EXIST-WOMEN
exist Women is a support program for aspiring female entrepreneurs run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK), which is coordinated at Heidelberg University by the transfer agency hei_INNOVATION.
Ten female scholarship holders from various disciplines can participate in this program, which offers targeted training, individual coaching, exchanges with mentors, and access to an exclusive network. In addition, a scholarship of up to €9,000 will be awarded for a period of three months. Starting in March 2026, the scholarship holders will receive support for ten months.
Who can apply?
- Female graduates, scientists, students who have completed at least half of their studies, and women who have completed vocational training and have a connection to Heidelberg University.
- 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 program is open to ideas and disciplines of all kinds – from deep-tech start-ups to social innovations.
- Before participation begins, neither the founding of a corporation nor the start of business activities may have taken place.
Application and schedule overview
- Application start date: November 7, 2025
- Application deadline: January 25, 2026
- Feedback on application: by February 6, 2026
- Program start date: March 1, 2026
- Scholarship duration: 12 months
Please note:
The application process will start subject to the final funding approval, which is expected to take place in mid-December. Applications can already be submitted; however, binding scholarship commitments can only be made after the funding has been approved.
Workshops and events
Participants in the exist Women Program receive comprehensive expertise on topics relevant to starting a business, including personal development, idea generation, prototyping, validation, market analysis, business models, and networking. The corresponding workshops are tailored to the needs of the scholarship recipients at the beginning of the funding period.
In order to strengthen the exchange between scholarship recipients, (prospective) founders, scientists, investors, and other stakeholders in the ecosystem, hei_INNOVATION organizes numerous events during the funding period, such as the Female Founders Brunch.
12-month support program
Three-month scholarship (optional*):
The financial support amounts to €1,000 per month for female students in the second half of their studies, €2,000 for women who have completed vocational training, €2,500 for female graduates, and €3,000 for female doctoral graduates. It is possible to combine the scholarship with other forms of support, provided that certain conditions are met.
*The optional three-month scholarship to cover living expenses requires that the recipient either has no income or works a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Material resources:
In addition to the scholarship, participants receive a one-time payment of €2,000 for material resources, such as event participation fees, travel expenses, and coaching, to finance their projects. Participants who do not qualify for the three-month scholarship also receive material resources.
Mentoring:
Participants will have access to experienced experts and receive personal advice.
Network:
By participating in the program, the women form a select network and benefit from each other's knowledge and experience.
Workstation in a co-working space:
Participants have the opportunity to use a workspace at the hei_INNOVATION Startup Hub.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Amina Daca: amina.daca@uni-heidelberg.de