GO-Bio next
Supports life sciences startup projects by advancing R&D concepts to enable spin-offs and sustainable company development.
Testing your idea before the first application
Most public support programs assume you have already validated your idea and know who your team is. The Pre-Incubation Club is the step before that. Over a series of evenings, we take one question at a time, what makes a problem worth solving, what makes a solution good, how you find out whether anyone actually wants it, and you apply it to the idea you brought with you. No application, no selection, no cost. You leave each evening knowing which part of your idea you need to work on. And if you do not have an idea yet, come anyway, this is also where people find a team to join.
Program Overview
A series of evening sessions, one topic per evening, held in English in Berlin.
- Expert input, and time to apply it to your own idea
- A panel with founders and investors on the questions that usually stay private, what an idea is actually worth in equity, and when to hold on or pivot
- Free access to a digital entrepreneurship learning platform between sessions
- Visits to Berlin startup events
- Direct contact with our Science & Startups advisors who run Berliner Startup Stipendium, exist, and AI NATION
- No obligation. Come to one session, come to all of them, or stop after the first
Who it is for
Everyone. You do not need to be connected to one of Berlin's universities. Anyone with an idea that is not ready yet, including an idea you have not told anyone about. No prototype, no team, no business plan, no pitch deck required.
NOTE: Not designed for teams already in an incubation program. If that is you, you are past this point, talk to your advisor instead: Kontakt
How to join
No application. No selection. No deadline.
Sign up once and we will keep you updated: Pre-Incubation Club registration
Kickoff:
Thursday, 12 November 2026, 6–8 pm,
Salzufer 15/16, 10587 Berlin.
Sessions run roughly once a month after that.
Bring your own idea, if you have one.
We send about one email a month: the date, the venue and the topic of the next session. Nothing else — and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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Female Founder Support
With EXIST Women by Science & Startups, women* interested in or inclined towards founding businesses have the opportunity to become thoroughly familiar with business creation and self-employment. The program is aimed at graduates, scientists, students, and women* with professional qualifications and academic bockground not only but especially from Berlin's universities, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité, who want to found businesses either solo or in teams.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie) has launched this funding program to increase the proportion of female founders. The EXIST Women pilot project aims to support women* in developing business ideas to achieve greater diversity in startups and increase the quota of female founders.
This is a 10-month mentoring program that includes coaching, mentoring, qualification, and networking, along with individual support from mentors, a peer-learning program and material resources worth €2,000 per person, and a three-month scholarship of €2,500 for graduates (plus €150 for each child).
The program is divided into 3 phases:
- Training and workshops, mentor matching, scholarship
- Business modelling, mentoring, mindset training
- Possible follow-up financing, individual coaching, mentoring.
Additionally: Accompanying events and activities, workspace in our incubators, a peer-learning program with other participants, as well as individual coaching and intensive startup consulting in the incubator.
The current program started on March 1, 2026 and runs until November 30, 2026. Scholarship payments are made for 3 months, and the material resources allowance is paid as a one-time payment. Compliance with the funding conditions is required (see below).
We use the term "women" as defined by the program's official funding guidelines. Science & Startups recognizes that gender is not binary and welcomes applicants of all gender identities who meet the program's eligibility criteria.
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Applications for the new EXIST Women round 2027 are approximately possible in December 2026.
All application processes begin with a 15-minute consultation with one of our startup consultants.
Conditions for receiving a scholarship are:
- You have no income or work maximum 20 hours/week: This condition only applies to receiving the three-month scholarship.
- Simultaneous funding through a scholarship with the startup grant from the employment agency is not possible.
- You have not previously completed an EXIST Startup Scholarship, Berlin Startup Scholarship, or similar startup funding programs.
- You have not founded a company at the time of application.
- A valid visa is mandatory for the entire duration of the funding.
The scholarship amount depends on your qualification level and is distributed as follows:
- Students (minimum bachelor's degree or 50 % of studies completed): € 1,000
- Women* with completed vocational training: € 2,000
- Graduates with university degree: € 2,500
- Women* with doctorate: € 3,000
Please also check all other funding conditions on the funding provider's website.
We look forward to your application!
Growing an AI Startup
The AI NATION Accelerator is a six-month program for incorporated AI startups with demonstrable traction that are ready to grow, iterating on piloting, go-to-market approaches, and company building towards product-market fit. AI NATION is a nationwide platform built on the founding partners AI+MUNICH and K.I.E.Z. Berlin, with Science & Startups, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité among its network partners.
