{"schemaVersion":"1.0","name":"German, Dutch and EU founder funding routes","description":"Equity-free and early-stage funding routes for founders in Berlin, Leipzig/Saxony, Amsterdam/Netherlands, Germany and the EU: stipends, grants, loans, coaching and accelerators, with eligibility, blockers, deadlines and sources.","publisher":{"name":"stipendium.berlin","url":"https://stipendium.berlin"},"homepage":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding","feedUrl":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding-routes.json","license":"CC BY 4.0 — cite stipendium.berlin and link the program url","licenseUrl":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","citation":"When you use these facts, link the program's `url` on stipendium.berlin and its `officialUrl`.","disclaimer":"Orientation, not an eligibility decision. Facts were checked against the listed sources on verifiedOn; entries with confidence 'low' rely partly on secondary sources. Always confirm current conditions on officialUrl. Independent project, not affiliated with any funding provider.","lastVerified":"2026-10-09","count":82,"programs":[{"id":"berliner-startup-stipendium","name":"Berlin Startup Stipendium","nameLocal":"Berliner Startup Stipendium","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/berliner-startup-stipendium","officialUrl":"https://www.berlin.de/sen/web/presse/pressemitteilungen/2026/pressemitteilung.1653813.php","region":"berlin","regionLabel":"Berlin","provider":"State of Berlin (SenWiEnBe) with ESF+; delivered via 10 partner incubators","type":"stipend","recipient":"any","moneyType":"personal","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":2500,"currency":"EUR","period":"month","text":"Up to EUR 2,500/month per person for 6 to 12 months (length set by incubator); incubators also provide workspace, labs, coaching and mentoring"},"duration":"6 to 12 months, depending on incubator","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":null,"fullTimeRequired":true,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Main residence in Berlin for the whole stipend period","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any","deep_tech","digital"],"eligibility":["Technology-based business idea with at least a prototype or comparable development stage","Teams usually 2 to 5 people (HTW route: 2 to 4); solo eligibility not stated and varies by incubator","Full-time participation (35 to 40 h/week), generally on site at the incubator","Main residence in Berlin for the whole funding period","No previous EXIST or comparable founder stipend","Incorporating during the stipend is allowed","BSS Women track for teams with at least 51% women (at least EUR 6.6m of the EUR 31m budget)","Apply to one of the 10 incubators in its batch window"],"commonBlockers":["No prototype yet","Not full-time","No Berlin main residence","Already received EXIST or another founder stipend","Applying to an incubator route that does not accept solo founders"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":"2026-11-04","opensOn":null,"text":"Second call (EUR 31m, ~680 founders) runs in incubator batches to 2028. Two batches are open now (earliest closes 4 Nov 2026) and three more open between late Nov and Dec 2026. BSS Match shows which incubator fits and its exact dates."},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.berlin.de/sen/web/presse/pressemitteilungen/2026/pressemitteilung.1653813.php","https://www.berlin.de/sen/wirtschaft/gruenden-und-foerdern/gruendungs-und-startup-foerderung/finanzielle-foerderung/zuschuesse/20260420_eng_uebersicht_berlinde_final.pdf","https://www.berlin.de/sen/wirtschaft/gruenden-und-foerdern/gruendungs-und-startup-foerderung/finanzielle-foerderung/zuschuesse/2.-foerdercall.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Facts from the March 2026 press release, the official incubator overview (as of 20 Apr 2026) and the 2nd call document: EUR 2,500/month cap, 6 to 12 months, full-time, Berlin residence, prototype stage, no prior EXIST stipend. Batch dates per incubator are from the April 2026 overview; some entries there contain obvious typos (BIA, WISTA), so check dates with the incubator. The call document is addressed to the incubators; founder conditions are on its pages 4 to 7. Solo eligibility is not stated centrally; the overview names solo female founders only for BSS Women.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Berlin Startup Scholarship – programme basics and list of project partners","url":"https://www.berlin.de/sen/wirtschaft/gruenden-und-foerdern/gruendungs-und-startup-foerderung/finanzielle-foerderung/zuschuesse/20260420_eng_uebersicht_berlinde_final.pdf","language":"en","version":"2026-04-20","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":1,"text":{"en":"You need at least an initial business plan and a prototype or prototype-like process","de":"Nötig sind mindestens ein erster Businessplan und ein Prototyp oder prototypähnliches Verfahren","ru":"Нужны хотя бы первый бизнес-план и прототип или аналогичная разработка"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Founding teams are usually 2 to 5 people; incubators select in their own competitions","de":"Gründungsteams meist 2 bis 5 Personen; Inkubatoren wählen in eigenen Wettbewerben aus","ru":"Команды обычно из 2–5 человек; инкубаторы отбирают в собственных конкурсах"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"BSS Women: female solo founders or teams with at least 51% women; childcare support","de":"BSS Women: Gründerinnen oder Teams mit mindestens 51 % Frauen; Unterstützung bei Kinderbetreuung","ru":"BSS Women: основательницы или команды минимум с 51 % женщин; помощь с уходом за детьми"}}]},{"title":"2. Aufruf (Fördercall) zur Einreichung von Anträgen – Berliner Startup Stipendium & Berliner Startup Stipendium Women","url":"https://www.berlin.de/sen/wirtschaft/gruenden-und-foerdern/gruendungs-und-startup-foerderung/finanzielle-foerderung/zuschuesse/2.-foerdercall.pdf","language":"de","version":null,"checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":7,"text":{"en":"Stipend max EUR 2,500 per person per month","de":"Stipendium max. 2.500 € pro Person und Monat","ru":"Стипендия не более 2 500 € на человека в месяц"}},{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Main residence in Berlin for the whole stipend, shown by registration certificate or ID","de":"Hauptwohnsitz während des gesamten Stipendiums in Berlin, Nachweis per Meldebescheinigung oder Ausweis","ru":"Основное место жительства в Берлине на весь срок, подтверждение справкой о регистрации или ID"}},{"page":5,"text":{"en":"Full-time participation, 35 to 40 hours per week","de":"Teilnahme in Vollzeit, 35 bis 40 Stunden pro Woche","ru":"Участие на полный день, 35–40 часов в неделю"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"You must declare no prior EXIST or comparable founder stipend","de":"Sie müssen erklären, kein EXIST- oder vergleichbares Gründungsstipendium erhalten zu haben","ru":"Нужно заявить, что вы не получали EXIST или аналогичную стипендию"}},{"page":5,"text":{"en":"Founding a company during the stipend is allowed and encouraged","de":"Gründung während des Stipendiums ist jederzeit möglich und erwünscht","ru":"Регистрировать компанию во время стипендии можно и приветствуется"}}]}]},{"id":"exist-gruendungsstipendium","name":"EXIST Business Start-up Grant","nameLocal":"EXIST-Gründungsstipendium","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/exist-gruendungsstipendium","officialUrl":"https://www.ptj.de/projektfoerderung/exist/gruendungsstipendium","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"BMWE / Projektträger Jülich (applied via host university)","type":"stipend","recipient":"team","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":1000,"max":3000,"currency":"EUR","period":"month","text":"Per person per month for 12 months: EUR 3,000 (PhD), 2,500 (graduates), 2,000 (vocational qualification), 1,000 (students); + EUR 150 per child; + materials up to EUR 10,000 (solo) or 30,000 (team); + EUR 5,000 coaching"},"duration":"12 months","stages":["idea","prototype"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":true,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":true,"residence":null,"requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any","deep_tech","digital"],"eligibility":["Researchers, graduates or former academic staff (up to 5 years after degree or leaving), or students with at least half of their studies done (students only as part of a team)","Teams of up to 3; one member may have a vocational qualification or an older degree","The university or research institution (founding network) submits the application to PtJ","Innovative product or service with good economic prospects","Company may only be founded after funding starts","No other stipend, employment or living-cost funding at the same time (paused job/sabbatical is OK); paid side work max 20 h/month","Teams made up mostly of students are funded only in exceptional cases"],"commonBlockers":["No university/research link","Already incorporated","Employed or on another stipend at the same time","Paid side work over 20 hours per month","No host institution willing to sponsor"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"No fixed deadlines; the host institution can submit at any time, and funding can start 3 months after a complete application. The current guideline accepts applications until 31 Dec 2027 (guideline in force until 31 Dec 2029)."},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.ptj.de/projektfoerderung/exist/gruendungsstipendium","https://www.ptj.de/lw_resource/datapool/systemfiles/cbox/1426/live/lw_file/richtlinie-egs-18-04-2023-281-29.pdf","https://exist.de/programm/gruendungsstipendium/antragsstellung/","https://www.exist.de/EXIST/Navigation/DE/Gruendungsfoerderung/EXIST-Gruendungsstipendium/exist-gruendungsstipendium.html"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"PtJ page and the guideline of 11 Apr 2023 (BAnz 18 Apr 2023) read: amounts, eligibility, 20 h/month side-work limit, no parallel stipend or job. The guideline says applications can be filed until 31 Dec 2027 and the guideline runs to 31 Dec 2029; the PtJ page shows the programme period to 2029. exist.de confirms rolling submission via the host institution. The old exist.de URL now shows a general programme overview, so the PtJ page is used as the official URL.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Richtlinie zur Förderung von Unternehmensgründungen (EXIST-Gründungsstipendium) im Rahmen des Programms „Existenzgründungen aus der Wissenschaft“","url":"https://www.ptj.de/lw_resource/datapool/systemfiles/cbox/1426/live/lw_file/richtlinie-egs-18-04-2023-281-29.pdf","language":"de","version":"2023-04-11","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Per month: EUR 3,000 PhD, 2,500 graduate, 2,000 vocational, 1,000 student; +EUR 150 per child","de":"Pro Monat: 3.000 € Promotion, 2.500 € Hochschulabschluss, 2.000 € Berufsausbildung, 1.000 € Studium; +150 € pro Kind","ru":"В месяц: 3 000 € PhD, 2 500 € выпускник, 2 000 € профобразование, 1 000 € студент; +150 € на ребёнка"}},{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Materials up to EUR 10,000 (solo) or 30,000 (team), plus up to EUR 5,000 coaching; max 3 people","de":"Sachausgaben bis 10.000 € (allein) oder 30.000 € (Team), plus bis 5.000 € Coaching; max. 3 Personen","ru":"Материалы до 10 000 € (один) или 30 000 € (команда) и до 5 000 € на коучинг; не более 3 человек"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Degree or last university/research job no more than 5 years ago; students need half their studies done","de":"Abschluss oder letzte Hochschul-/Forschungsstelle max. 5 Jahre her; Studierende mit halbem Studium","ru":"Диплом или последняя работа в вузе/НИИ не старше 5 лет; студенты — пройдена половина учёбы"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Company may be founded during funding, but not before the project starts","de":"Gründung im Verlauf der Förderung zulässig, aber nicht vor Projektbeginn","ru":"Компанию можно основать во время финансирования, но не до старта проекта"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"No parallel stipend, job or living-cost funding; paid side work max 20 hours per month","de":"Kein paralleles Stipendium, keine Beschäftigung; entgeltliche Nebentätigkeit max. 20 Std./Monat","ru":"Нельзя совмещать с другой стипендией или работой; подработка не более 20 часов в месяц"}},{"page":7,"text":{"en":"Applications can be filed until 31 Dec 2027; guideline valid until 31 Dec 2029","de":"Förderanträge bis 31.12.2027 möglich; Richtlinie gilt bis 31.12.2029","ru":"Заявки принимаются до 31.12.2027; правила действуют до 31.12.2029"}}]}]},{"id":"exist-women","name":"EXIST Women","nameLocal":"EXIST Women","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/exist-women","officialUrl":"https://exist.de/programm/women/","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"BMWE / Projektträger Jülich with participating universities and research institutions","type":"coaching","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":2000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 2,000 material budget per participant plus mentoring, workshops and coaching; some participants also get a stipend of up to 3 months (EUR 1,000 to 3,000/month by qualification, + EUR 150 per child), at the host's discretion"},"duration":"up to 10 months","stages":["idea"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":true,"residence":null,"requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":true},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Women students (at least 50% of degree completed), graduates, researchers, staff of universities or research institutions, or women with a vocational qualification","First founding idea, early stage is fine","Apply through a participating university or research institution, not to EXIST directly","No corporation (e.g. UG, GmbH) founded before the project starts; founding during the programme is allowed","Not if you already had, or now have, another EXIST start-up grant or a state grant for innovative start-ups","Stipend only for 3 months without income or with at most 20 h/week of paid work; not combinable with other living-cost funding","Mandatory two-day in-person seminar in Berlin or Munich"],"commonBlockers":["No connection to a participating institution","Already founded a corporation","Already received EXIST or a state founder grant","Working more than 20 h/week (no stipend)"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Each participating institution sets its own call, often in the first quarter of the year. Institutions applied for the 2027 round by 30 Sep 2026; one more institution round closes 30 Sep 2027, the last under the current guideline. Founder calls for the 2027 cohort are expected from late 2026 / early 2027."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://exist.de/programm/women/","https://exist.de/programm/women/bewerbung/","https://exist.de/programm/women/antragsstellung/","https://exist.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Richtlinie-EXIST-Women-vom-21-11-2024.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"exist.de and the guideline of 4 Nov 2024 (BAnz 21 Nov 2024) read: EUR 2,000 material budget, optional stipend of up to 3 months, eligibility, exclusion after other EXIST or state founder grants, and that founders apply via participating institutions. exist.de gives up to 10 months for participants; the guideline sets one year per funded institution. Founder call dates are host-specific and not published centrally.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Richtlinie zur Förderung von Unternehmerinnen in der Vorgründungsphase (EXIST-Women)","url":"https://exist.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Richtlinie-EXIST-Women-vom-21-11-2024.pdf","language":"de","version":"2024-11-04","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Material budget up to EUR 2,000 per founder (lump sum)","de":"Sachmittel bis zu 2.000 € pro Gründerin (pauschal)","ru":"Бюджет на материалы до 2 000 € на основательницу (паушально)"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Stipend for 3 months only if you earn nothing or work at most 20 h/week","de":"Stipendium für 3 Monate nur ohne Einkommen oder mit max. 20 Std./Woche Erwerbsarbeit","ru":"Стипендия на 3 месяца только без дохода или при работе не более 20 ч в неделю"}},{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Stipend per month: EUR 1,000 student, 2,000 vocational, 2,500 graduate, 3,000 PhD; +EUR 150 per child","de":"Stipendium pro Monat: 1.000 € Studium, 2.000 € Ausbildung, 2.500 € Abschluss, 3.000 € Promotion; +150 €/Kind","ru":"Стипендия в месяц: 1 000 € студентка, 2 000 € профобр., 2 500 € выпускница, 3 000 € PhD; +150 €/ребёнок"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"No company (Kapitalgesellschaft) may exist at project start; founding during the project is allowed","de":"Bei Projektbeginn darf keine Kapitalgesellschaft gegründet sein; Gründung im Verlauf zulässig","ru":"На старте проекта не должно быть компании (Kapitalgesellschaft); основать во время можно"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Not possible after another EXIST start-up grant or a state grant for innovative start-ups","de":"Nicht möglich nach anderer EXIST-Gründungsförderung oder Landesförderung für innovative Gründungen","ru":"Нельзя, если уже была другая поддержка EXIST или земельный грант для инновационных стартапов"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"Institutions apply by 30 Sep each year, last time 30 Sep 2027; founders apply via the institution","de":"Hochschulen beantragen bis 30. September jedes Jahres, zuletzt 2027; Gründerinnen bewerben sich dort","ru":"Вузы подают заявку до 30 сентября каждого года, последний раз в 2027; основательницы — через вуз"}}]}]},{"id":"gruendungsbonus-plus","name":"GründungsBONUS Plus","nameLocal":"GründungsBONUS Plus","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/gruendungsbonus-plus","officialUrl":"https://www.ibb.de/de/foerderprogramme/gruendungsbonus.html","region":"berlin","regionLabel":"Berlin","provider":"State of Berlin / IBB Business Team","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":50000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"50% grant of eligible costs, max EUR 50,000 (de minimis), paid as reimbursement in up to 4 instalments"},"duration":"expenses within 2 years of application","stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Company seat and funded site in Berlin for at least 3 years after final payment","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Profit-oriented start-up (trade business, freelancer or corporation) formally established at application","Micro-enterprise, not older than 18 months at application","Founders together hold more than 50% of shares and run the company","Innovative technological, digital, creative or social business model (strong sustainability can offset weaker innovation)","Excluded: construction, gastronomy and hotels (unless an ecological, sustainable-food or energy-efficiency innovation) and retail (except mail order and some sustainable products)","Eligible: materials and investments, operating costs, salaries up to EUR 2,000 gross/month per person, external services","Founder salaries max 25% and all personnel costs max 60% of total eligible costs","Apply online before signing contracts for funded investments"],"commonBlockers":["Company older than 18 months","Own contribution of 50% not available","Contracts signed before application","Excluded sector","Not innovative enough"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Open; applications accepted until 30 Sep 2027 (guideline of 16 Jan 2026, valid until 31 Dec 2027)."},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.ibb.de/de/foerderprogramme/gruendungsbonus.html","https://www.ibb.de/media/dokumente/foerderprogramme/wirtschaftsfoerderung/gruendungsbonus-plus/richtlinie-gruendungsbonus-plus.pdf","https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Land/Berlin/gruendungsbonusplus-unterstuetzung-aufbau-startup.html"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"IBB page and the guideline of 16 Jan 2026 read: 50% up to EUR 50,000, 18-month age limit, more than 50% founder ownership, Berlin seat for 3 years, founder salaries max 25% and personnel max 60% of eligible costs, applications until 30 Sep 2027. Reimbursement-based, so costs must be pre-financed. The guideline PDF has no page numbers; facts cite its sections.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Richtlinie des Landes Berlin zur Förderung von Unternehmensgründungen (Startups) im Rahmen des Programms „Gründungsbonus Plus“","url":"https://www.ibb.de/media/dokumente/foerderprogramme/wirtschaftsfoerderung/gruendungsbonus-plus/richtlinie-gruendungsbonus-plus.pdf","language":"de","version":"2026-01-16","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":null,"text":{"en":"50% of eligible costs, max EUR 50,000; costs must arise within 2 years (section 5.2)","de":"50 % der zuwendungsfähigen Kosten, max. 50.000 €; Kosten innerhalb von 2 Jahren (Ziffer 5.2)","ru":"50 % допустимых расходов, максимум 50 000 €; расходы в течение 2 лет (п. 5.2)"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Company max 18 months old at online application, fewer than 10 employees (section 3.1)","de":"Unternehmen bei Online-Antrag max. 18 Monate alt, weniger als 10 Beschäftigte (Ziffer 3.1)","ru":"Компании не больше 18 месяцев на момент заявки, менее 10 сотрудников (п. 3.1)"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Founders hold more than 50% of shares (section 3.1)","de":"Gründer halten mehr als 50 % der Gesellschaftsanteile (Ziffer 3.1)","ru":"Основателям принадлежит более 50 % долей (п. 3.1)"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Salaries max EUR 2,000 gross/month per person; founder costs max 25%, personnel max 60% (5.2)","de":"Gehälter max. 2.000 € brutto/Monat pro Person; Gründerkosten max. 25 %, Personal max. 60 % (5.2)","ru":"Зарплаты до 2 000 € брутто в месяц на человека; основатели до 25 %, персонал до 60 % (5.2)"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"No project start before the application arrives; signed supply contracts are not eligible (4.1)","de":"Kein Projektbeginn vor Antragseingang; bereits geschlossene Lieferverträge nicht förderfähig (4.1)","ru":"Нельзя начинать до подачи заявки; уже подписанные договоры поставки не финансируются (4.1)"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Seat stays in Berlin at least 3 years after final payment; apply by 30 Sep 2027 (4.3, 8)","de":"Sitz mind. 3 Jahre nach Schlusszahlung in Berlin; Antrag bis 30.09.2027 (4.3, 8)","ru":"Компания остаётся в Берлине минимум 3 года после последней выплаты; заявка до 30.09.2027 (4.3, 8)"}}]}]},{"id":"pro-fit-fruehphase","name":"Pro FIT Early-Stage Financing","nameLocal":"Pro FIT / Frühphasenfinanzierung","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/pro-fit-fruehphase","officialUrl":"https://www.ibb.de/de/foerderprogramme/pro-fit-fruehphasenfinanzierung.html","region":"berlin","regionLabel":"Berlin","provider":"State of Berlin / IBB","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"conditional","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":null,"max":500000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Up to 100% of eligible costs, max EUR 500,000. Phase 1 (up to EUR 200,000): 50% grant, 50% loan (usually interest-free). Phase 2: loan only. Loans up to 10 years, no collateral"},"duration":"up to 4 years (phase 1 up to 1 year, phase 2 up to 3 years)","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Company (Kapitalgesellschaft) with registered seat in Berlin","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","digital","life_science"],"eligibility":["Newly founded technology-oriented small company, organised as a corporation (e.g. GmbH/UG) with seat in Berlin; register entry not yet required","Company max. 12 months old at application (phase 2 only: max. 24 months, no profits distributed)","Founders hold at least 75%; business angels up to 25%; no institutional investors at application","At least one experienced mentor who invests (usually min. 5% of the funding, at least EUR 10,000)","Planned R&D anchor project with technical risk","Eligible: management/admin staff, general equipment, operating costs; phase 1 also R&D, marketing and sales staff preparing the anchor project"],"commonBlockers":["Company older than 12 months","No investing mentor","Institutional investor already on the cap table","Project not technologically innovative","Not a corporation","Starting before IBB approves early start"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Continuous application via the IBB customer portal; funding committee decides monthly. Current rules apply to applications received by 31 Dec 2027."