EXIST – Transfer of Research

EXIST – Transfer of Research is part of a support program run by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and co-financed by the European Union Social Fund. It provides support for outstanding research-based business start-up projects involving complex and high-risk development work. EXIST-Transfer of Research entails two funding phases:

Who is eligible for support?

Research teams at universities and research institutions (max. 3 persons). After 6 months the team can be expanded to include an additional person possessing experience of business administration. Applications can only be submitted by the respective university or extramural research institution.

What can be funded?

Developmental work to assess the technical viability of the project, the development of prototypes, the formulation of business plans, and the actual founding of the enterprise.

What form does funding take?

Funding of personnel costs for up to 3 researchers and a grant of up to 50,000 euros to finance material expenses, patent applications, coaching measures for members of the research or start-up team, subcontracts for the validation of research results and under certain circumstances also for equipment.

The funding period is limited to 18 months.

Deadline for applications is 31st December 2010.

Who is eligible for support?

Technology-based enterprises founded in the course of Phase I.

What can be funded?

Ongoing developmental work up to market maturity and the start of business activities or until such time as the prerequisites for external follow-up financing have been established.

What form does funding take?

Grant of up to 150,000 euros; at most, however, 75 % of project-related costs.

Further information can be obtained from EXIST- Transfer of Research