additional scholarship for up to three months, along with an extra €150 per child per month for participants with children, as determined by the participating institution.
How to apply
Applicants do not apply directly to the central programme. Instead, candidates must find a participating university or research institution, contact its startup or entrepreneurship center, and submit an application according to local requirements. Applications typically involve preparing a motivation letter, a description of the business idea, and supporting academic information to complete the local selection process.
Key dates
Application deadlines are determined individually by each participating university or research institution. While many institutions open applications during the first quarter of the year, dates vary and applicants should check the schedule of their preferred institution in advance.