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.ibb.de/de/foerderprogramme/pro-fit-fruehphasenfinanzierung.html","https://www.ibb.de/media/dokumente/foerderprogramme/wirtschaftsfoerderung/profit/profit-fruehphasenfinanzierung/profit_db_fruehphase.pdf","https://www.ibb.de/media/dokumente/foerderprogramme/wirtschaftsfoerderung/profit/profit-fruehphasenfinanzierung/checkliste_profit_fruehphase.pdf","https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Land/Berlin/pro-fit-fruehphasenfinanzierung.html"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"IBB programme page, the implementing rules in force from 1 Jan 2026 (valid for applications received by 31 Dec 2027) and the IBB document checklist read. Förderdatenbank still shows the expired 2021 rules. Solo founders are not excluded if they set up a corporation, but a mentor-investor is required.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Durchführungsbestimmungen „Pro FIT Frühphasenfinanzierung“ (Zuschüsse und Darlehen zur Frühphasenfinanzierung von Technologieunternehmen)","url":"https://www.ibb.de/media/dokumente/foerderprogramme/wirtschaftsfoerderung/profit/profit-fruehphasenfinanzierung/profit_db_fruehphase.pdf","language":"de","version":"2026-01-01","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Max EUR 500,000 per company; phase 1 up to EUR 200,000","de":"Max. 500.000 € je Unternehmen; Phase 1 bis 200.000 €","ru":"Максимум 500 000 € на компанию; фаза 1 до 200 000 €"}},{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Phase 1: half grant, half loan (can be interest-free); phase 2: loan only; up to 10 years, no collateral","de":"Phase 1: hälftig Zuschuss und Darlehen (ggf. zinslos); Phase 2: nur Darlehen; bis 10 Jahre, ohne Sicherheiten","ru":"Фаза 1: половина грант, половина заём (может быть беспроцентным); фаза 2: только заём; до 10 лет, без залога"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Company (Kapitalgesellschaft, Berlin seat) max 12 months old at application; phase 2 only: 24 months","de":"Kapitalgesellschaft mit Sitz in Berlin, bei Antrag max. 12 Monate alt; nur Phase 2: 24 Monate","ru":"Компания (Kapitalgesellschaft, Берлин) не старше 12 месяцев при подаче; только фаза 2: 24 месяца"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Founders hold at least 75%; business angels up to 25%; no institutional investors at application","de":"Gründer halten mind. 75 %; Business Angels bis 25 %; keine institutionellen Investoren bei Antrag","ru":"Основателям не менее 75 %; бизнес-ангелам до 25 %; без институциональных инвесторов при подаче"}},{"page":3,"text":{"en":"At least one mentor must invest, usually 5% of the funding, minimum EUR 10,000","de":"Mind. ein Mentor muss investieren, i. d. R. 5 % der Förderung, mindestens 10.000 €","ru":"Минимум один ментор должен инвестировать, обычно 5 % суммы, не менее 10 000 €"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"Start work only after IBB has received the application and agreed","de":"Beginn erst nach Antragseingang bei der IBB und deren Zustimmung","ru":"Начинать можно только после получения заявки IBB и её согласия"}}]},{"title":"Pro FIT - Frühphasenfinanzierung: Allgemeine Checkliste","url":"https://www.ibb.de/media/dokumente/foerderprogramme/wirtschaftsfoerderung/profit/profit-fruehphasenfinanzierung/checkliste_profit_fruehphase.pdf","language":"de","version":null,"checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":1,"text":{"en":"For the eligibility check: financial plan (FrühphasenFinanzplaner), business plan, full CV","de":"Für die Prüfung: Finanzplan (FrühphasenFinanzplaner), Businessplan, vollständiger Lebenslauf","ru":"Для проверки: финплан (FrühphasenFinanzplaner), бизнес-план, полное резюме"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Short description of the R&D anchor project incl. state of the art and technical risk","de":"Kurzbeschreibung des FuE-Ankerprojekts inkl. Stand der Technik und Projektrisiko","ru":"Краткое описание R&D-проекта (Ankerprojekt), включая уровень техники и риски"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Mentor details, draft articles with shareholder list, copy of registration filing, SME declaration","de":"Angaben zum Mentor, Gesellschaftsvertrag-Entwurf mit Gesellschafterliste, Gründungsanmeldung, KMU-Erklärung","ru":"Данные о менторе, проект устава со списком участников, копия заявки на регистрацию, декларация МСП"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Before approval: signature sheet, trade/tax registration, proof of GoBD-compliant bookkeeping","de":"Vor Bewilligung: Unterschriftsprobenblatt, Gewerbe-/Finanzamtsanmeldung, Nachweis GoBD-Konformität","ru":"До одобрения: образцы подписей, регистрация бизнеса/в налоговой, подтверждение учёта по GoBD"}}]}]},{"id":"gruendungszuschuss","name":"Start-up Subsidy (Gründungszuschuss)","nameLocal":"Gründungszuschuss (§93 SGB III)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/gruendungszuschuss","officialUrl":"https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/arbeitslosengeld/gruendungszuschuss-beantragen","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"Bundesagentur für Arbeit (local Agentur für Arbeit)","type":"benefit","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"personal","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"month","text":"6 months: last ALG I amount + EUR 300/month for social insurance; then optionally 9 months EUR 300/month (separate application). Tax-free"},"duration":"6 + 9 months","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":null,"requiresBenefit":"alg1","womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Receiving ALG I with at least 150 days of remaining entitlement when self-employment starts","Self-employment as main occupation (at least 15 h/week; other work must be less)","Expert opinion on viability (fachkundige Stelle, e.g. IHK, HWK, bank, consultancy)","Apply and get approval before starting","Discretionary benefit, no legal entitlement","Generally not available if you quit your job yourself to found","Not if a previous founder subsidy from the agency ended less than 24 months ago","Phase 2 (9 months x EUR 300) needs a written report showing intensive, full-time business activity"],"commonBlockers":["Less than 150 days ALG I left","Business already started","Quit own job (self-caused unemployment)","Agency rejects (discretionary)","On Grundsicherung instead of ALG I (Einstiegsgeld route applies)","Previous founder subsidy less than 24 months ago"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"No deadline; apply while on ALG I and before starting the business."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/arbeitslosengeld/gruendungszuschuss-beantragen","https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/arbeitslosengeld/existenzgruendung-gruendungszuschuss","https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/dok_ba024940.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Official BA page and BA guidance on §§ 93, 94 SGB III (valid from 13 Sep 2023) read: 150 days remaining ALG, main occupation of at least 15 h/week (not strictly full-time), expert opinion, ALG + EUR 300 for 6 months then EUR 300 for 9 months, discretionary, 24-month wait after a previous founder subsidy. If ALG is blocked by a Sperrzeit after quitting, the guidance says the application is generally refused. The guidance PDF page labels are inconsistent, so facts carry no page numbers.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Fachliche Weisungen (FW) zum Gründungszuschuss, §§ 93, 94 SGB III","url":"https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/dok_ba024940.pdf","language":"de","version":"2023-09-13","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":null,"text":{"en":"At least 150 days of ALG entitlement must remain when self-employment starts","de":"Restanspruch auf Arbeitslosengeld von mindestens 150 Tagen bei Aufnahme der Selbständigkeit","ru":"При старте бизнеса должно оставаться не менее 150 дней права на ALG"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"6 months: last ALG + EUR 300/month; then up to 9 months EUR 300/month","de":"6 Monate: zuletzt bezogenes ALG + 300 €/Monat; danach bis zu 9 Monate 300 €/Monat","ru":"6 месяцев: последний ALG + 300 € в месяц; затем до 9 месяцев по 300 € в месяц"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Phase 2 only with a written report showing intensive, full-time business activity","de":"Zweite Phase nur mit schriftlichem Bericht über intensive, hauptberufliche Geschäftstätigkeit","ru":"Вторая фаза — только с письменным отчётом об интенсивной основной деятельности"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Needed: business description, CV, capital and financing plan, expert opinion (fachkundige Stelle)","de":"Nötig: Beschreibung des Vorhabens, Lebenslauf, Kapitalbedarfs- und Finanzierungsplan, fachkundige Stellungnahme","ru":"Нужны: описание проекта, резюме, план капитала и финансирования, заключение fachkundige Stelle"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Excluded if a previous founder subsidy ended less than 24 months ago","de":"Ausgeschlossen, wenn eine frühere Gründungsförderung vor weniger als 24 Monaten endete","ru":"Исключено, если прошлая поддержка основателя закончилась менее 24 месяцев назад"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Discretionary benefit: you are entitled only to a fair decision, not to the money","de":"Ermessensleistung: Anspruch nur auf ermessensfehlerfreie Entscheidung, nicht auf die Zahlung","ru":"Выплата на усмотрение агентства: право только на обоснованное решение, не на деньги"}}]}]},{"id":"einstiegsgeld","name":"Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld)","nameLocal":"Einstiegsgeld (§16b SGB II)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/einstiegsgeld","officialUrl":"https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/buergergeld/arbeit-finden/einstiegsgeld-fuer-selbststaendigkeit","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"Jobcenter","type":"benefit","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"personal","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":563,"currency":"EUR","period":"month","text":"Set case by case on top of Grundsicherungsgeld: base up to 50% of the standard rate (up to about EUR 281/month for a single person, 2026 rate EUR 563), plus 20% if unemployed 2+ years and 10% per extra household member; capped at the full standard rate. Alternatively a flat rate of up to 75% of the standard rate without supplements. Up to 24 months"},"duration":"up to 24 months","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Receiving Grundsicherungsgeld (SGB II) from your local Jobcenter","requiresBenefit":"buergergeld","womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Receiving Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld, SGB II)","Self-employment as main occupation (at least 15 h/week), not yet started","Personally suited; business plan shows you can leave benefits within 24 months","Documents: CV, business plan, financing plan, 3-year revenue and profit forecast; third-party assessment may be required","Discretionary decision of the Jobcenter, no legal entitlement"],"commonBlockers":["No SGB II entitlement","Business already started","Plan not judged viable within 24 months","Jobcenter discretion"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"No fixed dates; apply before starting the business."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/buergergeld/arbeit-finden/einstiegsgeld-fuer-selbststaendigkeit","https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/fw-sgb-ii-16b_ba034550.pdf","https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/weisung-202609002_ba059717.pdf","https://www.berlin.de/jobcenter-pankow/arbeit-und-ausbildung/existenzgruendung/","https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelles/nullrunde-buergergeld-2383676"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"BA page and the BA guidance on § 16b SGB II (valid from 3 Sep 2026) read. Bürgergeld became Grundsicherungsgeld from 1 Jul 2026; Einstiegsgeld continues. Sep 2026 guidance shortened the viability forecast for new businesses from 36 to 24 months and dropped de minimis rules. Main occupation means at least 15 h/week, not strictly full-time. 2026 standard rate EUR 563 confirmed by the Federal Government.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Fachliche Weisungen § 16b SGB II – Einstiegsgeld","url":"https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/fw-sgb-ii-16b_ba034550.pdf","language":"de","version":"2026-09-03","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":15,"text":{"en":"Base amount up to 50% of your standard rate (Regelbedarf)","de":"Grundbetrag bis zu 50 % des maßgebenden Regelbedarfs","ru":"Базовая сумма до 50 % вашей стандартной ставки (Regelbedarf)"}},{"page":16,"text":{"en":"+20% if unemployed 2+ years, +10% per extra household member; capped at full standard rate","de":"+20 % bei 2+ Jahren Arbeitslosigkeit, +10 % je weiterem Mitglied; höchstens voller Regelbedarf","ru":"+20 % при безработице от 2 лет, +10 % за члена семьи; не больше полной ставки"}},{"page":17,"text":{"en":"Or a flat rate up to 75% of the standard rate, without supplements","de":"Oder pauschal bis zu 75 % des Regelbedarfs, ohne Ergänzungsbeträge","ru":"Либо паушально до 75 % стандартной ставки, без надбавок"}},{"page":14,"text":{"en":"Paid for at most 24 months, from the day the business starts","de":"Längstens 24 Monate, ab dem Tag der Aufnahme der Tätigkeit","ru":"Не более 24 месяцев, с дня начала деятельности"}},{"page":9,"text":{"en":"Apply before you actually start working in the business","de":"Antrag vor der tatsächlichen Aufnahme der Erwerbstätigkeit","ru":"Подайте заявление до фактического начала работы в бизнесе"}},{"page":12,"text":{"en":"Bring business plan, CV, financing plan, 3-year revenue and profit forecast, needed licences","de":"Mitbringen: Businessplan, Lebenslauf, Finanzierungsplan, 3-Jahres-Umsatz- und Rentabilitätsvorschau, Genehmigungen","ru":"Нужны: бизнес-план, резюме, финплан, прогноз выручки и прибыли на 3 года, лицензии"}}]}]},{"id":"avgs-gruendercoaching","name":"Founder Coaching via AVGS voucher","nameLocal":"AVGS Gründungscoaching (§45 SGB III)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/avgs-gruendercoaching","officialUrl":"https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/arbeitslosengeld/existenzgruendung-gruendungszuschuss","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"Agentur für Arbeit / Jobcenter","type":"voucher","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Reasonable costs of an approved coaching measure paid by the agency via the voucher; scope and hours set on the voucher"},"duration":"voucher-dependent","stages":["idea","prototype"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":null,"requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Registered as unemployed, at risk of unemployment or job-seeking with the Agentur für Arbeit; Jobcenter clients ask the Jobcenter. Receiving benefits is not a legal requirement, but vouchers mostly go to benefit recipients","Not for people who are already self-employed as their main occupation (full-time freelancers and founders)","Purpose 'preparing for self-employment' (§45 Abs. 1 Nr. 4 SGB III)","Provider and measure must be approved under AZAV and listed in the BA coaching search","Discretionary: no legal entitlement for founder coaching","Voucher ends when you take up full-time self-employment, so use it before starting"],"commonBlockers":["Not registered with the agency","Already self-employed full time (e.g. registered freelancer working on the startup)","Voucher refused (discretionary)","Provider not AZAV-approved","Business already started"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Ongoing; request the voucher from your case worker before starting the business."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/dok_ba034670.pdf","https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/vor-ort/datei/avgs_ba245040.pdf","https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/arbeitslosengeld/existenzgruendung-gruendungszuschuss"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"BA guidance on §45 measures (valid from 1 Dec 2025) confirms the self-employment purpose, AZAV-approved providers, discretionary issue, and that approval ends when full-time self-employment starts. Eligible group (45.03): Ausbildungsuchende, von Arbeitslosigkeit bedrohte Arbeitsuchende und Arbeitslose; benefit receipt not required by law (8 Oct 2026). The co-pilot blocks it when the founder reports no benefits, since its only signal for agency registration is the benefits question. No BA page states a euro amount or coverage percentage. Rules for Jobcenter (SGB II) clients not confirmed on an official page.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Fachliche Weisungen MAT: Maßnahmen bei einem Träger nach § 45 SGB III","url":"https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/dok_ba034670.pdf","language":"de","version":"2025-12-01","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Coaching purpose 'Heranführung an eine selbständige Tätigkeit' (§ 45 para. 1 no. 4); reasonable costs paid","de":"Zweck „Heranführung an eine selbständige Tätigkeit“ (§ 45 Abs. 1 Nr. 4); angemessene Kosten übernommen","ru":"Цель «подготовка к самозанятости» (§ 45 абз. 1 п. 4); оплачиваются разумные расходы"}},{"page":5,"text":{"en":"For people registered as unemployed, at risk of unemployment, or seeking training","de":"Für Arbeitslose, von Arbeitslosigkeit bedrohte Arbeitsuchende und Ausbildungsuchende","ru":"Для безработных, находящихся под угрозой безработицы и ищущих обучение"}},{"page":9,"text":{"en":"Provider and course must be approved under AZAV","de":"Träger und Maßnahme müssen nach AZAV zugelassen sein","ru":"Провайдер и курс должны иметь допуск AZAV"}},{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Discretionary: the agency decides based on suitability and personal circumstances","de":"Ermessen: Agentur entscheidet nach Eignung und persönlichen Verhältnissen","ru":"На усмотрение агентства: решение по пригодности и личным обстоятельствам"}},{"page":18,"text":{"en":"Participation ends when unemployment ends, including starting full-time self-employment","de":"Teilnahme endet mit Ende der Arbeitslosigkeit, auch durch hauptberufliche Selbständigkeit","ru":"Участие заканчивается с концом безработицы, в т. ч. при начале основной самозанятости"}}]}]},{"id":"les-16c-sgb2","name":"Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c)","nameLocal":"Leistungen zur Eingliederung von Selbständigen (§16c SGB II)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/les-16c-sgb2","officialUrl":"https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/grundsicherung/arbeit-finden/existenzgruendung/leistungen-zur-eingliederung-von-selbstaendigen","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"Jobcenter","type":"grant","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":null,"amount":{"min":null,"max":5000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Usually a loan, grant only in individual cases (grants capped at EUR 5,000 per business; loans can be higher) for necessary business equipment; plus free coaching via third-party providers"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Receiving Grundsicherungsgeld (SGB II) from your local Jobcenter","requiresBenefit":"buergergeld","womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Receiving or entitled to Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld)","Starting, running or expanding self-employment as main occupation (at least 15 h/week)","Viability confirmed by a qualified body (form 'Empfehlung der fachkundigen Stelle')","No other funding available (bank loans, microloans, federal/state programmes)","Covers equipment such as computers, software, furniture, website/marketing, vehicles, tools, rental deposits; not running costs or old debts","Buy only items agreed with the Jobcenter in advance","Not for people topping up ALG I with SGB II (Alg-Aufstocker)","Loan repayment normally starts only once you no longer need benefits"],"commonBlockers":["No SGB II entitlement (on ALG I instead)","Purchase not necessary or reasonable","Bank financing available","Discretionary denial"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"No deadline; apply to the Jobcenter before purchasing."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/grundsicherung/arbeit-finden/existenzgruendung/leistungen-zur-eingliederung-von-selbstaendigen","https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/fw-16c-sgb-2_ba057902.pdf","https://www.berlin.de/jobcenter-pankow/arbeit-und-ausbildung/existenzgruendung/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"BA LES page and BA guidance on § 16c SGB II (valid from 20 Jul 2017, no end date) read: loans usually, grants in individual cases up to EUR 5,000 per business, 15 h/week minimum, viability within 24 months for new businesses, expert opinion (not needed up to EUR 500), other financing first, discretionary. The guidance still uses the term Alg II; the current BA page names no euro cap.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Fachliche Weisungen § 16c SGB II – Leistungen zur Eingliederung von Selbständigen","url":"https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/fw-16c-sgb-2_ba057902.pdf","language":"de","version":"2017-07-20","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Grants may not exceed EUR 5,000 per business; loans can be higher","de":"Zuschüsse dürfen 5.000 € pro Selbständigkeit nicht übersteigen; Darlehen können höher sein","ru":"Гранты не более 5 000 € на бизнес; займы могут быть больше"}},{"page":13,"text":{"en":"Usually a loan; grants preferred for smaller purchases; running costs not covered","de":"Im Regelfall Darlehen; Zuschuss eher bei kleineren Anschaffungen; laufende Kosten nicht gefördert","ru":"Обычно заём; грант скорее на мелкие покупки; текущие расходы не покрываются"}},{"page":9,"text":{"en":"New business must be viable within 24 months; expert opinion needed before the decision","de":"Neugründung muss in 24 Monaten tragfähig sein; Stellungnahme einer fachkundigen Stelle vorab","ru":"Новый бизнес должен стать жизнеспособным за 24 месяца; заранее нужно заключение эксперта"}},{"page":10,"text":{"en":"No expert opinion needed for support up to EUR 500","de":"Bis 500 € ist keine fachkundige Stellungnahme nötig","ru":"До 500 € заключение эксперта не требуется"}},{"page":12,"text":{"en":"Use other reasonable financing first, e.g. microloans","de":"Zuerst alle zumutbaren Alternativen ausschöpfen, z. B. Mikrokredite","ru":"Сначала нужно использовать другие варианты, например микрокредиты"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"Not for people topping up ALG I with SGB II benefits (Alg-Aufstocker)","de":"Nicht für Alg-Aufstocker (Arbeitslosengeld plus SGB II)","ru":"Не для тех, кто получает ALG I с доплатой по SGB II (Alg-Aufstocker)"}}]}]},{"id":"prototype-fund","name":"Prototype Fund","nameLocal":"Prototype Fund","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/prototype-fund","officialUrl":"https://www.prototypefund.de/en/application","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"Open Knowledge Foundation Germany with DLR Projektträger, funded by BMFTR","type":"grant","recipient":"any","moneyType":"personal","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":95000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Up to EUR 47,500 (individual) or EUR 95,000 (team) for 6 months; optional 4-month Second Stage up to EUR 31,667 (individual) or about EUR 63,000 (team)"},"duration":"6 months (+4 optional)","stages":["idea","prototype"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Individuals must live in Germany; team members may live elsewhere in the EU, team forms a GbR based in Germany after selection","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["open_source","digital"],"eligibility":["Individual developers or teams of up to 4 people, of legal age","Open-source software project (open hardware not eligible)","Companies, associations, universities and other institutions cannot apply","Focus areas: data security and software infrastructure","Second Stage must be requested in the original application","Hourly rate capped at EUR 50; a bank statement must show your own contribution"],"commonBlockers":["Not open source","Applying as a company or institution","Individual not living in Germany","Hardware project"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":"2026-11-30","opensOn":"2026-10-01","text":"Class 03 application phase 1 Oct to 30 Nov 2026 (open now)."