The program is part of exist and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). It provides up to €10,000 in non-dilutive funding per team, with no equity taken, along with a dedicated coach, tailored support in product development and fundraising preparation, coworking space in Berlin or Munich, and a Demo Day to present to investors and ecosystem leaders.
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Applications for the next AI NATION Accelerator will be open in Q1 2027.
Please also check all other funding conditions on the funding provider's website.
We look forward to your application!
Supporting high-potential life sciences startups from research to market
GO-Bio Next is a funding initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to support promising, research-oriented start-up projects in the field of life sciences. The programme is aimed at high-risk, cost-intensive projects with proven “proof of principle” and high commercialization potential, which are brought to market maturity through structured funding.
Program Objectives
- Technology Transfer: Enable the development of cutting-edge research in the life sciences into marketable products and services.
- Startup Support: Provide robust support to research teams aiming to launch sustainable businesses based on scientific innovation.
- Economic Growth: Promote scientific breakthroughs that contribute to economic growth, innovation, and Germany's global competitiveness.
Program Structure
GO-Bio Next is structured into two sequential funding phases:
Phase I: Technical and Business Development
- Objective: Advance research results with startup potential by developing prototypes and preparing for business formation.
- Duration: More than 30 months.
- Funding:
- Non-repayable grants covering personnel expenses for more than 4 full-time positions.
- Up to €2.500,000 for material resources, including equipment, consumables, and external services.
- Activities:
- Develop functional prototypes or demonstrators.
- Address technical and regulatory requirements for commercialization.
- Create a comprehensive business plan and prepare for company formation.
Phase II: Business Launch and Market Entry
- Objective: Support further development, business operations, and market entry.
- Duration: Up to 36 months.
- Funding:
- Non-repayable grants covering project-related costs.
- Private co-financing is required to secure this phase of funding.
- Activities:
- Finalize product development and refine technology.
- Start marketing and sales activities.
- Secure external funding from investors or financial institutions.
- Expand business operations and enter the market.
Criteria for eligibility for funding:
- Applicants: research teams from German universities and research institutions who wish to establish a startup.
- Prerequisites:
- Proof of the fundamental viability of the project.
- The project addresses a major need in life sciences and requires public funding due to high risk and technological immaturity.
- Commitment to commercialize the research results by founding a startup.
Application process with the support of Science & Startups:
- Preparation of a detailed project proposal outlining the technological innovation, development plan and business strategy.
- Applications for funding phase I are submitted by one of Berlin's leading universities
Application Deadlines and Start Dates
- Application Deadlines: March 15 and September 15.
- Earliest Start Date: 10 months after application.
exist Forschungstransfer
exist Forschungstransfer is a funding program by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF). The program supports outstanding, research-based Deep Tech startup projects with a demonstrated proof of principle, such as a functional laboratory prototype, that require high-risk, cost-intensive development to reach market readiness.
The program is technology-open, covering fields such as AI and machine learning, robotics, life sciences and medtech, greentech and climate tech, quantum technologies, and advanced materials.
Program Objectives
- Technology Transfer: Facilitate the transformation of innovative research results into commercially viable products and services.
- Startup Support: Provide comprehensive assistance to research teams in establishing successful businesses based on their scientific findings.
- Economic Growth: Foster innovation and entrepreneurship to contribute to economic development and competitiveness in Germany.
Program Structure
exist Forschungstransfer is structured into two sequential funding phases:
Phase I: Technical and Business Development
- Objective: Advance research results with startup potential by developing prototypes and preparing for business formation.
- Duration: Usually up to 18 months, extendable to up to 36 months for especially demanding development projects.
- Funding: Non-repayable grants covering personnel expenses for up to 4 full-time positions, plus up to €250,000 for material resources, including equipment, consumables, and external services.
- Activities: Develop market-ready prototypes or demonstrators, address technical questions related to product and process implementation, formulate a comprehensive business plan, and prepare for company formation, including market analysis and strategy development.
Phase II: Business Launch and Market Entry
- Objective: Continue development work, initiate business operations, and prepare for external financing.
- Duration: Up to 18 months.
- Funding: Non-repayable grants covering project-related costs, up to €180,000, but at most 75% of the project-specific costs.
- Activities: Finalize product development and refine technology, start marketing and sales activities, secure external funding from investors or financial institutions, and expand business operations and enter the market.
Criteria for eligibility for funding
- Applicants: Research teams from Berlin's universities and research institutions who wish to establish a startup.
- Prerequisites: Proof of the fundamental viability of the project. The development work is high-risk and cost-intensive. Commitment to commercialize the research results by founding a startup.
