Berliner Startup Stipendium 2026: programs, deadlines and eligibility

Berliner Startup Stipendium at a glance

Updated 8 October 2026, checked against the official Berlin sources listed below.

What is the Berliner Startup Stipendium?

The Berliner Startup Stipendium (BSS), in English the Berlin Startup Scholarship, is a State of Berlin program co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). It pays a personal stipend to early-stage, technology-based founders while they build their startup inside one of 10 approved Berlin incubators.

How much does the Berliner Startup Stipendium pay?

Up to €2,500 gross per founder per month for 6 to 12 months; each incubator sets the exact length. Incubators also provide workspace, labs, coaching and mentoring.

Does the Berliner Startup Stipendium take equity or have to be paid back?

No. It is a grant: it takes no equity and is not repaid. The amount is gross, so tax and health insurance remain the founder's responsibility.

Who can apply for the Berliner Startup Stipendium?

Founders with a technology-based idea at prototype stage or a comparable development stage, who work on it full-time in Berlin and have not received EXIST or a comparable founder stipend before. Incorporating during the stipend is allowed. A separate BSS Women track funds teams that are at least 51% women.

Can solo founders apply for the Berliner Startup Stipendium?

Yes, but only at some incubators. Team rules are set per incubator: 4 of the 10 current incubators accept solo founders, and the others expect a team, usually 2 to 5 people. BSS Match shows which ones accept solo founders.

Is the Berliner Startup Stipendium full-time?

Yes. Founders commit 35 to 40 hours a week, generally on site at the incubator. A parallel job or full-time studies are usually excluded or strictly limited, so confirm any side work with the incubator before applying.

Do I need to live in Berlin to get the Berliner Startup Stipendium?

Your main residence must be registered in Berlin for the whole funding period. You can apply before moving, but registration is needed by the start of funding, and some incubators ask for it at final approval. Non-EU founders also need a residence permit for the funding period that allows self-employment or startup activity.

How and when do I apply for the Berliner Startup Stipendium?

You apply directly to one of the 10 incubators during its batch window. The second funding call (about €31 million for roughly 680 founders) runs in batches until 2028. As of 8 October 2026, the earliest open batch closes on 4 November 2026 and more batches open between late November and December 2026.

Can I get the Berliner Startup Stipendium and EXIST at the same time?

No. BSS cannot be combined with the EXIST Business Start-up Grant, and having received EXIST or a comparable founder stipend before usually rules you out.