},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.prototypefund.de/en/application","https://www.prototypefund.de/en/funding"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Application page read: Class 03 window 1 Oct to 30 Nov 2026, amounts, team size, residence and open-source rules. Class 03 selection and funding dates not yet published (Class 02 was funded 1 Jun to 1 Dec 2026). Team Second Stage cap is given as both EUR 63,000 and 63,333 on the site. Funding page still shows Class 02 dates.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"ibb-ventures-pre-seed","name":"IBB Ventures (B# Pre-Seed and VC funds)","nameLocal":"IBB Ventures B# Pre-Seed / VC-Fonds","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/ibb-ventures-pre-seed","officialUrl":"https://bsharp.vc/","region":"berlin","regionLabel":"Berlin","provider":"IBB Beteiligungsgesellschaft (IBB Ventures)","type":"investment","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":100000,"max":400000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"B# pre-seed: EUR 100k to 400k in convertibles (+EUR 100k if at least one female founder); IBB Ventures seed/Series A EUR 200k to 1m, follow-ons up to EUR 4m (6m in individual cases)"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":null,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Company headquartered in Berlin","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","digital","life_science"],"eligibility":["B#: Berlin deep-tech start-ups at pre-seed, typically up to 18 months old (digital tech, climate and energy, industrial transformation, sustainability, biotech/life sciences)","IBB Ventures funds (Tech, Creative, Impact): Berlin HQ, pre-seed to Series A, usually product and early product-market fit","Co-investment with private investors typical","Equity or convertible, not a grant"],"commonBlockers":["Not deep-tech (for B#) or not headquartered in Berlin","No product or early traction (for the main funds)","Business model not scalable"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling: apply any time via the application form (bsharp.vc for B#, ibbventures.de/en/apply for other funds); no calls."},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://bsharp.vc/","https://www.ibbventures.de/en/approach","https://www.ibbventures.de/llms.txt","https://www.berlin.de/sen/web/presse/pressemitteilungen/2025/pressemitteilung.1606817.php"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Read bsharp.vc, ibbventures.de and Berlin press release today. Old URL ibb-ventures.de has a broken certificate; site is ibbventures.de. B# is a EUR 10m fund, about 50 investments over 4 years. Equity investment, not runway grant. Whether incorporation is needed at application is not stated (B# notes many teams are still forming).","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"transfer-bonus","name":"Transfer BONUS","nameLocal":"Transfer BONUS (Technologie-, Wissens-, Design- und Gamification/XR-Transfer)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/transfer-bonus","officialUrl":"https://www.ibb-business-team.de/transfer-bonus/","region":"berlin","regionLabel":"Berlin","provider":"State of Berlin / IBB Business Team","type":"voucher","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":45000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Entry up to EUR 7,500 (100%), standard up to EUR 15,000 (70%), digitalisation up to EUR 45,000 (70%), gamification/XR up to EUR 45,000 (70%)"},"duration":"up to 6 months (entry/standard), up to 12 months (digitalisation, gamification/XR)","stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"SME with seat or operating site in Berlin","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["digital","deep_tech","creative"],"eligibility":["Technology-oriented commercial SME (EU definition) with seat or site in Berlin; freelancers (Freiberufler) are not eligible","Contract with a research, design or games/XR partner that has its seat or a site in Berlin or Brandenburg","Apply before starting: work may begin only after the grant notice; commission the partner within 3 months","Standard variant up to 3 separate projects within 3 years; digitalisation once only"],"commonBlockers":["No transfer partner","Partner outside Berlin/Brandenburg","Freelancer (Freiberufler) instead of commercial business","Project already started","Guideline ends 31 Dec 2026"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":"2026-12-31","opensOn":null,"text":"Open. Current guideline runs 1 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2026; apply online via IBB Business Team before 31 Dec 2026. Successor after 2026 not announced."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.ibb-business-team.de/transfer-bonus/","https://www.ibb-business-team.de/en/transfer-bonus/","https://www.ibb-business-team.de/fileadmin/ibb-business-team/transfer-bonus/downloads/transfer-bonus-richtlinie-foerderprogramm.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"The current guideline is valid 1 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2026 (the 31 Dec 2024 end date on foerderdatenbank.de refers to the previous guideline). Since May 2026 gamification/XR applications also go to IBB Business Team. No successor guideline for 2027 announced yet.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Richtlinien des Landes Berlin für das Programm „Transfer BONUS“","url":"https://www.ibb-business-team.de/fileadmin/ibb-business-team/transfer-bonus/downloads/transfer-bonus-richtlinie-foerderprogramm.pdf","language":"de","version":null,"checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":6,"text":{"en":"Entry: 100% funding for projects up to EUR 7,500; standard: up to 70%, max EUR 15,000","de":"Einstieg: Vollfinanzierung bis 7.500 € Projektvolumen; Standard: bis 70 %, max. 15.000 €","ru":"Входной: 100 % для проектов до 7 500 €; стандартный: до 70 %, максимум 15 000 €"}},{"page":7,"text":{"en":"Digitalisation and gamification/XR: grant up to EUR 45,000 (standard variant, up to 70%)","de":"Digitalisierung und Gamification/XR: Zuschuss bis 45.000 € (Standardvariante, bis 70 %)","ru":"Цифровизация и геймификация/XR: грант до 45 000 € (стандартный вариант, до 70 %)"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"Max 6 months for entry/standard, 12 months for digitalisation and gamification/XR","de":"Max. 6 Monate für Einstieg/Standard, 12 Monate für Digitalisierung und Gamification/XR","ru":"Не более 6 месяцев для входного/стандартного, 12 месяцев для цифровизации и геймификации/XR"}},{"page":8,"text":{"en":"Work may start only after the grant notice (Zuwendungsbescheid) is issued","de":"Mit dem Projekt darf erst nach Erteilung des Zuwendungsbescheides begonnen werden","ru":"Начинать проект можно только после получения решения о гранте (Zuwendungsbescheid)"}},{"page":5,"text":{"en":"Transfer partner must have its seat or a site in Berlin or Brandenburg","de":"Transferpartner muss Sitz oder Betriebsstätte in Berlin oder Brandenburg haben","ru":"Партнёр по трансферу должен находиться в Берлине или Бранденбурге"}},{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Freelancers (Freiberufler) are not eligible; standard variant max 3 projects in 3 years","de":"Freiberufler sind nicht antragsberechtigt; Standardvariante max. 3 Projekte in 3 Jahren","ru":"Фрилансеры (Freiberufler) не могут подать заявку; стандартный вариант до 3 проектов за 3 года"}}]}]},{"id":"medienboard-games-interactive","name":"Medienboard Games and Interactive Content Funding","nameLocal":"Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg Games und interaktive Inhalte","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/medienboard-games-interactive","officialUrl":"https://www.medienboard.de/foerderung-games","region":"berlin","regionLabel":"Berlin","provider":"Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg (payout via ILB)","type":"loan","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"conditional","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":null,"max":600000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Success-contingent, interest-free loan: development/prototype usually up to EUR 300k (typically 50% of costs, up to 80% in exceptions), production usually up to EUR 600k (up to 50%); ILB fee 3%"},"duration":"project-based","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Seat, branch or office in Berlin or Brandenburg (or by first payout)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["games"],"eligibility":["Companies or sole traders whose main business is game development, with seat/branch/office in Berlin-Brandenburg","Prototype/development, production and DLC funding","Mandatory application meeting at least two weeks before the deadline","One application per applicant per funding session; at least the granted amount must be spent in Berlin-Brandenburg; cultural test"],"commonBlockers":["No Berlin/Brandenburg establishment","Insufficient own funds (production: at least 5% of costs) or co-financing","Missed application meeting or deadline"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":"2026-10-27","opensOn":null,"text":"Next application deadline 27 Oct 2026 (1st 2027 funding session); application meetings must be held by 13 Oct 2026. Further 2027 dates not yet published."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.medienboard.de/foerderung-games","https://www.medienboard.de/foerderung-games/einreichtermine-new-media-foerderung-1","https://www.medienboard.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/Richtlinien-Merkblaetter/2026_02_25_Merkblatt_GAMES_UND_INTERAKTIVE_INHALTE.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Deadline list is marked 'unter Vorbehalt'. Not a grant: loan repaid from revenues (production: 50% of developer revenue after own funds are recouped, usually for 5 years). Sole traders are eligible.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Merkblatt Games und interaktive Inhalte","url":"https://www.medienboard.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/Richtlinien-Merkblaetter/2026_02_25_Merkblatt_GAMES_UND_INTERAKTIVE_INHALTE.pdf","language":"de","version":"2026-02-25","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Prototype: loan usually 50% of costs (up to 80% in exceptions), usually max EUR 300,000","de":"Prototyp: Darlehen in der Regel 50 % der Kosten (ausnahmsweise bis 80 %), meist max. 300.000 €","ru":"Прототип: заём обычно 50 % расходов (в исключениях до 80 %), как правило до 300 000 €"}},{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Production: up to 50% of eligible costs, usually max EUR 600,000; own funds at least 5%","de":"Produktion: bis 50 % der förderfähigen Kosten, in der Regel max. 600.000 €; Eigenmittel mind. 5 %","ru":"Производство: до 50 % расходов, обычно до 600 000 €; собственные средства не менее 5 %"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Mandatory consultation at least 2 weeks before the deadline; online portal opens only after it","de":"Pflicht-Beratungsgespräch mind. 2 Wochen vor Einreichtermin; erst danach öffnet das Portal","ru":"Обязательная консультация минимум за 2 недели до дедлайна; только после неё открывается портал"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Only one application per applicant per funding session","de":"Je Fördersitzung nur ein Antrag pro Antragsteller:in","ru":"Только одна заявка от заявителя на одно заседание по финансированию"}},{"page":4,"text":{"en":"ILB fee 3% of the loan (min EUR 500), withheld from the first payout","de":"ILB-Bearbeitungsgebühr 3 % des Darlehens (mind. 500 €), Einbehalt bei erster Auszahlung","ru":"Комиссия ILB 3 % займа (минимум 500 €), удерживается из первой выплаты"}},{"page":5,"text":{"en":"Production: 50% of developer revenue repays the loan after own funds, usually for 5 years","de":"Produktion: 50 % der Erlöse fließen nach Rückführung der Eigenmittel in die Tilgung, meist 5 Jahre","ru":"Производство: 50 % выручки идёт на погашение после возврата своих средств, обычно 5 лет"}}]}]},{"id":"kfw-startgeld","name":"KfW ERP Start-up Loan StartGeld","nameLocal":"ERP-Gründerkredit - StartGeld (067)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/kfw-startgeld","officialUrl":"https://www.kfw.de/inlandsfoerderung/Unternehmen/Gründen-Nachfolgen/Förderprodukte/ERP-Gründerkredit-Startgeld-(067)/","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"KfW via Hausbank","type":"loan","recipient":"any","moneyType":"company","equity":"conditional","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":null,"max":200000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Up to EUR 200,000 (working capital up to EUR 80,000); KfW takes 80% of the bank's risk; fixed, ERP-subsidised interest (current rates at kfw.de/konditionen)"},"duration":"up to 5 years (1 grace year) or up to 10 years (2 grace years)","stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Business founded in Germany","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Founders, freelancers and small businesses under 5 years since first revenue","Fewer than 50 employees and turnover or balance sheet up to EUR 10m","Side-business (Nebenerwerb) start-ups eligible","Application via house bank before project start"],"commonBlockers":["Hausbank refuses to pass on loan","No collateral or income track","Business plan weak","Project already started (follow-up and refinancing not eligible)"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Always open via Hausbank."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.kfw.de/PDF/Download-Center/F%C3%B6rderprogramme-%28Inlandsf%C3%B6rderung%29/PDF-Dokumente/6000002258_M_067_StartGeld.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Repayable debt, not a runway grant. Interest is fixed on the approval day; current maximum rates at kfw.de/konditionen. For a GmbH/UG, shareholders usually co-guarantee.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"ERP-Gründerkredit StartGeld – Merkblatt Kredit Nr. 067","url":"https://www.kfw.de/PDF/Download-Center/F%C3%B6rderprogramme-%28Inlandsf%C3%B6rderung%29/PDF-Dokumente/6000002258_M_067_StartGeld.pdf","language":"de","version":"2026-06-18","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Max EUR 200,000 per project, of which max EUR 80,000 for working capital","de":"Max. 200.000 € pro Vorhaben, davon max. 80.000 € für Betriebsmittel","ru":"До 200 000 € на проект, из них до 80 000 € на оборотные средства"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"For founders and small firms active under 5 years since first revenue; <50 staff, max EUR 10m","de":"Für Gründende und kleine Unternehmen unter 5 Jahren ab erstem Umsatz; <50 MA, max. 10 Mio. €","ru":"Для основателей и малых фирм младше 5 лет с первой выручки; <50 сотрудников, до 10 млн €"}},{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Side-business (Nebenerwerb) start-ups are eligible; refinancing of started projects is not","de":"Gründungen im Nebenerwerb sind förderfähig; Umschuldung begonnener Vorhaben nicht","ru":"Можно открыть бизнес как подработку (Nebenerwerb); рефинансирование начатых проектов нельзя"}},{"page":5,"text":{"en":"Up to 5 years (1 grace year) or 10 years (2 grace years); apply before project start","de":"Bis 5 Jahre (1 tilgungsfreies Jahr) oder 10 Jahre (2 tilgungsfreie Jahre); Antrag vor Vorhabenbeginn","ru":"До 5 лет (1 год без погашения) или 10 лет (2 года); заявка до начала проекта"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"KfW takes 80% of the bank's risk (Haftungsfreistellung)","de":"KfW stellt die Bank zu 80 % von der Haftung frei","ru":"KfW снимает с банка 80 % риска"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"Usual bank collateral; for a GmbH/UG shareholders co-guarantee pro rata","de":"Bankübliche Sicherheiten; bei GmbH/UG Mithaftung der Gesellschafter anteilig","ru":"Обычный залог банка; для GmbH/UG участники поручаются пропорционально долям"}}]}]},{"id":"invest-bafa","name":"INVEST Grant for Venture Capital","nameLocal":"INVEST - Zuschuss für Wagniskapital","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/invest-bafa","officialUrl":"https://www.bafa.de/DE/Wirtschaft/Beratung_Finanzierung/Invest/invest_node.html","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"BAFA","type":"tax_credit","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"personal","equity":"equity","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":50000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"For investors: 15% acquisition grant (max EUR 50k per investment, EUR 100k per investor in total) plus 25% exit grant on gains; founders benefit indirectly"},"duration":null,"stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":null,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Company seated in the EEA with a branch or site in Germany","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Applies to business angels investing in young innovative companies","Founder needs an eligible angel investor (min. EUR 10k per payment, 3-year holding)","Company is a GmbH/UG/AG or cooperative, under 7 years old, under 50 FTE, turnover or balance sheet up to EUR 10m","Up to EUR 3m subsidised investment per company per year"],"commonBlockers":["Founder has no angel investor","Company too old or too large","Not a corporation (e.g. sole trader)"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":"2026-12-31","opensOn":null,"text":"Acquisition-grant applications must be complete by 31 Dec 2026 under the current guideline; extension or successor not announced. Exit-grant applications until 30 Jun 2037."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.bafa.de/DE/Wirtschaft/Beratung_Finanzierung/Invest/invest_node.html","https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Bund/BAFA/invest-zuschuss-fuer-wagniskapital.html"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"BAFA page and foerderdatenbank guideline (6 Mar 2024) read today. Investor-side incentive, not direct founder funding. Rate is 15% since March 2024. Guideline ends 31 Dec 2026; no renewal found on BAFA yet.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"german-accelerator","name":"German Accelerator","nameLocal":"German Accelerator","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/german-accelerator","officialUrl":"https://www.germanaccelerator.com/","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"German Accelerator (funded by BMWE)","type":"accelerator","recipient":"company","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Fully funded, free of charge, no equity; expert guidance, partnerships and network for market entry"},"duration":"about 2 weeks (Kickstart) to 3-6 months (Market Access)","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":null,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Company incorporated in Germany (UG, GmbH, AG, GmbH & Co. KG; GbR case by case)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any","deep_tech","life_science"],"eligibility":["German start-ups planning expansion abroad (US, Asia, LatAm, Europe, Africa)","SME under EU definition, within de minimis aid limit","Programmes: Kickstart, Market Discovery, Market Access, plus market/sector tracks","Start with the online eligibility check"],"commonBlockers":["No product/traction","No international expansion plan","Not incorporated in Germany"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling: apply via the eligibility form at any time; no fixed deadlines published."},"applicationLanguages":["en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.germanaccelerator.com/","https://www.germanaccelerator.com/our-programs/market-access","https://www.germanaccelerator.com/check-your-eligibility"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Official site read today. Not runway money: no stipend, support is in kind. Market Access requires a German UG/GmbH/AG and an established running business. Poor fit for pre-product solo founders.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"eic-accelerator","name":"EIC Accelerator (grant-only)","nameLocal":"EIC Accelerator","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/eic-accelerator","officialUrl":"https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-accelerator_en","region":"eu","regionLabel":"European Union","provider":"European Innovation Council (European Commission)","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":2500000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Grant-only: lump sum below EUR 2.5m for TRL 6-8 work up to 24 months; blended option adds EUR 1-10m equity"},"duration":"up to 24 months","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Company in EU/associated country (or natural person setting one up there)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","life_science","digital"],"eligibility":["Single start-up or SME; natural persons setting up an SME may also apply","TRL 6-8 innovation with scale-up potential","Grant-only available once during Horizon Europe (2021-2027)","Short proposal first (any time): 12-page form, 10-slide pitch deck, 3-min video; full proposal only after passing it","Company must be set up before signing the grant agreement; max 3 unsuccessful submissions under Horizon Europe"],"commonBlockers":["Too early (below TRL 6)","No prior proof of market","Non-EU entity","Weak impact/scale case"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":"2026-11-04","opensOn":null,"text":"Last 2026 full-proposal cut-off 4 Nov 2026, 17:00 Brussels (only after passing the short stage); short proposals any time, batched first Tuesday monthly. 2027 cut-offs not yet published."},"applicationLanguages":["en"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-accelerator_en","https://eic.ec.europa.eu/document/download/9d96fbf3-4d85-4ad0-9483-c77ce348111d_en?filename=EIC%20Accelerator%20guide%20for%20applicants_WP26.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Realistically unfit for solo founders at idea stage; needs proven technology (all of TRL 5 completed). Short-proposal results take about 4-6 weeks, so the 4 Nov cut-off is only reachable for those already past the short stage. Pathfinder and STEP Scale Up not included.