The EXIST Transfer of Research (EXIST-Forschungstransfer) funding program provides support to outstanding research-based startup projects, that are involved in expensive and high risky research and development work. EXIST Transfer of Research is an funding program run by German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and is co-financed by the European Social Fund. 

The EXIST Transfer of Research consists of two phases of funding:

• Phase I of funding: Funds from EXIST Transfer of Research can finance personnel expenses/costs for up to four positions as well as expenses/costs on materials and equipment. Material and equipment expenses/costs may include, for example, commodities, consumables, investment goods, proprietary rights, market research as well as contract awarding and instances of coaching. Student assistants may also be financed. Expenses/costs relating to student assistants and materials/equipment are eligible for funding up to an amount of 250,000 euro. The period of funding is generally up to 18 months. A period of funding of up to 36 months may be granted in the case of highly innovative as well as development proposals that are verified to be particularly time consuming and have the explicit consent of an expert jury.
• Phase II of funding: During phase II of funding, a non-repayable grant of up to 180,000 euro can be granted. This, however, may be at most 75% of the specific cost of the project. As a prerequisite for receiving funding, the business makes its own means available and if applicable, equity capital in the ratio of 1:3 (up to 60,000 euro). Phase II of funding should generally not exceed a period of 18 months.

Target groups:

Research teams at universities and research institutes (a maximum of three academics and technical assistants) and one person with managerial competence.

Requirements for funding:

• An innovative idea concerning a product, process, or method that is especially challenging or sophisticated in technical terms and whose feasibility has not yet been verified Enlargement of the team is possible after 6 months with one in business administration skilled person.
• Members of the team of researchers must have an academic degree at the least The first academic grad for the Members of the research team is required
• The project manager must prove experience in project management
• The idea must be submitted to the higher education institution in the form of a project sketch that is suitable for evaluation
• The project must be supervised by a mentor from the higher education institution

Funding Application:

• Applications for Phase I of funding are submitted by the university.
• Submission of project proposals is possible on a continuous basis, but they are collected by March 31, August 31 and November 30 of each year (In case you are interested please contact Profund Innovation 3-4 month prior to application deadlines)

Contact
Dr. Stefan Knoll
Tel:  (030) 838-602 68
Email: stefan.knoll@fu-berlin.de