From the idea to the start-up
03/10/2026The University of Würzburg supports women interested in setting up their own business with the "EXIST-Women" funding programme. Applications are possible until 30 April 2026.
EXIST-Women is part of the nationwide EXIST funding programme and is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The programme is aimed at female students with a Bachelor's degree or at an advanced stage of their studies, graduates, scientists and university employees.
A concrete business idea is not a prerequisite for the application. "EXIST-Women offers women the opportunity to develop ideas for a company and systematically develop them into a start-up, even if they are still at the beginning," emphasises Dr Iris Zwirner-Baier, Head of the Service Centre for Research and Technology Transfer at the University of Würzburg.
Five scholarships will be awarded
The University awards up to five scholarships with a duration of three months. The monthly funding is staggered according to the level of qualification. The participants can also receive material resources. The scholarship holders are supported by the Service Centre for Research and Technology Transfer (SFT).
The scholarship programme is accompanied by various qualification offers such as workshops, coaching formats and a mentoring programme. In addition, participants are given access to a nationwide network of female founders.
Further information on funding conditions and the application process can be found on the website of the Service Centre for Research and Technology Transfer. Questions about the programme can be answered by start-up consultant Andreas Veber at gruenden@uni-wuerzburg.de.
Contact
Dr Korinna Thiem, Department 1.5 Service Centre for Research and Technology Transfer,
T +49 931 31-89957 ; korinna.thiem@uni-wuerzburg.de
Additional images