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"EIC Accelerator guide for applicants (Work Programme 2026)","url":"https://eic.ec.europa.eu/document/download/9d96fbf3-4d85-4ad0-9483-c77ce348111d_en?filename=EIC%20Accelerator%20guide%20for%20applicants_WP26.pdf","language":"en","version":"2025-11-19","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":44,"text":{"en":"Grant-only: max EUR 2,499,999; innovation activities must finish within 24 months","de":"Nur Zuschuss: max. 2.499.999 €; Innovationsarbeiten müssen in 24 Monaten abgeschlossen sein","ru":"Только грант: до 2 499 999 €; работы должны быть завершены за 24 месяца"}},{"page":45,"text":{"en":"Technology must have completed all of TRL 5; grant cannot fund work above TRL 8","de":"Technologie muss TRL 5 vollständig abgeschlossen haben; keine Förderung über TRL 8","ru":"Технология должна полностью пройти TRL 5; работы выше TRL 8 не финансируются"}},{"page":38,"text":{"en":"Short proposal: 12-page form, pitch deck max 10 slides, video max 3 minutes","de":"Kurzantrag: Formular 12 Seiten, Pitch-Deck max. 10 Folien, Video max. 3 Minuten","ru":"Короткая заявка: форма 12 страниц, питч-дек до 10 слайдов, видео до 3 минут"}},{"page":36,"text":{"en":"Short proposal needs GO from 3 of 4 experts; results in about 4-6 weeks","de":"Kurzantrag braucht GO von 3 der 4 Gutachter:innen; Ergebnis nach ca. 4–6 Wochen","ru":"Короткой заявке нужно GO от 3 из 4 экспертов; результат примерно через 4–6 недель"}},{"page":11,"text":{"en":"Natural persons may apply, but the company must exist before the contract is signed","de":"Natürliche Personen dürfen beantragen, das Unternehmen muss vor Vertragsunterzeichnung bestehen","ru":"Можно подавать как физлицо, но компания должна быть создана до подписания договора"}},{"page":50,"text":{"en":"After 3 unsuccessful submissions you cannot reapply under Horizon Europe","de":"Nach 3 erfolglosen Einreichungen keine erneute Bewerbung unter Horizon Europe","ru":"После 3 неудачных подач повторно подать заявку в рамках Horizon Europe нельзя"}}]}]},{"id":"women-techeu","name":"Women TechEU","nameLocal":"Women TechEU","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/women-techeu","officialUrl":"https://womentecheurope.eu/active-calls/","region":"eu","regionLabel":"European Union","provider":"EIC / EISMEA","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":75000,"max":75000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 75,000 non-dilutive grant plus coaching and mentoring"},"duration":"6-month business development programme","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Company in EU member state or Horizon associated country","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":true},"sectors":["deep_tech"],"eligibility":["Woman founder/co-founder in CEO/CTO-level role; women hold at least 25% of shares","Company registered 6 months to 5 years before the eligibility cut-off","Deep tech at TRL 4-6","Under EUR 1m equity raised; EU SME definition","No prior Women TechEU or EIC Accelerator support"],"commonBlockers":["Company under 6 months old","Not deep tech","Raised over EUR 1m equity","Women hold under 25% of shares","Woman founder joined as shareholder over 1 year after registration"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":"2027-01-14","opensOn":"2026-06-01","text":"Open. Eligibility check: weekly cut-offs every Tuesday 17:00 CET until 15 Jun 2027. Full proposals (after passing eligibility): 14 Jan 2027, 1 Apr 2027, 8 Jul 2027."},"applicationLanguages":["en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://womentecheurope.eu/","https://womentecheurope.eu/active-calls/","https://womentecheurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/WomenTechEU_Guidelines_Eligibility-V9.0.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Two stages: eligibility check first, full proposal only after the confirmation letter. Full-proposal deadlines 14 Jan, 1 Apr and 8 Jul 2027; the eligibility strand runs to 15 Jun 2027. 2026-2028 edition: about 160 start-ups, EUR 12m.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Women TechEU – Guidelines for applicants: Eligibility Strand (V9.0)","url":"https://womentecheurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/WomenTechEU_Guidelines_Eligibility-V9.0.pdf","language":"en","version":"2026-09-02","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Company registered at least 6 months and at most 5 years at the eligibility cut-off","de":"Unternehmen seit mind. 6 Monaten und höchstens 5 Jahren registriert (zum Stichtag)","ru":"Компания зарегистрирована не менее 6 месяцев и не более 5 лет на дату отбора"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Women hold at least 25% of shares at submission; a woman is CEO, CTO, CSO or equivalent","de":"Frauen halten bei Einreichung mind. 25 % der Anteile; eine Frau ist CEO, CTO, CSO o. Ä.","ru":"Женщинам принадлежит не менее 25 % долей; женщина занимает пост CEO, CTO, CSO или аналог"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Woman co-founder must have acquired shares within 1 year of company registration","de":"Mitgründerin muss Anteile innerhalb 1 Jahres nach Registrierung erworben haben","ru":"Соосновательница должна получить долю в течение 1 года после регистрации"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Deep tech at TRL 4-6; less than EUR 1m equity raised","de":"Deep Tech auf TRL 4–6; weniger als 1 Mio. € Eigenkapital eingeworben","ru":"Deep tech на уровне TRL 4–6; привлечено менее 1 млн € в капитал"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"No prior Women TechEU or EIC Accelerator support; max 3 resubmissions of the eligibility check","de":"Keine frühere Förderung durch Women TechEU oder EIC Accelerator; max. 3 erneute Einreichungen","ru":"Без прежней поддержки Women TechEU или EIC Accelerator; не более 3 повторных подач"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"EUR 75,000 grant plus a 6-month business development programme","de":"75.000 € Zuschuss plus 6-monatiges Business-Development-Programm","ru":"Грант 75 000 € плюс 6-месячная программа развития бизнеса"}}]}]},{"id":"google-for-startups-accelerator-europe","name":"Google for Startups Accelerator Europe","nameLocal":"Google for Startups Accelerator: Europe and Israel","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/google-for-startups-accelerator-europe","officialUrl":"https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/europe/","region":"eu","regionLabel":"European Union","provider":"Google","type":"accelerator","recipient":"company","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Equity-free 3-month programme: mentoring, Google expert support, cloud and product credits"},"duration":"3 months","stages":["revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":false,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"HQ in Europe or Israel","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","digital"],"eligibility":["Pre-Seed to post-Series A, revenue-generating with traction","AI/ML-based technology; 2026 theme: AI for the energy transition","At least 5 employees; CTO/technical leads must attend sessions","Annual themed cohorts"],"commonBlockers":["Solo founder / team under 5","No revenue or traction","Cohort theme mismatch"],"deadline":{"type":"unknown","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Applications closed: 2026 call ran 4 May to 12 Jun 2026 (cohort Sep-Dec 2026). Next call not announced."},"applicationLanguages":["en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/europe/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Official page read today: closed, cohort running Sep-Dec 2026 with Demo Day in Nov. Credits and mentoring only, no cash. Not a fit for solo or pre-revenue founders.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"innostartbonus-sachsen","name":"InnoStartBonus Saxony","nameLocal":"Innovative Unternehmensgründungen (InnoStartBonus)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/innostartbonus-sachsen","officialUrl":"https://www.futuresax.de/gruenden/innostartbonus","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Freistaat Sachsen / futureSAX (selection) / SAB (payout)","type":"stipend","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"personal","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":1050,"max":1200,"currency":"EUR","period":"month","text":"EUR 1,050/month per founder + EUR 150/month per dependent child; up to 12 months"},"duration":"Up to 12 months (months 7-12 paid only after the company is registered)","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Main residence in Saxony (in a team, one founder main residence, the other may have secondary residence); company seat in Saxony; age 18+","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Innovative product/service/process/business-model idea, any sector","Solo founder or team; max 2 founders funded","Company not yet founded at approval (side business to main business allowed)","No other paid work over 20 h/week during funding","Idea paper via 'Mein futureSAX' portal, expert panel + pitch, then formal SAB application"],"commonBlockers":["Receiving BAföG, unemployment benefit, Gründungszuschuss or Einstiegsgeld","Already founded before approval: a full-time freelance or trade registration counts as founded; only a switch from side business to main business is allowed","Residence outside Saxony","Academic teams with 15%+ R&D spend are excluded (use Technologiegründungsstipendium instead)","Consulting businesses (Beratungsleistungen) are excluded"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Call 17 is open now; its deadline is not yet published. Calls close about twice a year (Call 15 ~Apr 2026, Call 16 closed 15 Sep 2026)."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.futuresax.de/gruenden/innostartbonus","https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Land/Sachsen/innovative-unternehmensgruendungen-innostartbonus.html"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"futureSAX page (updated 17 Sep 2026) shows Call 16 timeline (deadline 15 Sep 2026, panel 28/29 Oct, funding from 02/2027) and Call 17 open with no dates. Amounts and rules confirmed on futureSAX and Foerderdatenbank (guideline of 3 Feb 2022).","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"technologiegruenderstipendium-sachsen","name":"ESF Plus Technology Founder Stipend Saxony","nameLocal":"ESF Plus Technologiegründungsstipendium (SAB)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/technologiegruenderstipendium-sachsen","officialUrl":"https://www.sab.sachsen.de/technologiegruenderstipendien","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Freistaat Sachsen (SMWA) / SAB (ESF Plus)","type":"stipend","recipient":"team","moneyType":"personal","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":1000,"max":3000,"currency":"EUR","period":"month","text":"Per founder per month: EUR 1,000 (students), EUR 2,500 (graduates), EUR 3,000 (PhD); up to 12 months"},"duration":"Up to 12 months","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":false,"fullTimeRequired":true,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":true,"residence":"Main or secondary residence in Saxony; company seat in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","digital","life_science"],"eligibility":["Students, graduates, scientific staff or former staff of universities, Berufsakademien or research institutions","Founding team of up to 3 funded persons with complementary skills; at least one with commercial know-how","Technical product/process innovation or novel innovative service; R&D at least 15% of operating costs","Apply via SAB Förderportal before founding; company must be founded within 6 months of funding start"],"commonBlockers":["No university/research link","Already founded","Other paid employment, BAföG, Gründungszuschuss or Einstiegsgeld","Freelance professions (consultants, designers, artists etc.)"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"No fixed deadline; apply any time before founding. Guideline runs until 31 Dec 2030."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.sab.sachsen.de/technologiegruenderstipendien","https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Land/Sachsen/esf-plus-technologiegruendungsstipendium.html"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Amount tiers, eligibility and rolling application confirmed on SAB and Foerderdatenbank. No child or material-cost supplements are listed. A team is required (up to 3 funded members), so solo founders do not qualify.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"smile-leipzig","name":"SMILE Startup Initiative Leipzig","nameLocal":"SMILE - Gründungsinitiative der Universität Leipzig","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/smile-leipzig","officialUrl":"https://smile.uni-leipzig.de","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"Universität Leipzig (SMILE / SEPT Competence Center)","type":"coaching","recipient":"any","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Free start-up coaching, training and funding-application support (EXIST, Technologiegründungsstipendium etc.); no cash itself"},"duration":"ongoing","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":true,"residence":"Leipzig academic institutions (students, graduates, researchers)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Students, graduates and researchers of Leipzig academic institutions","Focus on research-based, knowledge-intensive ventures; also creative, sustainability and social ideas","Incubation space in Halle 7 (Baumwollspinnerei) since Oct 2026 for funded Uni Leipzig teams"],"commonBlockers":["No university affiliation (use SpinLab, Social Impact Lab instead)"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Ongoing; contact any time. Events and workshops listed on the SMILE site."},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.wifa.uni-leipzig.de/en/sept-competence-center/smile/start-up-initiative-smile","https://www.l-iz.de/bildung/forschung/2026/10/neues-innovationszentrum-in-der-baumwollspinnerei-smart-infrastructure-hub-leipzig-halle-7-eroffnet-672081"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Offer confirmed on the University's SEPT/SMILE page (600+ start-ups since 2006). smile.uni-leipzig.de blocks automated reads, so current consultation hours were not checked. Gateway to EXIST, Technologiegründungsstipendium, InnoStartBonus.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"smart-infrastructure-hub-leipzig","name":"Smart Infrastructure Hub Leipzig (Halle 7)","nameLocal":"Smart Infrastructure Hub Leipzig","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/smart-infrastructure-hub-leipzig","officialUrl":"https://www.spinlab.co/halle-7","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"SpinLab GmbH (Halle 7), SMILE / Universität Leipzig, City of Leipzig, HHL","type":"coaching","recipient":"team","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Coworking desks and offices at a start-up rate (paid), community, coaching and SpinLab network; SMILE incubation space for funded Uni Leipzig teams; no cash"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":null,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":null,"residence":"Leipzig (Baumwollspinnerei, Spinnereistraße 7)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","digital"],"eligibility":["Start-up rate: companies under 10 years old, under 100 staff, under EUR 10M revenue, R&D over 10% or novel products","SMILE Incubation Space: Uni Leipzig teams before founding, usually already funded (EXIST, Technologiegründungsstipendium)","Process Living Lab open to start-ups across Saxony (per news report)"],"commonBlockers":["Office space is paid, not free","Incubation space tied to funded Uni Leipzig teams"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Opened 1 Oct 2026. Space enquiries any time via the SpinLab Halle 7 form; no call or deadline."},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.spinlab.co/halle-7","https://www.de-hub.de/en/the-hubs/leipzig/","https://www.l-iz.de/bildung/forschung/2026/10/neues-innovationszentrum-in-der-baumwollspinnerei-smart-infrastructure-hub-leipzig-halle-7-eroffnet-672081"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"SpinLab's Halle 7 page confirms space, start-up rate rules and on-site SMILE. Incubation-space and Process Living Lab access come only from a news report (l-iz.de, 2 Oct 2026). This is a workspace/support hub, not a funding program.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"spinlab-accelerator","name":"SpinLab - The HHL Accelerator","nameLocal":"SpinLab - The HHL Accelerator","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/spinlab-accelerator","officialUrl":"https://www.spinlab.co/apply-now","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"SpinLab / HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management","type":"accelerator","recipient":"team","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":6000,"max":50000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 6,000 per startup for living costs (via City of Leipzig); up to EUR 50,000 in total with pitch prizes; no equity"},"duration":"Up to 5 months (batch Jan-Jun 2027)","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":false,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":null,"requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","digital","impact"],"eligibility":["Innovative, tech-oriented, internationally scalable concept (non-digital products allowed)","Team of 2-4 founders with key skills in place","At least one founder in Leipzig Tue-Thu","Business-level German or English","Apply via F6S with pitch deck (10-15 slides PDF or 7-10 min video)"],"commonBlockers":["Solo founder without co-founders","Pure idea with no prototype/users"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":"2026-10-08","opensOn":null,"text":"Application deadline 8 Oct 2026 for the Jan-Jun 2027 batch. Next round not yet announced."},"applicationLanguages":["en","de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.spinlab.co/apply-now","https://spinlab.co","https://spinlab.co/faq"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"All key facts confirmed on SpinLab's own apply-now page and FAQ. The EUR 4,000 relocation bonus from a third-party site was not found on official pages and is removed.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"r42-games-accelerator","name":"R42 Games Accelerator","nameLocal":"R42 Games Accelerator Leipzig","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/r42-games-accelerator","officialUrl":"https://r42.gg/r42-games-accelerator/","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"R42 Leipzig; co-financed by City of Leipzig, start-up grant from Freistaat Sachsen / SAB","type":"accelerator","recipient":"team","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":30000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Free 9-month program; chance of a EUR 30,000 SAB start-up grant (90% funding, personnel and material costs) for Saxony-based participants"},"duration":"9 months","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Start-up located in Saxony (for the EUR 30,000 grant)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["games"],"eligibility":["Games, serious games, gamification or games-related B2B start-ups; solo or team","Business registration (Gewerbe) already in place, any legal form","Form + pitch deck + 12-month financing/liquidity plan","No participation fee"],"commonBlockers":["Non-games project","No Gewerbe registered yet","Missing financing plan"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":"2026-10-31","opensOn":null,"text":"Open call for the 2027 class: apply by 31 Oct 2026 (per R42 announcement of 3 Sep 2026; program page still says 30 Nov)."},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://r42.gg/r42-games-accelerator/","https://r42.gg/2026/09/03/open-call-fuer-die-start-up-klasse-2027-des-r42-games-accelerators/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Official R42 site confirms the 2027 call, free 9-month program, Gewerbe requirement and EUR 30,000 SAB grant chance. Deadline conflict: announcement says 31 Oct 2026, program page FAQ says 30 Nov; earlier date shown to be safe.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"social-impact-lab-leipzig","name":"Social Impact Lab Leipzig - Founding Support","nameLocal":"Social Impact Lab Leipzig - Gründungsberatung & Coaching","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/social-impact-lab-leipzig","officialUrl":"https://leipzig.socialimpactlab.eu","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"Social Impact gGmbH","type":"coaching","recipient":"any","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Free mentoring, coaching and workshops (online and offline); coworking for early-stage founders; no cash"},"duration":"ongoing","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Leipzig office (Gottschedstraße 44, visits by appointment)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["impact"],"eligibility":["Founders with an idea who want to become self-employed; social start-ups in start/founding phase","Individuals and teams not yet founded welcome","Refugees and migrants: StartHope@Home coaching track"],"commonBlockers":["Expecting cash: no stipend is currently offered"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Ongoing; book advice via leipzig@socialimpact.eu or +49 341 49566660. No stipend call is currently listed."},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://leipzig.socialimpactlab.eu"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Official Leipzig page confirms free advice, coaching, workshops, coworking and StartHope@Home. The former Sozial&Gründer stipend is not on the current site and was removed.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"leipzig-mittelstandsfoerderprogramm-gruendung","name":"Leipzig SME Program - Founder Grant & Innovative Founder Premium","nameLocal":"Mittelstandsförderprogramm 'Wachstum und Kompetenz im Leipziger Mittelstand' (Gründungsförderung / Prämie für innovative Gründer/-innen)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/leipzig-mittelstandsfoerderprogramm-gruendung","officialUrl":"https://www.leipzig.de/wirtschaft/mittelstand-staerken/mittelstandsfoerderprogramm","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"Stadt Leipzig, Amt für Wirtschaftsförderung (with IHK / HWK Leipzig)","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":10000,"currency":"EUR","period":"year","text":"Gründungsförderung: 30% of eligible costs (up to 60% with location bonus), max EUR 5,000 per application/year (EUR 10,000 for high-tech). Separate one-off premium for innovative founders: EUR 4,000"},"duration":null,"stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":true,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Company seat in Leipzig","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Founder/team with business seat in Leipzig, started max. 3 years ago (trade registration or tax number)","Gründungsförderung only for manufacturing, crafts, or technology- and knowledge-based services","Full-time (Haupterwerb), profit-oriented business","Gründungsförderung: positive IHK/HWK opinion on the business plan or a bank start-up loan; funds a first-time step (first hire, first commercial lease, first corporate design, first certification)","Premium: innovative/creative-innovative founders, first commercial premises in Leipzig, jury decision","Premium: founding advice completed (IHK, HWK, SMILE, ugb or an accelerator); lease signed max. 3 months before applying","Apply before project start via city form / Amt24; de minimis aid"],"commonBlockers":["Transport companies (Verkehrssektor) and the other sectors on the city's exclusion list (Anlage 5 of form 81/021/02.26)","Side-business (Nebenerwerb)","Project already started","Not yet registered in Leipzig","Excluded sectors (e.g. retail, financial/legal advice, medical practices)","Not fundable: business plan, standard furniture/IT, used goods, vehicles; rent and staff only for the first 6 months","Premium: new GbR excluded; no founding advice completed"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling, subject to annual city budget (payouts often only after mid-year budget release). Premium: jury meets quarterly (cut-offs 31 Mar, 30 Jun, 30 Sep, 31 Dec), up to 5 firms per quarter; file within 3 months of signing the lease."