EXIST Women at University of Bonn
One year of intensive support on your way to become a female founder - that's what a new program of Transfer Center enaCom offers, funded by "EXIST Women" from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Up to 10 women interested in founding a company receive specific qualifications, individual coaching, exchange with mentors and access to an exclusive network. And best of all: In addition, there is a scholarship for 3 months with the total amount of up to 9,000 euros. The first cohort at the University of Bonn started in fall 2023. The call for applications for a program start in 2025 is now open until January 5, 2025!
First questions about the program?
Call open until 5.1.25!
Applications for EXIST Women funding can be submitted until 5 January 2025. Please use this PDF template and upload it via the online application form.
Who can participate?
The following members of the University of Bonn: female graduates, female scientists, female students from the second half of their bachelor's degree. Women with a professional degree and a connection to the University of Bonn.
Applications are possible with or without a start-up idea. What counts is your motivation, your creativity and your innovative strength.
The program is open to all topics and technologies. It doesn't matter if it is about high-tech, service or social innovation: All ideas and disciplines are welcome.
Please note: The foundation of a corporation and/or the start of business activities must not have already taken place before the start of participation. Women who have already received EXIST Women funding in the past are not eligible to apply.
Why should you participate?
9-month accompanying program
In our 9-month accompanying program (partly in German), you will receive comprehensive expertise relevant to founding a company. This includes workshops in the areas of personal development, idea generation, prototyping, validation, market analysis, business models, and networking. You will go through all stages: from the mere idea of becoming a founder to the finished product or service with the corresponding validation.
Admission to the EXIST-Women program is a prerequisite for the scholarship.
3 months scholarship
You will receive up to 3 months of financial support through the EXIST-Women scholarship:
Monthly 1000,- € for female students in the 2nd half of their studies.
Monthly 2000,- € for women with completed vocational training.
Monthly 2500,- € for female graduates.
Monthly 3000,- € for women with a doctorate.
Condition: A simultaneous combination of the scholarship with another scholarship, active employment over 20 hours per week or a support program to finance the livelihood of the founders is not possible.
Mentoring
We will put you in touch with experienced experts and give you exclusive and personal advice.
Network
You form a selected network with other participants and benefit from their knowledge and experience.
2,000 euros for material resources
In addition to the scholarship, you will receive a one-time grant of € 2000 for materials (participation fees for events, travel expenses, coaching) to finance your project.
Workplace in a Co-Working Space
You can take advantage of a Co-Working workspace through the Transfer Center enaCom of the University of Bonn.
How does the application process work?
02.12.2024-05.01.2025 (23:59)
Opening of the application portal
27.01.2025
Selection interviews with the selection panel
18.02.2025
Kick-off of the new group
The services, procedures and deadlines listed above are subject to funding approval for the EXIST Women programme at the University of Bonn.
Closing Ceremony 2024
"Women's networks provide that special support and energy for prospective female founders," said Özlem Doger-Herter, founder and coach, at the closing ceremony for the first cohort of the EXIST Women program from the Transfer Center enaCom, that took place on December 3rd, 2024 at DIGITALHUB.
The participants from 2023/24
The first round of EXIST Women started in 2023 with 16 participants from the University of Bonn. The Transfer Centre enaCom supported the women over the course of a year with workshops, mentoring, networking and, in some cases, financial support on their way to founding a company.
Information on the funding line
EXIST-Women gives women at participating universities who are interested in setting up a business and have an affinity for entrepreneurship the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the topics of setting up a business and self-employment at an early stage. EXIST Women is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.
Kontakt
Anna Villwock
