The scholarship for
women founders.
EXIST Women supports women on their way to founding a company.
The program
EXIST Women is aimed at female graduates (degrees may also date back more than 5 years), scientists, students (bachelor’s degree or ≥ half of the coursework completed) and women with vocational training and a connection to the university who are interested in the topic of founding a company, who want to take part in a 12-month qualification program and who would also like to work alongside other founders in the co-working space.
Participation is also possible while studying or working. A concrete startup idea can exist, but is not mandatory. Ideas that are not science- or research-based but are aimed at later economic activity are also supported. A previous company foundation is an exclusion criterion.
How is it funded?
- Female founders receive a scholarship for three months depending on their qualification: students: €1,000 (gross) | completed vocational training: €2,000 (gross) | completed studies: €2,500 (gross) | doctorate: €3,000 (gross)
- The Startup Incubator Berlin provides workspaces, a prototype workshop and further infrastructure for 12 months.
- Support from our SIB-internal coaching team as well as from an experienced business mentor from our network for 12 months.
- Participation in the EXIST Women workshop program
Who is funded?
- The goal of EXIST Women is to increase the proportion of female founders in the startup scene.
- You do not need to have a concrete startup idea to apply. It can be developed and tested over the course of the program.
- In addition to founding innovative startups, the program also supports women on their path to self-employment.
- Both individual founders and team foundations can apply. In mixed teams, however, only the women can receive funding.
What needs to be observed?
- Participation in EXIST Women may exclude participation in the Berlin Startup Scholarship program, as participants are qualified as entrepreneurs through the program.
- EXIST Women can be used specifically to prepare for an EXIST Startup Grant, and the application can be submitted during the program.
Application process
Your path to funding
Below we outline the process of your application for an EXIST Women scholarship via the Startup Incubator Berlin. For detailed questions about your individual situation, we are always happy to help.
Applicants must register for and take part in the Lean Startup Sprint / Female Edition from 17 to 28 November 2025, so that they and we have the opportunity to get to know each other. From 6 October you can apply for this free two-week workshop format on our Lean Startup Sprint page. (Please do not register for the sprint in September!). There are no requirements for participation, other than motivation and a love of learning. At the end of the sprint, we invite all interested women to the selection pitch for EXIST Women. A jury then decides which applicants are admitted to the program. There will be no feedback for the participants who are not admitted. The jury evaluates according to the following qualitative requirements:
- Motivation and team spirit
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Presentation skills
- Prospects of economic success: this assesses the potential profitability and the long-term success of the proposed business idea.
Successful participation in the Lean Startup Sprint / Female Edition is a prerequisite for participation in the selection pitch (50% attendance). The decision on participation in the program is made in the week after the sprint.
All selected participants are subsequently informed about the exact sequence of the support program.
Frequently asked questions
About the programme
Who is EXIST Women aimed at?
At female graduates (including those whose degree dates back further), scientists, students (bachelor’s degree or at least half of the coursework completed) as well as women with vocational training and a connection to the university who are interested in the topic of founding a company.
What else is part of the program?
For 12 months: a workspace, prototype workshop and infrastructure at the Startup Incubator Berlin, support from our coaching team and an experienced business mentor, as well as participation in the EXIST Women workshop program.
Does EXIST Women exclude other programs?
Participation may exclude the Berlin Startup Scholarship, as participants are qualified as entrepreneurs. EXIST Women can, however, be used specifically to prepare for an EXIST Startup Grant — the application can be submitted during the program.
Participation & eligibility
Do I already need a concrete startup idea?
No. You do not need to have a concrete idea to apply — it can be developed and tested over the course of the 12-month program. Ideas that are not science- or research-based are also supported.
Can I take part alongside my studies or job?
Yes, participation is also possible while studying or working.
Can teams apply as well?
Yes, individual founders as well as teams. In mixed teams, however, only the women receive funding.
Are there any exclusion criteria?
Yes. A company foundation that has already taken place is an exclusion criterion.
Funding & application
How high is the scholarship?
For three months, depending on qualification (gross): students €1,000, completed vocational training €2,000, completed studies €2,500, doctorate €3,000.
How does the application work?
Applicants register for the free Lean Startup Sprint / Female Edition and take part in it (at least 50% attendance). At the end of the sprint a selection pitch follows, through which a jury decides on admission.
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