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.leipzig.de/wirtschaft/mittelstand-staerken/mittelstandsfoerderprogramm","https://static.leipzig.de/fileadmin/mediendatenbank/leipzig-de/Stadt/02.8_Dez8_Wirtschaft_Arbeit_Digitales/80_Amt_fuer_Wirtschaftsfoerderung/1_Unternehmensservice/Mittelstandsfoerderprogramm/MP22G04_Gruender.pdf","https://static.leipzig.de/fileadmin/mediendatenbank/leipzig-de/Stadt/02.8_Dez8_Wirtschaft_Arbeit_Digitales/80_Amt_fuer_Wirtschaftsfoerderung/1_Unternehmensservice/Mittelstandsfoerderprogramm/Mittelstands_Foerderprogramm.pdf","https://static.leipzig.de/fileadmin/mediendatenbank/leipzig-de/Stadt/02.8_Dez8_Wirtschaft_Arbeit_Digitales/80_Amt_fuer_Wirtschaftsfoerderung/1_Unternehmensservice/Mittelstandsfoerderprogramm/MP19G02-Pramie_innovative-Grunder.pdf","https://leipzig.de/buergerservice-und-verwaltung/aemter-und-behoerdengaenge/formulare/formular/praemie-mpf2021/download"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Terms from the city's measure sheets (Gründungsförderung valid from 10.11.2021; premium sheet valid from 01.01.2020). The premium application form is dated 02/2026, so the premium is still running. No newer sheet is published; contact wirtschaft@leipzig.de / 0341-123 5885. Full-time founders only. HWK Leipzig (24 Feb 2026): the 2025 budget ran out; 2026 applications are taken but payouts wait for the budget.","overlooked":"Founders rarely hear that the city itself pays cash for first steps (first hire, first lease, branding) plus a separate EUR 4,000 premium for innovative founders; small jury, few applicants.","officialDocuments":[{"title":"Steckbrief zur Maßnahme MP22G04 – Gründungsförderung (Mittelstandsförderprogramm Leipzig)","url":"https://static.leipzig.de/fileadmin/mediendatenbank/leipzig-de/Stadt/02.8_Dez8_Wirtschaft_Arbeit_Digitales/80_Amt_fuer_Wirtschaftsfoerderung/1_Unternehmensservice/Mittelstandsfoerderprogramm/MP22G04_Gruender.pdf","language":"de","version":"2021-11-10","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":null,"text":{"en":"30% of eligible costs, up to 60% with location bonus; max EUR 5,000 per year (EUR 10,000 high-tech)","de":"30 % der förderfähigen Kosten, mit Standortbonus bis 60 %; max. 5.000 € pro Jahr (10.000 € Hightech)","ru":"30 % допустимых расходов, с бонусом за локацию до 60 %; до 5 000 € в год (10 000 € для хай-тека)"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Only manufacturing, crafts, technology- or knowledge-based services; founded max. 3 years ago","de":"Nur produzierendes Gewerbe, Handwerk, technologie- und wissensorientierte Dienstleistungen; Gründung max. 3 Jahre","ru":"Только производство, ремесло, технологические и интеллектуальные услуги; бизнесу не больше 3 лет"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Needs a positive IHK/HWK opinion on plan and costs, or a bank start-up loan","de":"Positive Stellungnahme der Kammer zu Vorhaben und Kosten oder Gründungskredit einer Bank nötig","ru":"Нужно положительное заключение IHK/HWK по проекту и смете или стартовый кредит банка"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Rent and staff costs count only for the first 6 months; no furniture/IT, used goods, vehicles, business plan","de":"Miete und Personal nur bis zum 6. Monat; keine Möbel/Technik, Gebrauchtwaren, Fahrzeuge, Businessplan","ru":"Аренда и персонал оплачиваются только первые 6 месяцев; без мебели/техники, б/у, авто и бизнес-плана"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Apply before signing contracts; attach 3-year profitability forecast and de minimis declaration","de":"Antrag vor Vertragsabschluss; Rentabilitätsvorschau für 3 Jahre und De-minimis-Erklärung beifügen","ru":"Подать до подписания договоров; приложить прогноз рентабельности на 3 года и декларацию de minimis"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Paid in arrears after the proof of use, due within 3 months of the project end","de":"Auszahlung nachträglich nach Verwendungsnachweis, fällig 3 Monate nach Projektende","ru":"Выплата после отчёта об использовании средств, который сдаётся в течение 3 месяцев после проекта"}}]},{"title":"Steckbrief zur Maßnahme MP20G02 – Prämie für innovative Gründer (Mittelstandsförderprogramm Leipzig)","url":"https://static.leipzig.de/fileadmin/mediendatenbank/leipzig-de/Stadt/02.8_Dez8_Wirtschaft_Arbeit_Digitales/80_Amt_fuer_Wirtschaftsfoerderung/1_Unternehmensservice/Mittelstandsfoerderprogramm/MP19G02-Pramie_innovative-Grunder.pdf","language":"de","version":"2020-01-01","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":null,"text":{"en":"EUR 4,000 one-off premium; founded max. 3 years ago; new GbR excluded","de":"Einmalige Prämie 4.000 €; Gründung max. 3 Jahre alt; neu gegründete GbR ausgeschlossen","ru":"Разовая премия 4 000 €; бизнесу не больше 3 лет; новые GbR не допускаются"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"First commercial premises in Leipzig; lease signed max. 3 months before applying","de":"Erste Gewerbefläche in Leipzig; Mietvertrag höchstens 3 Monate vor Antrag unterschrieben","ru":"Первое коммерческое помещение в Лейпциге; договор аренды не раньше чем за 3 месяца до заявки"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Founding advice must be completed (IHK, HWK, SMILE, ugb or an accelerator)","de":"Abgeschlossene Gründungsberatung nötig (Kammer, smile, ugb o. Ä. oder Accelerator)","ru":"Нужна пройденная консультация по основанию (IHK, HWK, SMILE, ugb или акселератор)"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Jury cut-offs 31 Mar, 30 Jun, 30 Sep, 31 Dec; up to 5 firms funded per quarter","de":"Jury-Stichtage 31.3., 30.6., 30.9., 31.12.; bis zu 5 Unternehmen pro Quartal","ru":"Сроки жюри: 31.3, 30.6, 30.9, 31.12; до 5 компаний за квартал"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Attach business concept, CV, draft lease and proof of founding advice","de":"Unternehmenskonzept, Lebenslauf, Mietvertragsentwurf und Beratungsnachweis beifügen","ru":"Приложить бизнес-концепцию, резюме, проект договора аренды и подтверждение консультации"}}]}]},{"id":"sab-mikrodarlehen-sachsen","name":"SAB Microloan Saxony","nameLocal":"Mikrodarlehen Sachsen (MKD, SAB)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sab-mikrodarlehen-sachsen","officialUrl":"https://www.sab.sachsen.de/mikrodarlehen-mkd-","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB)","type":"loan","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"conditional","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":5000,"max":30000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 5,000-30,000, up to 80% of eligible costs; currently 2% p.a. nominal; up to 6 years incl. 1 year repayment-free; no collateral"},"duration":"up to 6 years","stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Business activity in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Founders or young firms within 5-year start-up phase (also succession, restart, >25% stake)","20% own contribution (cash or in-kind/own work)","Apply via SAB Förderportal; do not start before SAB confirmation e-mail"],"commonBlockers":["Sales agents, car dealers, petrol stations excluded","Project started before SAB confirmation","Company in difficulty or insolvency","Refinancing / start-up consulting not eligible","Vehicles for road freight transport (Straßengüterverkehr) cannot be financed"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling via SAB Förderportal; no deadline stated."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.sab.sachsen.de/mikrodarlehen","https://www.sab.sachsen.de/mikrodarlehen-mkd-"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"All terms confirmed on SAB page (FRL Darlehen für den Mittelstand). First year is repayment-free, not interest-free. Loan, not grant: runway only as debt.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"sab-gruendungsberatung-esf","name":"SAB Founding Consulting Subsidy","nameLocal":"ESF Plus Gründungsberatung (SAB, FRL GRB)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sab-gruendungsberatung-esf","officialUrl":"https://www.sab.sachsen.de/gr%C3%BCndungsberatungen","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"SAB / ESF Plus (recommendation by IHK, HWK or LFB Sachsen)","type":"voucher","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":800,"max":2000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Fixed EUR 400 per consulting day (8h), 2-5 days for new start-ups (EUR 800-2,000); succession EUR 500/day up to 10 days"},"duration":"usually 6 months approval period","stages":["idea","prototype"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Primary residence in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Natural person planning to found (incl. freelance) or take over a business","Business not yet founded and consulting contract not signed before approval","Consulting recommendation from IHK, HWK or LFB; apply to SAB within 2 months of it","Founding concept with market analysis and financial plan","Prior founder training, e.g. at least 15 hours of founding basics within the last 12 months","Once per 5 years"],"commonBlockers":["Already self-employed on the side (Nebenerwerb)","Business already founded","Consulting/tax/legal/audit start-ups excluded","Weak concept paper"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling via SAB Förderportal under ESF Plus 2021-2027; no stop notice on SAB page."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.sab.sachsen.de/gr%C3%BCndungsberatungen","https://www.ihk.de/chemnitz/starthilfe/beratungsfoerderung/gruendungsberatung-1906802"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Confirmed on SAB page. Pays external consultants, not personal runway. Must be used before founding; applicants already running a side business are excluded.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"sab-digitalisierung-efre-heranfuehrung","name":"Saxony Digitalisation Grant (micro firms)","nameLocal":"Digitalisierung Zuschuss EFRE - Heranführungsprojekte (SAB, FRL Digi-Z)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sab-digitalisierung-efre-heranfuehrung","officialUrl":"https://www.sab.sachsen.de/f%C3%B6rderrichtlinie-digitalisierung-zuschuss-efre-2021-bis-2027","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"SAB / Freistaat Sachsen (EFRE)","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":6000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Up to 60% of eligible costs (+10 pts if bound by collective agreement); direct eligible costs capped at EUR 10,000, minimum EUR 5,000 costs; plus 7% flat indirect costs"},"duration":"max. 12 months","stages":["incorporated","revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Seat or relevant site in Saxony; since 17 Jul 2026 only Leipzig city, Landkreis Leipzig, Nordsachsen","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Micro-enterprise (EU definition) or freelancer, commercially active","First publicly funded digitalisation project; must measurably raise digital maturity","Eligible: external services, hardware/software incl. SaaS, training (max 20%); no own staff costs","Apply via SAB Förderportal before project start"],"commonBlockers":["Not yet operating","Seat in Dresden/Chemnitz region (application stop since 17 Jul 2026)","Project started before SAB confirmation","Building own product is not the target; standard tools don't count"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling only in the 'more developed region' (Leipzig city, LK Leipzig, Nordsachsen). Application stop since 17 Jul 2026 for the transition region (Dresden, Chemnitz and surrounding districts). Processing delays."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.sab.sachsen.de/f%C3%B6rderrichtlinie-digitalisierung-zuschuss-efre-2021-bis-2027","https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Land/Sachsen/digitalisierung-zuschuss-efre.html"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Confirmed on SAB and Förderdatenbank. Grant max is ~EUR 6,000 (60% of EUR 10k), not EUR 10k. Partial application stop since 17 Jul 2026 outside the Leipzig region. Larger 'Transformationsprojekte' line: 50% up to EUR 60k costs for small firms.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"saechsischer-gruenderpreis","name":"Saxon Founders' Prize","nameLocal":"Sächsischer Gründerpreis / Staatspreis für Gründen","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/saechsischer-gruenderpreis","officialUrl":"https://www.futuresax.de/gruenden/saechsischer-gruenderpreis","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"SMWA / futureSAX","type":"prize","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":30000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"2026 round: up to EUR 30,000 total split across Newcomer, Start-up and Scale-up winners (2025 round: up to EUR 60,000)"},"duration":null,"stages":["idea","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Company seat (or planned seat) in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["2026 categories: Newcomer (founded 2025 or planned by end 2026), Start-up (founded 2021-2024), Scale-up (2016-2020); NextGen special prize","Online application, German or English","Judged on customer value/innovation, team, market potential"],"commonBlockers":["Seat outside Saxony","Branch not registered in Saxony"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"2026 round closed (ran 30 Oct 2025-25 Feb 2026; winners announced). 2027 call not yet announced; past rounds opened on 30 Oct (2024, 2025)."},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.futuresax.de/gruenden/saechsischer-gruenderpreis","https://www.medienservice.sachsen.de/medien/news/1080830"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"2026 terms confirmed on futureSAX. Opening date of the 2027 round is an inference from the 30 Oct pattern; prize pool and categories may change.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"leipzig-kulturamt-stipendien","name":"Leipzig Artistic-Cultural Stipends","nameLocal":"Leipziger Stipendienprogramm (Arbeitsstipendien, Kulturamt der Stadt Leipzig)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/leipzig-kulturamt-stipendien","officialUrl":"https://www.leipzig.de/service-portal/dienstleistung/kulturfoerderung","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"Stadt Leipzig, Kulturamt","type":"stipend","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"personal","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":8000,"max":10000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 8,000-10,000 per multi-month stipend (2026 call; programme volume up to EUR 250,000)"},"duration":"several months (min. 4 months, within the calendar year, per 2024 guidance)","stages":["idea","prototype"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Residence or main creative base in Leipzig","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["creative"],"eligibility":["Professional freelance artists/cultural practitioners whose art is their main livelihood (visual arts, performing arts, music, literature; transformation stipends for socio-culture etc.)","Not a student, apprentice or permanently employed (minijobs ok)","No parallel stipend from other institutions","Online application: project description (max. 3,000 characters), artist CV (max. 2,000 characters), up to 5 online work samples"],"commonBlockers":["Not an art/culture project","Employed or enrolled student","Another stipend running in the same period","Late application: no extensions"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"2026 call closed (deadline 26 Mar 2026). 2027 call not yet announced; 2027 city culture funding is subject to the next double budget."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.leipzig.de/newsarchiv/news/kulturamt-der-stadt-leipzig-schreibt-stipendien-fuer-kuenstlerinnen-und-kuenstler-aus","https://static.leipzig.de/fileadmin/mediendatenbank/leipzig-de/Stadt/02.4_Dez4_Kultur/41_Kulturamt/Kulturentwicklung_und_Kulturfoerderung/Handreichung-Antragsstellung-Arbeitsstipendien-2024_online.pdf","https://www.leipzig.de/newsarchiv/news/foerdermittel-des-kulturamtes-2027-kulturfoerderung-in-herausfordernden-zeiten","https://www.leipzig.de/service-portal/dienstleistung/kulturfoerderung"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Amount and 2026 deadline from city news; eligibility, documents and payment rules from the Kulturamt's 2024 application guide (latest published). 2027 timing unknown (past calls: spring). Not a startup program; only for freelance artists. Paid as one lump sum at the start.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Handreichung zur Bewerbung um ein Stipendium (Kulturamt der Stadt Leipzig)","url":"https://static.leipzig.de/fileadmin/mediendatenbank/leipzig-de/Stadt/02.4_Dez4_Kultur/41_Kulturamt/Kulturentwicklung_und_Kulturfoerderung/Handreichung-Antragsstellung-Arbeitsstipendien-2024_online.pdf","language":"de","version":"2024-05","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Freelance artists with art as main livelihood; residence or main creative base in Leipzig","de":"Freiberufliche Künstler/-innen, Kunst als Haupterwerb; Wohnsitz oder Schaffensmittelpunkt in Leipzig","ru":"Свободные художники, для которых искусство — основной заработок; жильё или мастерская в Лейпциге"}},{"page":5,"text":{"en":"EUR 8,000-10,000 per stipend, free use; min. 4 months, ends by 31 Dec of the year","de":"8.000–10.000 € pro Stipendium, frei verwendbar; mind. 4 Monate, spätestens bis Jahresende","ru":"8 000–10 000 € на стипендию, без отчёта по статьям; минимум 4 месяца, до конца года"}},{"page":5,"text":{"en":"Excluded: students, apprentices, permanent employees (minijobs allowed)","de":"Ausgeschlossen: Studierende, Auszubildende, Festangestellte (Minijobs erlaubt)","ru":"Не могут подать: студенты, учащиеся, штатные сотрудники (миниджоб можно)"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"Paid as one lump sum at the start; short report due within 3 months after the end","de":"Auszahlung in einer Summe zu Beginn; Verwendungsbericht binnen 3 Monaten nach Ende","ru":"Выплата одной суммой в начале; отчёт в течение 3 месяцев после окончания"}},{"page":8,"text":{"en":"Submit: project text max. 3,000 characters, CV max. 2,000 characters, up to 5 work-sample links","de":"Einreichen: Projekttext max. 3.000 Zeichen, Vita max. 2.000 Zeichen, bis 5 Werkproben-Links","ru":"Подать: описание проекта до 3 000 знаков, CV до 2 000 знаков, до 5 ссылок на работы"}}]}]},{"id":"wbso-nl","name":"WBSO R&D tax credit (self-employed / starter)","nameLocal":"WBSO (Wet Bevordering Speur- en Ontwikkelingswerk)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/wbso-nl","officialUrl":"https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/wbso","region":"netherlands","regionLabel":"Netherlands","provider":"RVO / Belastingdienst","type":"tax_credit","recipient":"any","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"year","text":"Self-employed 2026: S&O deduction EUR 15,979 from taxable profit, plus starter extra EUR 7,996 (2027 amounts to be published end of 2026). Employers: payroll-tax reduction 36% of first EUR 391,020 (50% for starters), 16% above; same rates announced for 2027, hourly forfait rises from EUR 29 to EUR 33"},"duration":"Calendar-year periods, renewable","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Pays Dutch income/payroll tax; R&D in EU","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["digital","hardware","deep_tech"],"eligibility":["New software, products or processes with technical novelty","Self-employed (no employees) can apply as S&O-belastingplichtige","Self-employed: at least 500 S&O hours in the calendar year","Starter status (extra deduction / 50% rate) for max 3 calendar years","Applies to future R&D only (apply in advance)","Pays Dutch income or payroll tax"],"commonBlockers":["Applying after the period started (benefit only from submission date for self-employed)","Technical novelty not demonstrated","No Dutch tax liability","Self-employed with fewer than 500 S&O hours in the year","Hours administration not kept per project (update within 10 working days)"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":"2026-12-20","opensOn":null,"text":"2026 applications closed 30 Sep 2026. Apply now for 2027: employers by ~20 Dec 2026 for a 1 Jan 2027 start (2026 pattern; RVO 2027 calendar not yet published), self-employed by 31 Dec 2026 / 1 Jan 2027. Later 2027 applications by the last day of any month, last one 30 Sep 2027."},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/wbso","https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/wbso/kalender","https://www.rvo.nl/nieuws/wbso-2027-wijzigingen","https://www.rvo.nl/sites/default/files/2026-02/Handleiding%20WBSO%202026_v2.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"RVO confirms 2026 parameters and the 2027 announcement (rates unchanged, forfait EUR 33; final after Eerste Kamer approval). The 2027 application calendar is not on RVO yet; 20 Dec 2026 is the 2026 pattern and an adviser's reading. Self-employed 2027 deduction amounts not yet published. Tax reduction, not a cash grant.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Handleiding WBSO 2026","url":"https://www.rvo.nl/sites/default/files/2026-02/Handleiding%20WBSO%202026_v2.pdf","language":"nl","version":null,"checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":2,"text":{"en":"2026 self-employed: S&O deduction EUR 15,979, plus EUR 7,996 extra for starters","de":"2026 Selbstständige: S&O-Abzug 15.979 €, plus 7.996 € extra für Starter","ru":"2026, самозанятые: вычет S&O 15 979 € плюс 7 996 € дополнительно для начинающих"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"Self-employed must spend at least 500 hours on S&O in the calendar year","de":"Selbstständige müssen im Kalenderjahr mindestens 500 Stunden S&O leisten","ru":"Самозанятый должен потратить не менее 500 часов на S&O за календарный год"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"Employers: 36% on first EUR 391,020 of wage costs (starters 50%), 16% above; starter max 3 years","de":"Arbeitgeber: 36 % auf die ersten 391.020 € (Starter 50 %), darüber 16 %; Starter max. 3 Jahre","ru":"Работодатели: 36 % с первых 391 020 € (стартапы 50 %), сверх 16 %; статус стартапа макс. 3 года"}},{"page":11,"text":{"en":"Each application covers at least 3 and at most 12 months","de":"Jeder Antrag umfasst mindestens 3 und höchstens 12 Monate","ru":"Каждая заявка покрывает от 3 до 12 месяцев"}},{"page":13,"text":{"en":"Employers: max 4 applications a year, by the last day of the month before the period starts","de":"Arbeitgeber: max. 4 Anträge pro Jahr, bis zum letzten Tag des Monats vor Beginn des Zeitraums","ru":"Работодатели: до 4 заявок в год, не позднее последнего дня месяца перед началом периода"}},{"page":18,"text":{"en":"Keep an hours record per project and update it within 10 working days","de":"Stundennachweis pro Projekt führen und binnen 10 Arbeitstagen aktualisieren","ru":"Вести учёт часов по проекту и обновлять его в течение 10 рабочих дней"}}]}]},{"id":"vff-rvo","name":"Early Phase Financing (VFF) - RVO","nameLocal":"Vroegefasefinanciering (VFF)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/vff-rvo","officialUrl":"https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/vroegefasefinanciering","region":"netherlands","regionLabel":"Netherlands","provider":"RVO","type":"loan","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":50000,"max":450000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Interest-bearing loan EUR 50,000-450,000: innovative starters up to EUR 450,000 (100% of costs), small SMEs up to EUR 202,500 (45%), medium SMEs up to EUR 157,500 (35%); interest 7.71% from 1 Sep 2026; repayment starts after 3-5 years"},"duration":"Project-based","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Dutch company; in Friesland, Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Noord-Holland, Utrecht, Zeeland and Zuid-Holland apply via the regional fund instead","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","digital","hardware","life_science"],"eligibility":["Innovative starter up to 5 years old, SME, or academic/hbo/TO2 starter (via NWO)","Technological innovation","Proof-of-principle already reached","Loan pays for reaching proof-of-concept","Follow-on investor willing to invest afterwards"],"commonBlockers":["No committed follow-on investor","Not technological innovation","Small national budget (EUR 3M) - first-come, lottery if oversubscribed on one day","Company in a province with its own regional VFF counter"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":"2026-12-31","opensOn":"2026-01-01","text":"Open 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2026 23:59 while budget lasts, first-come; lottery if budget runs out on one day. Academic starter window (1 Jul - 1 Sep 2026) closed. 