Application process with the support of Science & Startups
- Preparation of a detailed project proposal outlining the technological innovation, development plan, and business strategy.
- Applications for Phase I are submitted through one of Berlin's leading universities, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, or Technische Universität Berlin.
Application Deadlines and Start Dates
- Phase I Applications: Deadlines: March 31, August 31, and November 30 each year. Earliest Start Date: Approximately 6 months after application submission.
All application processes begin with a 15-minute consultation with one of our startup consultants.
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Please also check all other funding conditions on the funding provider's website.
We look forward to your application!
Starting a business from AI research
The AI NATION Grant supports early-stage AI founder teams before company formation, helping them validate their idea, build a first prototype, and prepare for incorporation. AI NATION is a nationwide platform built on the founding partners AI+MUNICH and K.I.E.Z. Berlin, with Science & Startups, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité among its network partners. The program is part of exist and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
Funding, Track Record & Support
The AI NATION Grant provides up to €45,000 in founder scholarships per team over six months: €2,500/month for full-time founders and €1,200/month for part-time founders, for up to three funded founders, plus a €150/month child supplement. Teams also get a dedicated coach from day one, access to AI experts and mentors, coworking space in Berlin or Munich, and partner credits from companies including Microsoft, Google, AWS, and NVIDIA.
Who can apply
- Early-stage AI founder teams not yet incorporated (no GmbH, UG, AG, SE, or KGaA)
- At least two committed co-founders, with AI and engineering expertise within the core team
- A solution where AI is the core enabling technology, not an add-on
- A team based in Germany with an eligible visa
- Alignment with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal
What happens after the Grant
Teams that are still pre-incorporation after completing the Grant can continue with programs such as exist or the Berliner Startup Stipendium. Once incorporated, they can apply to the AI NATION Accelerator.
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Applications for the next AI NATION Grant open in Q1 2027.
All application processes begin with a 15-minute consultation with one of our startup consultants.
Please also check all other funding conditions on the funding provider's website.
We look forward to your application!
exist Gründungsstipendium
exist Gründungsstipendium supports founders from Berlin's universities and research institutions in the initial stages to transform their startup ideas into successful businesses.
Starting a business from science
The exist Startup Grant, officially exist Gründungsstipendium, supports researchers, graduates, and students at Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin before and at the start of their company formation. The program funds the creation of a viable business plan and the development of market-ready products or services, provided the idea is innovative, technology-oriented or knowledge-based, with clear unique selling points and strong prospects for economic success.
Funding, Track Record & Support
The stipend runs for twelve months and is staggered by qualification level, from €1,000/month for students up to €3,000/month for PhD holders, plus a €150/month child supplement, up to €30,000 in material funding for teams (€10,000 for individual founders), and a €5,000 coaching budget. exist Gründungsstipendium is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF). Since 2007, the program has awarded over 3,000 scholarships, with a founding rate of over 86% and around 80% of funded startups still active after five years.
Application Timing
Applications for exist Gründungsstipendium are possible year-round, with new funding rounds starting at the beginning of each month. All application processes begin with a 15-minute consultation with one of our startup consultants.
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All application processes begin with a 15-minute consultation with one of our startup consultants.
Please also check all other funding conditions on the funding provider's website.
We look forward to your application!
Female Founder Support
With EXIST Women by Science & Startups, women* interested in or inclined towards founding businesses have the opportunity to become thoroughly familiar with business creation and self-employment. The program is aimed at graduates, scientists, students, and women* with professional qualifications and academic bockground not only but especially from Berlin's universities, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité, who want to found businesses either solo or in teams.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie) has launched this funding program to increase the proportion of female founders. The EXIST Women pilot project aims to support women* in developing business ideas to achieve greater diversity in startups and increase the quota of female founders.
This is a 10-month mentoring program that includes coaching, mentoring, qualification, and networking, along with individual support from mentors, a peer-learning program and material resources worth €2,000 per person, and a three-month scholarship of €2,500 for graduates (plus €150 for each child).
The program is divided into 3 phases:
- Training and workshops, mentor matching, scholarship
- Business modelling, mentoring, mindset training
- Possible follow-up financing, individual coaching, mentoring.
Additionally: Accompanying events and activities, workspace in our incubators, a peer-learning program with other participants, as well as individual coaching and intensive startup consulting in the incubator.
The current program started on March 1, 2026 and runs until November 30, 2026. Scholarship payments are made for 3 months, and the material resources allowance is paid as a one-time payment. Compliance with the funding conditions is required (see below).
