More than half of your founding team must identify as female. For a team of two, that means both members; for three, at least two; for four, at least three. We also welcome non-binary applicants.

The scholarship is paid as a gross amount. The fulfillment of legal obligations (taxes, social security contributions, health insurance, etc.) that may arise as a result of the scholarship is the responsibility of the scholarship recipient. We strongly recommend contacting the responsible tax office early for any questions.

Application documents should preferably be submitted in German, as the project language is German. By prior arrangement, the documents may be completed in English. The concept paper (Ideenpapier) and the pitch deck may be submitted in English. The online application form must be filled out in German.

No. For the Berlin Startup Scholarship, it does not matter how long ago your university degree was completed.

Scholarship recipients should preferably have a completed university degree. The Berlin Startup Scholarship is a full-time scholarship. A scholarship recipient cannot pursue studies or employment in parallel.

If the startup has already been founded (trade register entry), participation is unfortunately not possible.

Scholarship recipients are responsible for their own insurance coverage. They must independently arrange health insurance, long-term care insurance, and, if applicable, pension insurance. The scholarship is a gross amount — any social security contributions and tax obligations must be covered by the scholarship recipients themselves. We recommend setting aside reserves for these costs early on.

In principle, yes — additional funding sources such as prize money, business angel investments, or other grants are welcome and even encouraged. However, double funding is not permitted: the BSS cannot be received simultaneously with the EXIST startup grant or another BSS scholarship. Repeated funding through the BSS is also excluded.

Yes, international students and graduates can apply, provided they hold a valid residence permit that allows self-employed activity. Please check with the relevant immigration authority (Auslaenderbehorde) in advance whether your residence title permits participation in the scholarship.

No, there are no age limits or nationality restrictions. The program is co-financed by ESF funds and is subject to European anti-discrimination law. All individuals who meet the other eligibility requirements can apply — regardless of age, origin, or gender.