2027 round not yet announced."},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/vroegefasefinanciering","https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/vroegefasefinanciering/voorwaarden"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"RVO confirms amounts by company type, 7.71% interest and the 2026 window. The loan must be repaid with interest; RVO pages read do not mention a write-off. Whether the EUR 3M national budget is used up is not stated. Amsterdam/Noord-Holland companies apply via Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland (separate entry).","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"innovatiekrediet-rvo","name":"Innovation Credit","nameLocal":"Innovatiekrediet","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/innovatiekrediet-rvo","officialUrl":"https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/innovatiekrediet","region":"netherlands","regionLabel":"Netherlands","provider":"RVO","type":"loan","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"conditional","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":null,"max":10000000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Up to 45% of project costs for small firms (35% medium, 25% large; SMEs 50% with collaboration); max EUR 10M technical / EUR 5M clinical; at least 55% from other financing. 3% fixed compound interest plus a one-off 15% (technical) / 25% (clinical) surcharge; repaid after the project from commercial results"},"duration":"Project-based (market-ready within 5 years)","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Dutch company","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","life_science","hardware"],"eligibility":["Innovative project with high technical/clinical risk","Market-ready within 5 years","Other financing for at least 55%","Financing of project and company fully secured for the whole project before the credit is granted","SMEs and large companies; free Quick Scan recommended"],"commonBlockers":["Too early or too small to raise 55% co-financing","Risk not technical enough","Co-financing not yet backed by term sheets or letters of intent"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":"2026-12-31","opensOn":"2026-01-01","text":"Open 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2026; EUR 50M total budget. 2027 round not yet announced."},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/innovatiekrediet","https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/innovatiekrediet/voorwaarden","https://www.rvo.nl/sites/default/files/2026-02/Handleiding%20voor%20aanvraag%20Innovatiekrediet.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"RVO confirms percentages, caps, budget and 2026 window. Interest is 3% fixed and compounds yearly from payout; RVO takes a first pledge on project assets (patents, equipment). RVO mentions full exemption from repayment is possible but does not list the conditions. Realistically too heavy for solo founders at idea stage; relevant after VFF/PoC.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Handleiding voor het schrijven van een aanvraag Innovatiekrediet","url":"https://www.rvo.nl/sites/default/files/2026-02/Handleiding%20voor%20aanvraag%20Innovatiekrediet.pdf","language":"nl","version":null,"checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Application = 1-page summary, business plan, project plan and financing plan","de":"Antrag = 1-seitige Zusammenfassung, Businessplan, Projektplan und Finanzierungsplan","ru":"Заявка = резюме на 1 страницу, бизнес-план, план проекта и план финансирования"}},{"page":17,"text":{"en":"Project budget must use RVO's mandatory Excel format","de":"Projektbudget muss im verpflichtenden Excel-Format von RVO eingereicht werden","ru":"Бюджет проекта подаётся только в обязательном Excel-формате RVO"}},{"page":18,"text":{"en":"Credit granted only when the rest of the financing is fully secured; show term sheets or letters of intent","de":"Kredit nur bei voll gesicherter Restfinanzierung; Termsheets oder Absichtserklärungen vorlegen","ru":"Кредит дают, только если остальное финансирование обеспечено; нужны term sheet или письма о намерениях"}},{"page":18,"text":{"en":"Uncertain sales revenue counted as financing requires a shareholder guarantee","de":"Unsichere Umsätze als Finanzierungsquelle erfordern eine Garantie der Gesellschafter","ru":"Если в финансировании учтены неустойчивые продажи, нужна гарантия акционеров"}},{"page":20,"text":{"en":"Repayment normally starts within 6 months after the project; one-off surcharge 15% technical / 25% clinical","de":"Rückzahlung beginnt meist binnen 6 Monaten nach Projektende; einmalig 15 % technisch / 25 % klinisch Aufschlag","ru":"Возврат обычно начинается в течение 6 месяцев после проекта; разовая надбавка 15 % / 25 % (клинич.)"}},{"page":20,"text":{"en":"No interest, loan repayments or dividends to shareholders until the credit is fully repaid","de":"Keine Zinsen, Darlehensrückzahlungen oder Dividenden an Gesellschafter vor voller Rückzahlung","ru":"Никаких процентов, возврата займов или дивидендов акционерам до полного погашения кредита"}}]}]},{"id":"mit-haalbaarheid-nh","name":"MIT Feasibility Projects - Noord-Holland","nameLocal":"MIT Haalbaarheidsprojecten Noord-Holland","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/mit-haalbaarheid-nh","officialUrl":"https://www.noord-holland.nl/Producten_op_alfabet/MKB_innovatiestimulering_topsectoren_MIT_Noord_Holland_Haalbaarheidsproject_subsidie","region":"amsterdam","regionLabel":"Amsterdam","provider":"Provincie Noord-Holland (with RVO/Rijk funding)","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":20000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"35% of eligible costs, max EUR 20,000; 2026 budget EUR 2,570,400"},"duration":"Short feasibility project","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"SME with a branch in Noord-Holland where most activity takes place","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["digital","deep_tech","impact"],"eligibility":["SME with a branch in Noord-Holland (most activity incl. the project there)","Feasibility study for a new product, process, service or technology with technical and financial risk","Fits mission-driven top-sector and innovation policy","Project not started before applying (signed quotes or contracts count as a start)","One application per SME (incl. affiliated companies) per round"],"commonBlockers":["Missing the single annual window","Oversubscribed on opening day (2026 went to lottery)","Outside Noord-Holland","Own hours capped at EUR 60/hour; third-party costs need quotes","No recent annual report or bank statement to show own contribution"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Closed: 2026 window 7 Apr - 15 Sep 2026 17:00 has ended (oversubscribed on day one, lottery). 2027 round not yet announced."},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.noord-holland.nl/Producten_op_alfabet/MKB_innovatiestimulering_topsectoren_MIT_Noord_Holland_Haalbaarheidsproject_subsidie","https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/mit","https://www.noord-holland.nl/productfiles/34c97407-8397-4f89-8d55-ac109c43fb6c.pdf","https://www.noord-holland.nl/productfiles/7c4da5ca-55b1-48e9-a6be-37db14bd2c07.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Province page confirms 35% up to EUR 20,000, budget, window and closure. RVO confirms feasibility projects are now regional only. Watch the province page for a 2027 round; apply on opening day.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Uitvoeringsregeling MKB innovatiestimulering topsectoren haalbaarheidsprojecten Noord-Holland 2026 (MIT) - toelichting (Provinciaal Blad 2026, 3072)","url":"https://www.noord-holland.nl/productfiles/34c97407-8397-4f89-8d55-ac109c43fb6c.pdf","language":"nl","version":"2026-02-25","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":3,"text":{"en":"SME must be registered in Noord-Holland, do most of its business there and run the project there","de":"KMU muss in Noord-Holland eingetragen sein, dort überwiegend tätig sein und das Projekt dort durchführen","ru":"МСП должно быть зарегистрировано в Северной Голландии, работать в основном там и вести проект там"}},{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Handled by day of receipt; if day one is oversubscribed, a lottery decides","de":"Bearbeitung nach Eingangstag; bei Überzeichnung am ersten Tag entscheidet das Los","ru":"Заявки рассматриваются по дню подачи; при переподписке в первый день — жеребьёвка"}},{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Innovation, economic outlook, feasibility and mission impact each need at least 3 of 5 points","de":"Innovation, wirtschaftliche Perspektive, Machbarkeit und Missionsbeitrag je mind. 3 von 5 Punkten","ru":"Инновация, экономическая перспектива, реализуемость и вклад в миссию — минимум 3 из 5 баллов каждая"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"Project must not start before applying; signing a quote or contract counts as a start","de":"Projekt darf nicht vor Antragstellung beginnen; ein unterschriebenes Angebot gilt als Start","ru":"Проект нельзя начинать до подачи; подписанный счёт-оферта или договор считается стартом"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"One application per SME per round, including partner and affiliated companies","de":"Ein Antrag pro KMU und Runde, einschließlich Partner- und verbundener Unternehmen","ru":"Одна заявка на МСП за раунд, включая партнёрские и связанные компании"}},{"page":7,"text":{"en":"Own staff and hired staff count at max EUR 60/hour; other third-party costs need a quote","de":"Eigenes und externes Personal max. 60 €/Stunde; sonstige Fremdkosten brauchen ein Angebot","ru":"Свои и привлечённые сотрудники — макс. 60 €/час; прочие внешние расходы — по смете поставщика"}}]},{"title":"Informatie te verstrekken in subsidieportaal","url":"https://www.noord-holland.nl/productfiles/7c4da5ca-55b1-48e9-a6be-37db14bd2c07.pdf","language":"nl","version":null,"checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Attach: application form, budget/planning in the set format, KvK extract, SME and de minimis declarations","de":"Beilagen: Antragsformular, Budget/Planung im Vorgabeformat, KvK-Auszug, KMU- und De-minimis-Erklärung","ru":"Приложить: форму заявки, бюджет/план по шаблону, выписку KvK, декларации МСП и de minimis"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Also needed: adopted annual report no older than 1 year and a recent bank statement","de":"Außerdem: festgestellter Jahresabschluss (max. 1 Jahr alt) und aktueller Kontoauszug","ru":"Также нужны: утверждённый годовой отчёт не старше 1 года и свежая банковская выписка"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Quotes required for third-party and other costs; project summary max 150 words","de":"Angebote für Fremd- und sonstige Kosten nötig; Projektzusammenfassung max. 150 Wörter","ru":"Нужны сметы на внешние и прочие расходы; резюме проекта не более 150 слов"}}]}]},{"id":"mit-rd-samenwerking","name":"MIT R&D Collaboration Projects","nameLocal":"MIT R&D-samenwerkingsprojecten","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/mit-rd-samenwerking","officialUrl":"https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/mit/rd-samenwerkingsprojecten","region":"netherlands","regionLabel":"Netherlands","provider":"RVO / provinces","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":50000,"max":350000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"35% of eligible costs; small projects EUR 50,000-200,000, large projects EUR 200,000-350,000 per project (EUR 25,000-175,000 per participant)"},"duration":"Max 2 years","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":false,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Dutch SMEs; consortium of 2+ SMEs","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["At least 2 SMEs carry out the R&D project together","No participant bears more than 70% of costs","Top-sector / mission alignment"],"commonBlockers":["Needs SME partner(s)","Complex application","Single annual window"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Closed: 2026 window 9 Jun - 15 Sep 2026 17:00 has ended; RVO shows 'temporarily closed'. 2027 dates not yet announced."},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/mit/rd-samenwerkingsprojecten","https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/mit"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"RVO confirms amounts, 35% rate, 2-SME rule and the closed 2026 window (national budget EUR 3M plus regional budgets 2026-2028). Low relevance for solo founders. MIT knowledge vouchers are permanently closed.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"innovatiefonds-nh-vff","name":"Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland - VFF fund","nameLocal":"Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland Vroege Fase Financiering (VFF-NH II)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/innovatiefonds-nh-vff","officialUrl":"https://www.innovatiefondsnoordholland.nl","region":"amsterdam","regionLabel":"Amsterdam","provider":"Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland (Province NH, Ministry EZ via RVO, EU)","type":"loan","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"convertible","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":50000,"max":450000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Loan EUR 50,000-450,000 depending on company category (reported as convertible); fund about EUR 5M, half Rijk via RVO, half province"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Company active in Noord-Holland","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["digital","life_science","climate_tech","deep_tech"],"eligibility":["Innovative starter up to 5 years old, or SME","Active in Noord-Holland (Amsterdam qualifies)","Developing and validating an innovative product or service","No fisheries/aquaculture"],"commonBlockers":["Follow-on investor requirement (as national VFF)","Outside Noord-Holland","Convertible = possible future dilution"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":"2026-03-17","text":"Open since 17 Mar 2026; loans can be granted until 31 Dec 2029 or until the fund is used up"},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.noord-holland.nl/bestanden/pdf/Loket/Subsidieverlening%20Innovatiefonds%20Noord-Holland%20B.V..pdf","https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/vroegefasefinanciering","https://www.ixa.nl/news/new-incentive-fund-for-young-companies-in-north-holland/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Province grant decision (31 Mar 2026) confirms VFF-NH II: loans EUR 50k-450k for SMEs and starters up to 5 years in Noord-Holland, granted 2026-2029. RVO confirms Noord-Holland companies apply here instead of national VFF. Convertible structure and open status come from IXA (partner); the fund site itself shows no readable content. Interest and investor terms not confirmed.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Verlenen subsidie Vroege Fase Financiering Noord-Holland II (VFF-NH II) - Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland B.V.","url":"https://www.noord-holland.nl/bestanden/pdf/Loket/Subsidieverlening%20Innovatiefonds%20Noord-Holland%20B.V..pdf","language":"nl","version":"2026-03-31","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Fund EUR 5M: EUR 2.5M from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, EUR 2.5M from the province (2026-2028)","de":"Fonds 5 Mio. €: 2,5 Mio. € vom Wirtschaftsministerium, 2,5 Mio. € von der Provinz (2026-2028)","ru":"Фонд 5 млн €: 2,5 млн € от Минэкономики, 2,5 млн € от провинции (2026-2028)"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"For SMEs and innovative starters founded no more than 5 years ago, active in Noord-Holland","de":"Für KMU und innovative Starter, max. 5 Jahre alt, tätig in Noord-Holland","ru":"Для МСП и инновационных стартапов не старше 5 лет, работающих в Северной Голландии"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Loan lets the company prove its proposition so investors come on board; fisheries/aquaculture excluded","de":"Darlehen soll die Proposition beweisen und Investoren gewinnen; Fischerei/Aquakultur ausgeschlossen","ru":"Заём — чтобы доказать продукт и привлечь инвесторов; рыболовство и аквакультура исключены"}},{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Loans of EUR 50,000-450,000 depending on company category","de":"Darlehen 50.000-450.000 € je nach Unternehmenskategorie","ru":"Займы 50 000-450 000 € в зависимости от категории компании"}},{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Loans can be granted from 1 Jan 2026 until 31 Dec 2029","de":"Darlehen können vom 1. Jan. 2026 bis 31. Dez. 2029 vergeben werden","ru":"Займы выдаются с 1 янв. 2026 по 31 дек. 2029"}}]}]},{"id":"innovatiefonds-nh-poc2","name":"Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland - PoC2 fund","nameLocal":"Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland Proof of Concept 2 (PoC2)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/innovatiefonds-nh-poc2","officialUrl":"https://www.innovatiefondsnoordholland.nl","region":"amsterdam","regionLabel":"Amsterdam","provider":"Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland (Province NH, UvA, VU, HvA, Amsterdam UMC, Sanquin, EU)","type":"loan","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"convertible","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Convertible loans from a EUR 14M+ fund (ERDF Opportunities for West 3); loan size set per project (the first round averaged about EUR 275k)"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":true,"residence":"Noord-Holland","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["life_science","deep_tech","digital","impact"],"eligibility":["Link to a partner knowledge institution (UvA, VU, HvA, Amsterdam UMC, Sanquin)","Proof-of-concept phase","Startup or SME in Noord-Holland"],"commonBlockers":["No institutional link","Needs incorporation"],"deadline":{"type":"unknown","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Open-ended applications since 2023; ask the fund whether it is still taking new projects"},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://siliconcanals.com/innovation-fund-north-holland-launches-poc2/","https://www.telecompaper.com/news/fonds-biedt-startups-in-noord-holland-subsidie-voor-proof-of-conceptfase--1251931"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-06","confidence":"low","verificationNote":"Only press found (Silicon Canals, Jul 2023: EUR 14M+, aim of 42 convertible loans over 7 years). Fund website shows no readable content and no official page confirms 2026 status or loan cap. The earlier 'EUR 450k max' belongs to the separate VFF-NH II fund. Only for founders with a university/academic-hospital link.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"rabo-start-ontwikkelbijdrage","name":"Rabobank Start and Development Contribution (Noord-Holland Noord)","nameLocal":"Start- en Ontwikkelbijdrage Noord-Holland Noord (Rabobank Innovatiefonds)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/rabo-start-ontwikkelbijdrage","officialUrl":"https://metip.nl/rabobank-innovatiefonds/","region":"netherlands","regionLabel":"Netherlands","provider":"Rabobank with Investa, Metip, Energy & Health Campus","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":2500,"max":10000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 2,500-10,000 non-repayable contribution; most awards EUR 2,500-5,000, above EUR 5,000 only with clear scale-up potential"},"duration":"Up to 6 months","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Initiative relevant to Noord-Holland Noord (north of Amsterdam: Alkmaar, Den Helder, Hoorn areas)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["climate_tech","impact","digital"],"eligibility":["Startups, young companies and SMEs with an innovative product, service or process (indicative TRL 2-6)","Relevant to Noord-Holland Noord","Domains: energy and food transition, maritime/offshore, circular economy, supporting digitalisation","Must bank with Rabobank (onboarding possible); KvK number asked on the form"],"commonBlockers":["Amsterdam-only activity is outside Noord-Holland Noord","Outside the focus domains","Not a Rabobank client"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":"2026-09-08","text":"Launched 8 Sep 2026; open, no closing date or rounds listed; decision in 4-6 weeks"},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://metip.nl/rabobank-innovatiefonds/","https://www.rabobank.nl/lokale-bank/nieuws/011166779/start-en-ontwikkelbijdrage-gelanceerd-voor-innovatieve-ondernemers-in-noord-holland-noord"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Rabobank news (15 Sep 2026) confirms launch on 8 Sep 2026 and partners; Metip programme page confirms amounts, non-repayable, domains, TRL 2-6 and the online form. No budget or closing date stated. Probably not usable for Amsterdam-only founders.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"rabo-innovatielening","name":"Rabo Innovation Loan","nameLocal":"Rabo Innovatielening","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/rabo-innovatielening","officialUrl":"https://www.rabobank.nl/bedrijven/zakelijk-financieren/financieringen/rabo-innovatielening","region":"netherlands","regionLabel":"Netherlands","provider":"Rabobank","type":"loan","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":25000,"max":200000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 25,000-200,000 as two equal subordinated loans; 10% fixed interest, 7-year term, no collateral or arrangement fee"},"duration":"7-year loan term","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":false,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Existing Dutch B.V., established and active in the Netherlands","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","impact","digital"],"eligibility":["Existing B.V. (not in formation), based and active in the Netherlands","Innovation not yet on the market; no structural revenue or paying customers yet (pilot/PoC income allowed)","Team of several founders, visible in the cap table","Contributes to digitalisation, sustainability or vitality","No earlier business financing from a professional financier","Business account at Rabobank before payout"],"commonBlockers":["Solo founders not eligible","Needs an existing B.V.","Annual budget is first come, first served","10% interest"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Ongoing; regional committee meets monthly; annual budget, first come first served"},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.rabobank.nl/bedrijven/zakelijk-financieren/financieringen/rabo-innovatielening","https://www.rabobank.nl/en/business/startups-and-scale-ups/articles/011532615-rabo-innovation-loan-stimulates-growth-innovation-and-impact-of-dutch-startups"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Terms confirmed on Rabobank product page: EUR 25k-200k, 10% fixed, 7 years; half repaid from year 3 at 20%/yr, half bullet at end. Apply via info request, then pitch to a regional committee. Not for solo founders.