We use the term "women" as defined by the program's official funding guidelines. Science & Startups recognizes that gender is not binary and welcomes applicants of all gender identities who meet the program's eligibility criteria.
-
Applications for the new EXIST Women round 2027 are approximately possible in December 2026.
All application processes begin with a 15-minute consultation with one of our startup consultants.
Conditions for receiving a scholarship are:
- You have no income or work maximum 20 hours/week: This condition only applies to receiving the three-month scholarship.
- Simultaneous funding through a scholarship with the startup grant from the employment agency is not possible.
- You have not previously completed an EXIST Startup Scholarship, Berlin Startup Scholarship, or similar startup funding programs.
- You have not founded a company at the time of application.
- A valid visa is mandatory for the entire duration of the funding.
The scholarship amount depends on your qualification level and is distributed as follows:
- Students (minimum bachelor's degree or 50 % of studies completed): € 1,000
- Women* with completed vocational training: € 2,000
- Graduates with university degree: € 2,500
- Women* with doctorate: € 3,000
Please also check all other funding conditions on the funding provider's website.
We look forward to your application!
For Berlin‘s Startup Teams
With the Berliner Startup Stipendium, Science & Startups supports founders who want to turn research driven ideas into scalable ventures that contribute to technological sovereignty, social cohesion and democratic stability.
Current Batch of Berliner Startup Stipendium:
Bridging the Health Data Gap - Batch IV on FemTech
Applications for Batch IV are now open and close on November 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
The program officially starts on January 4, 2027, with an official Boot Camp Day, followed by a Welcome Day on January 5, 2027.
All application processes begin with a 15-minute consultation with one of our startup consultants. Book your consultation here: Kontakt
** This batch is aimed at science-based ventures developing technologies and health solutions related to characteristics of female biological sex – such as anatomy, physiology, the endocrine system, or reproductive health. The defining criterion is the biological focus, not the gender identity or gender of the users. These solutions are intended for all people who have these physical characteristics – women as well as trans, intersex, and non-binary people **
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What the Program Offers
What you get:
• 2,500 EUR per person/month stipend
• 6 or 12 months funding (Fast Track or Long Track)
• Structured incubation aligned with the KTH Innovation Readiness Level model
• Individual mentoring by our Science & Startups Consultants
• Workshops, 1:1 consultations and expert sessions via the Science & Startups Academy
• Access to university labs, prototyping facilities and research infrastructure
• Integration into the Science & Startups and JUNI innovation ecosystem
Key requirements:
• Apply as a team of 2 up to 4 founders
• Main residence in Berlin
• Full-time commitment (no employment or full-time studies)
• Early-stage / first-time founders
We strongly encourage applications from international and diverse founders. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. A valid residence permit for Germany is required at the time of funding.
Science & Startups will help you along your journey!
Info Sessions & Consultation
Learn more about the Berliner Startup Stipendium Batch IV on Bridging the Health Data Gap and get your questions answered before applying.
- Info Session #2 (women only): Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 12:00 PM
- Info Session #3: Thursday, October 22, 2026, 8:00 PM
Mandatory advisory consultation: A one-on-one consultation with our startup consultants is required for every application. The last opportunity to book yours is Monday, November 2, 2026.
Applications close on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 12:00 PM.
The overall program of Berliner Startup Stipendium is open to ideas from all disciplines.
Selected Batches will be organized around strategically relevant priority fields, including:
- Life Sciences and Digital Health
- Immersive Technologies and Robotics
- Quantum Systems and Cybersecurity
- Circular Economy and CleanTech
- Additive Manufacturing and Innovative Construction
- and additional emerging fields of scientific and societal relevance
FAQ regarding
Here you'll find frequently asked questions regarding the program.
GO-Bio next
Yes, the initial draft (Projektskizze) for the first phase can be written in English. The formal application (Antrag), which is submitted after the the first selection step based on the initial draft, must be written in German, whereby the detailed description of the work plan (Vorhabenbeschreibung) and the read deck may be written in English.
Yes, a direct entry into Phase 2 of the GO-Bio Next program is possible if certain conditions are met:
- Founding Date: The startup was established no more than three years ago as a spin-off from a university or research institution.
- Usage Rights: The startup holds the rights for the commercial utilization of the R&D approach.
- Equity Contribution: The required equity contribution for the planned research activities can be provided by the startup.
- Location: At the time of funding disbursement, the startup must have a business location or branch in Germany.
Yes, after completing Phase 1 of the EXIST Transfer of Research, you can apply directly for Phase 2 of the GO-Bio next program. To do so, submit a project outline by the respective deadlines on March 15 or September 15 of each year.