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"startup-in-residence-amsterdam","name":"Startup in Residence Amsterdam","nameLocal":"Startup in Residence Amsterdam","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/startup-in-residence-amsterdam","officialUrl":"https://startupinresidence.com/amsterdam/","region":"amsterdam","regionLabel":"Amsterdam","provider":"City of Amsterdam / Metropolitan Region Amsterdam","type":"accelerator","recipient":"company","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Training, coaches, workspace, city network and a chance to test with the City as launching customer; no cash amount published"},"duration":"6 months","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":null,"requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["impact","digital"],"eligibility":["Dutch and international startups and scale-ups","Solution to a posted city challenge, or a product to test at an open event"],"commonBlockers":["Must fit the posted city challenges","Open calls only occasionally"],"deadline":{"type":"unknown","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"No open challenges; last call (Open Events) ran 15 Jan - 29 Feb 2024; next call not announced"},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://startupinresidence.com/amsterdam/","https://www.iamsterdam.com/bedrijven-in-amsterdam/startup-amsterdam/initiatieven-gestart-en-ondersteund-door-startupamsterdam"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Official page lists only closed challenges and offers an email alert for new ones. No call since early 2024, so the programme looks dormant; no pilot contract value is published.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"ace-incubator","name":"ACE Incubator (Amsterdam Center for Entrepreneurship)","nameLocal":"ACE Incubator","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/ace-incubator","officialUrl":"https://www.ace-incubator.com","region":"amsterdam","regionLabel":"Amsterdam","provider":"UvA, VU, HvA, Amsterdam UMC (Amsterdam Science Park)","type":"accelerator","recipient":"team","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"conditional","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"No cash; training, mentoring and 2 years of follow-up support. No equity; 2% of revenue for 5 years, only in years with revenue of EUR 250k+"},"duration":"10-week programme, twice a year (spring and autumn), plus 2 years of support","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":true,"residence":"Amsterdam","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","life_science","digital"],"eligibility":["MSc students, graduates, researchers and academics","Early-stage tech or science startups"],"commonBlockers":["No university link","Revenue share once revenue reaches EUR 250k/yr"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Spring (May-June) and autumn (Nov-Jan) cohorts; 2026/27 application dates not found"},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://cdn.uva.nl/1/5/1537/45/kc2KA5fdrwYwPNIEqAjlFmI-cbkcH3fH2fqsGzfMoLoit_r56IB81_M5RnxiNvXEz6a_mhr05M0NRNn-A81ajmUulG_zAF5nutPwheN0lfxaYuVe__Ec2ArxT8TW-_APMOIBDSd_GAtoDyiJfEvePeDUprB-4Vrpgg","https://www.amsterdamsciencepark.nl/event/ace-incubation-program-2024-spring-24/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"low","verificationNote":"ace-incubator.com did not load (timeout). Terms (no equity, 2% revenue share above EUR 250k) are from an undated UvA-hosted flyer; current cohort dates and whether terms still apply are unconfirmed.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"amsterdam-circular","name":"Amsterdam Circular (circulator)","nameLocal":"Amsterdam Circular","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/amsterdam-circular","officialUrl":"https://ams-institute.org/entrepreneurship/amsterdam-circular/","region":"amsterdam","regionLabel":"Amsterdam","provider":"City of Amsterdam and AMS Institute","type":"accelerator","recipient":"company","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Cost-free, equity-free chain-financing programme; funding comes via chain partners and public/private co-financiers"},"duration":"3 months","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":null,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Amsterdam Metropolitan Area focus","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["impact"],"eligibility":["Early-stage circular startups that need funding","Batch theme (batch #5: circular consumer products)","Willing to experiment and share learnings"],"commonBlockers":["Theme mismatch","Applications only between batches"],"deadline":{"type":"unknown","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Applications closed; batch #5 (circular consumer products) starting; next call not announced"},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://ams-institute.org/entrepreneurship/amsterdam-circular/","https://www.iamsterdam.com/bedrijven-in-amsterdam/startup-amsterdam/initiatieven-gestart-en-ondersteund-door-startupamsterdam"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"AMS Institute page confirms cost-free, equity-free, 3 months, applications closed. The exact 2026 closing date and next call are not on the page. Only relevant for circular-economy ventures.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"boost-je-buurt","name":"Boost je Buurt (Amsterdam Impact)","nameLocal":"Boost je Buurt 2026","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/boost-je-buurt","officialUrl":"https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/business/amsterdam-impact/how-we-can-help/grow-your-impact-enterprise/boost-je-buurt-2026","region":"amsterdam","regionLabel":"Amsterdam","provider":"Amsterdam Impact with Impact Hub Amsterdam and Starters","type":"prize","recipient":"company","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":2500,"max":7500,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Jury and public prizes EUR 2,500 / 5,000 / 7,500; programme place worth EUR 25,000"},"duration":"3 months","stages":["idea","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Amsterdam, KvK registration (or soon)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["impact"],"eligibility":["Impact enterprise in Amsterdam, or planning to start one","Registered (or soon) with the Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam","Enterprises older than 3 years apply with a related project","At least 50% of income from sales; operates independently","Social impact at core; supports an inclusive, healthy or sustainable neighbourhood"],"commonBlockers":["Neighbourhood impact required","Annual window"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"2026 registration closed 17 Feb 2026; 2027 edition not announced"},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/business/amsterdam-impact/how-we-can-help/grow-your-impact-enterprise/boost-je-buurt-2026"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"2026 was the fourth edition; no 2027 date yet. Only for impact businesses rooted in Amsterdam neighbourhoods; not a fit for most pre-revenue digital founders.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"rockstart-amsterdam","name":"Rockstart accelerator","nameLocal":"Rockstart","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/rockstart-amsterdam","officialUrl":"https://rockstart.com/","region":"amsterdam","regionLabel":"Amsterdam","provider":"Rockstart","type":"accelerator","recipient":"team","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Investment from pre-seed, co-investments up to Series B; ticket size not published"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":null,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":null,"requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["deep_tech","impact","digital"],"eligibility":["Early-stage startups in AgriFood, Energy or Emerging Tech","Purpose-driven founders"],"commonBlockers":["Equity investment (dilution)","Competitive","Sector focus"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Applications accepted year-round via 'Get started' form"},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://rockstart.com/","https://rockstart.com/emerging-tech/","https://rockstart.com/energy/","https://rockstart.com/agrifood/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Official site confirms sectors (AgriFood, Energy, Emerging Tech), year-round applications and pre-seed to Series B investing. Ticket size and instrument are not published; the older EUR 65k / 2M figures were secondary-source only and removed. Health is no longer a listed track.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"nl-startup-visa","name":"Dutch Start-up Residence Permit","nameLocal":"Verblijfsvergunning Startup (start-up visa)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/nl-startup-visa","officialUrl":"https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/start-up","region":"netherlands","regionLabel":"Netherlands","provider":"IND / RVO","type":"benefit","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Not funding: 1-year permit, application fee EUR 423 (2026)"},"duration":"Up to 1 year, not extendable; then self-employed permit","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Non-EU founders only","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Non-EU/EEA/Swiss founder with an active role in the company","Signed contract with an RVO-listed facilitator (mentor); founder and facilitator registered at KvK","Innovative product or service (new to the Netherlands)","Facilitator may not hold a majority interest in the start-up","Step-by-step plan (your role, first-year steps, why it is innovative), assessed by RVO","Enough funds for one year (Dutch bank statement) or facilitator finances the stay"],"commonBlockers":["No qualified facilitator","Not innovative enough","Insufficient funds"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Apply any time"},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/start-up","https://ind.nl/en/fees-costs-of-an-application","https://ind.nl/en/forms/7558.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Conditions and EUR 423 fee confirmed on IND. After 1 year, switch to self-employed permit with facilitator declaration (3+ months mentoring). Only relevant if founder is non-EU; not a funding source.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Application for the purpose of residence 'Start-up' working on a self-employed basis (foreign national), form 7558","url":"https://ind.nl/en/forms/7558.pdf","language":"en","version":null,"checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Enclose a signed facilitator agreement; the facilitator may not hold a majority interest","de":"Unterschriebener Vertrag mit dem Facilitator beilegen; er darf keine Mehrheitsbeteiligung halten","ru":"Приложите подписанный договор с фасилитатором; у него не может быть контрольной доли"}},{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Step-by-step plan must cover your active role, first-year steps and why the product is innovative","de":"Stufenplan: deine aktive Rolle, Schritte im ersten Jahr und warum das Produkt innovativ ist","ru":"Пошаговый план: ваша активная роль, шаги на первый год и почему продукт инновационный"}},{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Proof of funds: Dutch bank statement, or contract showing the facilitator or a financier pays","de":"Nachweis der Mittel: niederländischer Kontoauszug oder Vertrag, dass Facilitator oder Geldgeber zahlt","ru":"Подтверждение средств: выписка из нидерландского банка или договор, что платит фасилитатор или инвестор"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Copy of all passport pages with stamps; KvK numbers of you and the facilitator; TB test form unless exempt","de":"Kopie aller Passseiten mit Stempeln; KvK-Nummern von dir und Facilitator; TB-Test-Erklärung, sofern nicht befreit","ru":"Копии всех страниц паспорта со штампами; номера KvK ваш и фасилитатора; согласие на тест на ТБ, если нет освобождения"}}]}]},{"id":"sci-digital-culture","name":"Creative Industries Fund NL - Digital Culture Grant Scheme","nameLocal":"Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie - Regeling Digitale cultuur 2025-2028","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sci-digital-culture","officialUrl":"https://www.stimuleringsfonds.nl/en/grants/digital-culture-grant-scheme","region":"netherlands","regionLabel":"Netherlands","provider":"Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie","type":"grant","recipient":"any","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":10000,"max":50000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 10,000-25,000 (single applicant) or up to EUR 50,000 with project partners; 20% co-financing required; EUR 650,000 per grant period"},"duration":"Max 24 months; must start within 6 months of the decision","stages":["idea","prototype","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Dutch KvK registration","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["creative"],"eligibility":["Makers, observers, design agencies and cultural institutions in digital culture","Artistic, research-led projects (media art, games, XR, AI, creative coding)","Listed in the Dutch KvK business register (extract max 1 year old); one application per grant period, one grant per calendar year","Project must be primarily non-profit; company set-up, market exploration and regular business activities are not funded","At least 20% co-financing (own contribution does not count)"],"commonBlockers":["Purely commercial startups usually rejected","Oversubscribed windows: a draw decides the order of assessment","Short submission windows","Co-financing needed"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Closed; last 2026 window closed 19 Aug 2026; 2027 windows not yet published"},"applicationLanguages":["nl","en"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.stimuleringsfonds.nl/en/grants/digital-culture-grant-scheme","https://www.stimuleringsfonds.nl/subsidies/regeling-digitale-cultuur","https://www.stimuleringsfonds.nl/en/programmes/digital-culture","https://cms.stimuleringsfonds.nl/storage/media/SCI_Digital-Culture-Grant-Scheme-2025-2028.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Scheme text (2025-2028) sets the amounts, 20% co-financing, 24-month limit and non-profit rule. Phase I closed 19 Aug 2026; 2027 windows not published yet. Fit only for artistic/cultural digital work.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[{"title":"Digital Culture Grant Scheme 2025-2028","url":"https://cms.stimuleringsfonds.nl/storage/media/SCI_Digital-Culture-Grant-Scheme-2025-2028.pdf","language":"en","version":"2025-01","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":3,"text":{"en":"EUR 10,000-25,000 for a single applicant; up to EUR 50,000 with project partners","de":"10.000–25.000 € für Einzelantragsteller; bis 50.000 € mit Projektpartnern","ru":"10 000–25 000 € для одного заявителя; до 50 000 € с партнёрами по проекту"}},{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Projects must be primarily non-profit","de":"Projekte müssen überwiegend nicht gewinnorientiert sein","ru":"Проекты должны быть преимущественно некоммерческими"}},{"page":4,"text":{"en":"If a window is oversubscribed, a draw sets the order in which applications are assessed","de":"Bei Überzeichnung entscheidet ein Losverfahren über die Reihenfolge der Prüfung","ru":"Если заявок больше лимита, порядок рассмотрения определяет жеребьёвка"}},{"page":5,"text":{"en":"Applicant must be listed in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) business register","de":"Antragsteller muss im niederländischen Handelsregister (KvK) eingetragen sein","ru":"Заявитель должен быть зарегистрирован в нидерландском реестре KvK"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"Max 24 months; start within 6 months of decision; one grant per calendar year","de":"Max. 24 Monate; Start binnen 6 Monaten nach Bescheid; eine Förderung pro Kalenderjahr","ru":"До 24 месяцев; старт в течение 6 месяцев после решения; один грант в календарный год"}},{"page":7,"text":{"en":"Not funded: company set-up costs, market exploration, commercial feasibility studies, regular business","de":"Nicht gefördert: Firmengründung, Markterkundung, kommerzielle Machbarkeitsstudien, laufendes Geschäft","ru":"Не финансируются: создание компании, изучение рынка, коммерческое ТЭО, обычная деятельность"}}]}]},{"id":"nlnet-restack","name":"NLnet Restack Fund","nameLocal":"NLnet Restack Fund","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/nlnet-restack","officialUrl":"https://nlnet.nl/restack/","region":"eu","regionLabel":"European Union","provider":"NLnet Foundation (EU DG CONNECT / Horizon Europe)","type":"grant","recipient":"any","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":5000,"max":50000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"€5,000–50,000 for a first grant; can scale up for proven potential; plus in-kind security audits/standardisation help. €7M total to 2030."},"duration":null,"stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Strong European dimension expected (applicants mostly from Horizon Europe-eligible countries)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["open_source"],"eligibility":["Individuals explicitly allowed as applicants (also SMEs, NGOs, etc.)","Concrete contribution to an Open Internet Stack (infra, open alternatives to closed services, secure devices)","All results under a recognised FOSS licence","AI projects out of scope unless >1M active users and directly relevant"],"commonBlockers":["Output must be open source — not for proprietary SaaS core","NLnet rejects AI-generated proposals","Paid per milestone, not upfront"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":"2026-11-03","opensOn":"2026-09-03","text":"Call opened 3 Sep 2026; deadline 3 Nov 2026 12:00 CET. NLnet runs deadlines on the 3rd of every odd month, so next likely 3 Jan 2027."},"applicationLanguages":["en"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://nlnet.nl/restack/","https://nlnet.nl/propose/","https://nlnet.nl/funding.html"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Successor to NGI Zero Commons Fund, whose 13th and final call closed 1 Jun 2026.","overlooked":"Short plain-text English form, individuals welcome, no company needed, and funding can cover your own dev time. Most solo devs don't know NLnet funds people, not just orgs.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"nlnet-codesupply","name":"NLnet CodeSupply Fund","nameLocal":"NLnet CodeSupply Fund (Pilot)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/nlnet-codesupply","officialUrl":"https://nlnet.nl/codesupply/","region":"eu","regionLabel":"European Union","provider":"NLnet Foundation (EU DG CONNECT / Horizon Europe)","type":"grant","recipient":"any","moneyType":"personal","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":5000,"max":50000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"€5,000–50,000 per proposal; €400k reserved for open calls"},"duration":null,"stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"European dimension expected","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["open_source"],"eligibility":["Same applicant rules as NLnet (individuals allowed)","Work on software metadata, SBOM/licence-compliance data, open datasets, FOSS tool integrations","FOSS licence for all results"],"commonBlockers":["Narrow scope: supply-chain/metadata tooling only","Small total pot (€400k)"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":"2026-11-03","opensOn":"2026-09-03","text":"First call 3 Sep – 3 Nov 2026 12:00 CET"},"applicationLanguages":["en"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://nlnet.nl/codesupply/","https://nlnet.nl/propose/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"","overlooked":"Brand-new pilot with a tiny niche: few applicants in round one, and devtools/SBOM work is a natural fit for solo builders.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"forschungszulage","name":"German R&D tax credit","nameLocal":"Steuerliche Forschungszulage","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/forschungszulage","officialUrl":"https://www.bescheinigung-forschungszulage.de/","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"BMF / Bescheinigungsstelle Forschungszulage (BSFZ) + Finanzamt","type":"tax_credit","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"year","text":"35% for KMU (25% general) of eligible R&D costs. Owner's own R&D work in a sole proprietorship counts at €100/hour (from 2026, was €70), max 40 h/week. For projects started from 2026 a 20% overhead flat rate is added; the annual cap is €12M. Paid as a tax credit; refunded even with no tax owed."},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Taxable in Germany","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any","digital"],"eligibility":["Every taxpayer with business income (any size/legal form, incl. Einzelunternehmer) has a legal claim","Project must qualify as R&D (BSFZ certificate): new, with technical risk, planned","BSFZ description in German only, max 4,000 characters, plus a mandatory tabular work plan","Certificate possible for planned, ongoing or finished projects (work started after 1 Jan 2020)","Can apply up to 4 years retroactively; no fixed deadline"],"commonBlockers":["Routine software work isn't R&D: configuring or porting existing software, testing, debugging, docs. You must show technical risk; GDPR concerns don't count","Market research and feasibility studies are not R&D","Needs an ELSTER organisation certificate","Must document hours carefully"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"No deadline; certificate any time, up to 4 years retroactive"},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.bescheinigung-forschungszulage.de/","https://www.ihk.de/dresden/servicenavigation/presse-publikationen/meldungen/steuerliche-forschungszulage-6928962","https://www.ihk.de/rhein-neckar/innovation/innovationsberatung/foerdermittel/forschungszulage-4645738","https://www.bescheinigung-forschungszulage.de/dateien/PDF/Leitfaden_zur_Antragstellung.pdf","https://www.bescheinigung-forschungszulage.de/dateien/PDF/Pruefleitfaden_BSFZ.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Example: 1,000 own R&D hours × €100 × 1.2 overhead × 35% ≈ €42,000 tax credit (illustrative arithmetic, not an official figure).","overlooked":"Solo founders assume it's for corporates. Since 2026 your own unpaid R&D hours count at €100/h, so a bootstrapped solo dev can get cash back for work already done (retroactive 4 years). It's also the official fallback while ZIM is paused.","officialDocuments":[{"title":"Arbeitshilfe zum Antrag auf Erteilung einer Bescheinigung nach § 6 Forschungszulagengesetz (Leitfaden zur Antragstellung)","url":"https://www.bescheinigung-forschungszulage.de/dateien/PDF/Leitfaden_zur_Antragstellung.pdf","language":"de","version":"2026-02-10","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Project description: max 4,000 characters in total","de":"Vorhabenbeschreibung: insgesamt max. 4.000 Zeichen","ru":"Описание проекта: всего не более 4 000 знаков"}},{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Certificate can be requested for planned, ongoing or completed projects","de":"Bescheinigung für geplante, laufende oder abgeschlossene Vorhaben möglich","ru":"Сертификат можно запросить для планируемых, текущих или завершённых проектов"}},{"page":8,"text":{"en":"All texts must be in German","de":"Alle Texte müssen auf Deutsch sein","ru":"Все тексты только на немецком"}},{"page":10,"text":{"en":"A work plan is mandatory for every project","de":"Für jedes Vorhaben ist ein Arbeitsplan Pflicht","ru":"Для каждого проекта обязателен план работ"}},{"page":22,"text":{"en":"Own work counts at EUR 100 per hour from 2026, max 40 hours per week per person","de":"Eigenleistung zählt ab 2026 mit 100 € pro Stunde, max. 40 Stunden pro Woche und Person","ru":"Собственная работа с 2026 года: 100 € в час, не более 40 часов в неделю на человека"}},{"page":23,"text":{"en":"Projects started from 2026: overhead and material costs as a 20% flat rate","de":"Vorhaben mit Beginn ab 2026: Gemein- und Sachkosten als 20-%-Pauschale","ru":"Проекты, начатые с 2026 года: накладные и материальные расходы — 20 % паушально"}}]},{"title":"Wie prüft die BSFZ? (Prüfleitfaden)","url":"https://www.bescheinigung-forschungszulage.de/dateien/PDF/Pruefleitfaden_BSFZ.pdf","language":"de","version":"2025-10","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Three tests: novelty vs. state of the art, technical risk, planned and defined project","de":"Drei Kriterien: Neuartigkeit ggü. Stand der Technik, technisches Risiko, Planmäßigkeit","ru":"Три критерия: новизна относительно уровня техники, технический риск, плановость"}},{"page":10,"text":{"en":"Market research and customer surveys before the project are not R&D","de":"Marktforschung und Kundenbefragungen vor dem Vorhaben sind keine FuE","ru":"Исследование рынка и опросы клиентов до проекта — не R&D"}},{"page":18,"text":{"en":"Not R&D on its own: configuring or porting existing software, routine dev, testing, debugging","de":"Allein keine FuE: Konfigurieren oder Portieren vorhandener Software, Routineentwicklung, Tests, Debugging","ru":"Само по себе не R&D: настройка или перенос готового ПО, рутинная разработка, тесты, отладка"}},{"page":18,"text":{"en":"Data protection (GDPR) concerns do not count as technical risk","de":"Datenschutzrechtliche Bedenken gelten nicht als technisches Risiko","ru":"Требования защиты данных (GDPR) не считаются техническим риском"}}]}]},{"id":"bafa-unternehmensberatung","name":"BAFA consulting subsidy","nameLocal":"Förderung von Unternehmensberatungen für KMU (BAFA)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/bafa-unternehmensberatung","officialUrl":"https://www.bafa.de/DE/Wirtschaft/Beratung_Finanzierung/Unternehmensberatung/unternehmensberatung_node.html","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"BAFA (ESF Plus)","type":"voucher","recipient":"company","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":1750,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Assessment base €3,500 per consultation. Leipzig region and Berlin: 50% = max €1,750. Other eastern German regions: 80% = max €2,800. Up to 5 consultations in total until end of 2026, max 2 per year."},"duration":null,"stages":["revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Business seat in Germany","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["KMU incl. sole proprietors and freelancers","Young firms (< 1 year on market) need a free info talk with a regional contact first (≤3 months before applying)","Apply online before signing the consultant contract"],"commonBlockers":["Leipzig region counts as 'western' rate (50%) — less than founders expect","Consultant must be independent; you pre-pay"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":"2026-12-31","opensOn":null,"text":"Current guideline runs until 31 Dec 2026; apply before then. A follow-up programme has not been announced yet."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.bafa.de/DE/Wirtschaft/Beratung_Finanzierung/Unternehmensberatung/unternehmensberatung_node.html","https://www.ihk.de/blueprint/servlet/resource/blob/3644914/ac21fc60d8d451f81d5fe5064852882f/ihk-merkblatt-foerderung-von-unternehmensberatung-fuer-kmu-data.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Small amount; urgency because the guideline expires 31 Dec 2026.","overlooked":"Low effort, works for Einzelunternehmer, and stacks with other programs. Use it for e.g. a pricing/go-to-market consultant before the guideline lapses.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"leipzig-messefoerderung","name":"Leipzig trade fair grant","nameLocal":"Erschließung neuer Märkte – Messeförderung (Mittelstandsförderprogramm Stadt Leipzig)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/leipzig-messefoerderung","officialUrl":"https://www.leipzig.de/wirtschaft/mittelstand-staerken/mittelstandsfoerderprogramm","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"Stadt Leipzig, Amt für Wirtschaftsförderung","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":2000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"50% of stand, travel and fair-marketing costs. Caps: €1,500 (German fair), €2,000 (foreign fair), €750 (German conference), €1,000 (foreign conference/delegation trip). Up to 3 grants per year."},"duration":null,"stages":["revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Seat or branch in Leipzig","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["KMU in Leipzig; normally needs ≥1 FTE besides owners, but young firms (full-time founding ≤3 years) are exempt","Exhibitor or active participation (conferences, symposia, delegation trips count)","Same event fundable max 3 times","Not if SAB/federal fair funding is used for the same event"],"commonBlockers":["Transport companies (Verkehrssektor) and the other sectors on the city's exclusion list (Anlage 5 of form 81/021/02.26)","Apply ≥4 weeks before the event","City budget can run out before year-end","Event also eligible for SAB/federal fair funding","Older firm with no employee besides the owners"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Year-round, ≥4 weeks before the event, subject to budget. Proof of use due within 3 months after the event period; paid in arrears."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.leipzig.de/wirtschaft/mittelstand-staerken/mittelstandsfoerderprogramm","https://static.leipzig.de/fileadmin/mediendatenbank/leipzig-de/Stadt/02.8_Dez8_Wirtschaft_Arbeit_Digitales/80_Amt_fuer_Wirtschaftsfoerderung/1_Unternehmensservice/Mittelstandsfoerderprogramm/MP19B04-Erschlie-ung-neuer-Markte_Messeforderung.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"low","verificationNote":"Terms from the city's measure sheet MP20B04 (valid from 01.01.2020), the latest version published. Grants are paid after the event against receipts. Check 9 Oct 2026: the HWK overview of the city program and the city's 2023 monitoring report no longer list a trade-fair measure, so confirm with wirtschaft@leipzig.de that it is still offered before planning on it.","overlooked":"Conference talks and delegation trips count, not only fair booths. A solo founder speaking at a European conference can get half the travel back.","officialDocuments":[{"title":"Steckbrief zur Maßnahme MP20B04 – Erschließung neuer Märkte (Messeförderung), Mittelstandsförderprogramm Leipzig","url":"https://static.leipzig.de/fileadmin/mediendatenbank/leipzig-de/Stadt/02.8_Dez8_Wirtschaft_Arbeit_Digitales/80_Amt_fuer_Wirtschaftsfoerderung/1_Unternehmensservice/Mittelstandsfoerderprogramm/MP19B04-Erschlie-ung-neuer-Markte_Messeforderung.pdf","language":"de","version":"2020-01-01","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":null,"text":{"en":"50% of costs; caps EUR 1,500 German fair, EUR 2,000 foreign fair, EUR 750/1,000 conferences","de":"50 % der Kosten; max. 1.500 € Messe Inland, 2.000 € Ausland, 750 €/1.000 € Konferenzen","ru":"50 % расходов; лимит 1 500 € выставка в Германии, 2 000 € за рубежом, 750/1 000 € конференции"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Eligible: stand rent/fees, travel and hotel, fair marketing; car at max EUR 0.30/km","de":"Förderfähig: Standmiete/Gebühren, Reise und Übernachtung, Messemarketing; Pkw max. 0,30 €/km","ru":"Оплачиваются: аренда стенда/взносы, поездка и отель, маркетинг; авто до 0,30 €/км"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Needs ≥1 FTE besides owners, unless founded max. 3 years ago","de":"Mind. 1 Vollzeitstelle neben den Inhabern, außer bei Gründung vor max. 3 Jahren","ru":"Нужен минимум 1 сотрудник (полная ставка) кроме владельцев, если бизнесу больше 3 лет"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Apply ≥4 weeks before the event; same event max. 3 times; max. 3 grants per year","de":"Antrag mind. 4 Wochen vorher; gleiche Messe max. 3-mal; max. 3 Förderungen pro Jahr","ru":"Подать минимум за 4 недели; одно событие не больше 3 раз; не больше 3 грантов в год"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Not for fairs fundable via SAB or federal/state programmes","de":"Nicht für Messen, die über SAB oder Bundes-/Landesprogramme förderfähig sind","ru":"Не для выставок, которые можно профинансировать через SAB или федеральные/земельные программы"}}]}]},{"id":"sab-business-angel-bonus","name":"Saxony Business Angel Bonus","nameLocal":"Business-Angel-Bonus (JTF 2021–2027)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sab-business-angel-bonus","officialUrl":"https://www.sab.sachsen.de/en/f%C3%B6rderrichtlinie-business-angel-bonus-jtf-2021-2027","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB), Just Transition Fund","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":400000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Grant of 50% of eligible costs (personnel incl. managing-director salary, material, investments), capped at the angel's investment and €400,000"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Seat in Stadt Leipzig, Landkreis Leipzig, Nordsachsen, Bautzen, Görlitz or Chemnitz (JTF regions)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Small innovative company, in the commercial register ≤5 years","Each counted angel invests ≥€50,000 fresh equity","Participation agreement signed ≤2 months before application","Must contribute to ecological/social sustainability"],"commonBlockers":["Needs incorporation (HR entry) and an angel ticket ≥€50k","If profits are distributed within 5 years, 50% must be repaid (from €2,500, capped at the grant)"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Apply within 2 months of signing the angel agreement; no fixed call dates. 2026 budget status not stated."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.sab.sachsen.de/en/f%C3%B6rderrichtlinie-business-angel-bonus-jtf-2021-2027","https://www.sab.sachsen.de/en/startups"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"","overlooked":"Leipzig city is a JTF region, so a €50k angel cheque can unlock €50k+ of non-dilutive money. It's a strong pitch line to angels that almost nobody outside Lusatia uses.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"sab-markteinfuehrungsdarlehen","name":"Saxony market-launch loan","nameLocal":"Markteinführungsdarlehen (MEP-D)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sab-markteinfuehrungsdarlehen","officialUrl":"https://www.sab.sachsen.de/en/markteinf%C3%BChrungsdarlehen-mep-d-1","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB)","type":"loan","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":30000,"max":500000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"€30k–500k; up to 100% of costs for young small firms (≤5 years, <50 staff), up to 80% for others; 1.5% p.a. (JTF regions incl. Leipzig) or 2.5%; up to 8 years, 2 years repayment-free; no collateral; can be subordinated for young small firms"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Seat/branch in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any","digital"],"eligibility":["Commercial KMU and Freiberufler","Product based on innovative idea or own R&D","Software: release candidate required at application","Market launch ≤6 months ago if loan only","Combinable with the SAB Markteinführungszuschuss if both are filed before project start"],"commonBlockers":["Repayable","Development costs not covered","Management-level salaries not eligible","Signing a project contract before applying counts as an early start and leads to rejection"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"No fixed deadlines; apply before project start via Förderportal. Merkblatt dated Sep 2026."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.sab.sachsen.de/en/markteinf%C3%BChrungsdarlehen-mep-d-1","https://www.sab.sachsen.de/documents/d/guest/merkblatt_markteinfuhrungsdarlehen-2?download=true"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"","overlooked":"A 1.5%, collateral-free, subordinated loan for launching a software product works almost like quasi-equity. Bank loans for solo founders never look like this.","officialDocuments":[{"title":"Programmmerkblatt Markteinführungsdarlehen (Darlehen für den Mittelstand)","url":"https://www.sab.sachsen.de/documents/d/guest/merkblatt_markteinfuhrungsdarlehen-2?download=true","language":"de","version":"2026-09","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":null,"text":{"en":"EUR 30,000–500,000 per project; up to 8 years, up to 2 years repayment-free; no collateral","de":"30.000–500.000 € pro Vorhaben; bis 8 Jahre, bis 2 Jahre tilgungsfrei; keine Sicherheiten","ru":"30 000–500 000 € на проект; до 8 лет, до 2 лет без погашения; без залога"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"100% financing only for young small firms: ≤5 years old, <50 staff; others max 80%, 20% own funds","de":"100 % nur für junge kleine Unternehmen: ≤5 Jahre, <50 Beschäftigte; sonst max. 80 %, 20 % Eigenmittel","ru":"100 % только молодым малым фирмам: ≤5 лет, <50 сотрудников; остальным до 80 %, 20 % своих средств"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"If you take only the loan, market launch may be at most 6 months in the past","de":"Nur bei Darlehen allein: Markteinführung darf höchstens 6 Monate zurückliegen","ru":"Если берёте только заём, выход на рынок должен быть не раньше чем 6 месяцев назад"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Can be combined with the Markteinführungszuschuss grant if both are filed before project start","de":"Kombinierbar mit dem Markteinführungszuschuss, wenn beide vor Vorhabenbeginn beantragt werden","ru":"Можно совместить с грантом Markteinführungszuschuss, если обе заявки поданы до старта проекта"}},{"page":null,"text":{"en":"Management-level salaries (incl. assistants) are not eligible costs","de":"Gehälter auf Geschäftsführungsebene (inkl. Assistenz) sind nicht förderfähig","ru":"Зарплаты руководства (включая ассистентов) не покрываются"}}]}]},{"id":"sab-digitalisierungsdarlehen","name":"Saxony digitalisation loan","nameLocal":"Digitalisierungsdarlehen (Digi-D)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sab-digitalisierungsdarlehen","officialUrl":"https://sab.sachsen.de/en/digitalisierungsdarlehen-digi-d-","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB)","type":"loan","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":30000,"max":250000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"€30k–250k; up to 100% for young small firms; 1.5% (JTF) / 2.5% p.a.; up to 6 years, 1 year repayment-free; no collateral"},"duration":null,"stages":["revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Seat/branch in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["KMU, Freiberufler, young companies","External services, hardware and software for digitalising processes/business models","Combinable with the SAB Digitalisierung grant"],"commonBlockers":["Own personnel costs not eligible","Digitalisation during the founding phase itself is not eligible (FAQ)","Repayable"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Apply before project start; 2026 status not stated"},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://sab.sachsen.de/en/digitalisierungsdarlehen-digi-d-","https://www.sab.sachsen.de/en/startups"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"","overlooked":"Pairs with the SAB digitalisation grant already in the registry for the remaining share, at very low interest and with no collateral.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"sab-innopraemie","name":"Saxony InnoPrämie","nameLocal":"InnoPrämie (EFRE/JTF-Technologieförderung)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sab-innopraemie","officialUrl":"https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Land/Sachsen/efre-jtf-technologiefoerderung-innopraemie.html","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) / SMWA","type":"voucher","recipient":"company","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":40000,"currency":"EUR","period":"year","text":"50% of external R&D/design/testing services, max €40,000 per calendar year (up to 2 per year); ≤6 months"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Business location in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any","creative","deep_tech"],"eligibility":["KMU of commercial economy, creative industries, freelance engineers","Providers: universities, institutes or private firms (domestic or foreign)","Feasibility/market studies, design, testing, certification prep"],"commonBlockers":["Only external services; own work not funded","Providers can't be related persons"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Any time before project start; guideline valid until 31 Dec 2030"},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Land/Sachsen/efre-jtf-technologiefoerderung-innopraemie.html"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"","overlooked":"Lets a solo founder buy research help (e.g. a university lab, UX research, security pentest by an institute) at half price, with a low-effort application.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"sab-fue-projektfoerderung","name":"Saxony R&D project grant","nameLocal":"EFRE/JTF-Technologieförderung – FuE-Projektförderung (Einzelprojekte)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sab-fue-projektfoerderung","officialUrl":"https://www.sab.sachsen.de/efre/jtf-forschung-und-entwicklung-projektf%C3%B6rderung-fue-projektf%C3%B6rderung-2021-bis-2027","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) / SMWA","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Small firms, single project: 40% (experimental development) / 50% in Leipzig, 60% in Chemnitz/Dresden (industrial research) of eligible costs; +5 points on development for 'significant' projects (e.g. firm ≤5 years old); no general cap"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Business site in Saxony; project carried out in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["digital"],"eligibility":["KMU of commercial economy","Novel result + exploitation plan","Up to 36 months","Two steps: project idea with outline (Projektskizze) in the SAB portal, then full application"],"commonBlockers":["Own co-financing 50–60% for small firms","Software eligibility not explicit — ask SAB","Must apply before starting"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Project outlines any time; special calls may set fixed dates"},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.sab.sachsen.de/efre/jtf-forschung-und-entwicklung-projektf%C3%B6rderung-fue-projektf%C3%B6rderung-2021-bis-2027","https://www.sab.sachsen.de/documents/d/guest/dok-4-forderquoten-fue-projekte?download=true","https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Land/Sachsen/efre-jtf-technologiefoerderung-projektfoerderung.html"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Rates follow the current SAB table of funding rates; the guideline text (version of 28 Jun 2024) still names higher maximum rates of up to 80%.","overlooked":"This is the Saxon ZIM alternative while federal ZIM is paused, and it pays 40–50% of your R&D salary costs in Leipzig.","officialDocuments":[{"title":"Förderquoten FuE-Projekte","url":"https://www.sab.sachsen.de/documents/d/guest/dok-4-forderquoten-fue-projekte?download=true","language":"de","version":null,"checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Small firm, single project: experimental development 40%; industrial research 50% (Leipzig) / 60% (Chemnitz, Dresden)","de":"Kleines Unternehmen, Einzelprojekt: exp. Entwicklung 40 %; industr. Forschung 50 % (Leipzig) / 60 % (Chemnitz, Dresden)","ru":"Малая фирма, одиночный проект: разработка 40 %; промышленные исследования 50 % (Лейпциг) / 60 % (Хемниц, Дрезден)"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Medium firm, single project: experimental development 30%; industrial research 50% (Leipzig) / 55%","de":"Mittleres Unternehmen, Einzelprojekt: exp. Entwicklung 30 %; industr. Forschung 50 % (Leipzig) / 55 %","ru":"Средняя фирма, одиночный проект: разработка 30 %; промышленные исследования 50 % (Лейпциг) / 55 %"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"'Significant' project bonus or joint project: +5 points on experimental development (small firm 45%)","de":"Bonus „bedeutsam“ oder Verbundprojekt: +5 Punkte bei exp. Entwicklung (kleines Unternehmen 45 %)","ru":"Бонус «значимый проект» или совместный проект: +5 п. п. на разработку (малая фирма 45 %)"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Large companies cannot run single projects; in joint projects research institutes get 90%","de":"Großunternehmen keine Einzelprojekte; in Verbünden erhalten Forschungseinrichtungen 90 %","ru":"Крупные компании не могут вести одиночные проекты; в совместных проектах НИИ получают 90 %"}}]}]},{"id":"kmu-innovativ-ikt","name":"KMU-innovativ ICT","nameLocal":"KMU-innovativ: Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien (IKT)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/kmu-innovativ-ikt","officialUrl":"https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Bund/BMBF/kmu-innovativ-ikt-30771.html","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"BMFTR (Projektträger DLR)","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Project grant: 50% of eligible costs for industrial research, 25% for experimental development, plus 20 points for small firms (10 for medium); max 80%; usually up to 3 years"},"duration":"Usually up to 3 years","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"German business","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["digital"],"eligibility":["KMU of the commercial economy (gewerbliche Wirtschaft), EU SME definition","Research-active SME must initiate and lead the project; since Nov 2024 focus on software-intensive systems","Two stages: outline (max 10 pages, in German) via kmu-innovativ.de, then full application"],"commonBlockers":["Research-heavy; solo firm must show R&D capacity","Freiberufler status may not count as gewerblich","Communication technology and IT security topics were removed in Nov 2024"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":"2026-10-15","opensOn":null,"text":"Outlines evaluated at the 15 Apr and 15 Oct cut-offs; next 15 Oct 2026, then 15 Apr 2027"},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Bund/BMBF/kmu-innovativ-ikt-30771.html","https://www.bundesanzeiger.de/pub/publication/RVVCuvxD5Mjrks0byow/content/RVVCuvxD5Mjrks0byow/BAnz%20AT%2020.12.2021%20B6.pdf?inline","https://www.bundesanzeiger.de/pub/publication/OIRhCOyLgB399pgAYPk/content/OIRhCOyLgB399pgAYPk/BAnz%20AT%2012.11.2024%20B2.pdf?inline","https://www.bundesanzeiger.de/pub/publication/yQ9QYX6S5aDoT49Nja9/content/yQ9QYX6S5aDoT49Nja9/BAnz%20AT%2030.04.2025%20B8.pdf?inline","https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/datenbank/foerderungen/kmu-innovativ-informations-und-kommunikationstechnologie-ikt/sendPdf/689596"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Guideline of 15 Nov 2021, amended four times (latest 7 Nov 2025). Since the April 2025 amendment the cut-offs 15 Apr and 15 Oct have no end date. Contact: DLR Projektträger, kmu-innovativ.IKT@dlr.de.","overlooked":"A federal ICT research grant that small firms can lead alone. Next deadline 15 Oct 2026; after that, plan for 15 Apr 2027.","officialDocuments":[{"title":"Bekanntmachung: Richtlinie zur Förderung von Projekten zum Thema „KMU-innovativ: Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie (IKT)“ (BAnz AT 20.12.2021 B6)","url":"https://www.bundesanzeiger.de/pub/publication/RVVCuvxD5Mjrks0byow/content/RVVCuvxD5Mjrks0byow/BAnz%20AT%2020.12.2021%20B6.pdf?inline","language":"de","version":"2021-11-15","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":10,"text":{"en":"Companies: 50% for industrial research, 25% for experimental development; small +20, medium +10 points; max 80%","de":"Unternehmen: 50 % industrielle Forschung, 25 % experimentelle Entwicklung; klein +20, mittel +10 Punkte; max. 80 %","ru":"Компании: 50 % на исследования, 25 % на разработку; малые +20, средние +10 п. п.; максимум 80 %"}},{"page":4,"text":{"en":"SMEs of the commercial economy; branch in Germany needed at payout; a research-active SME must lead","de":"KMU der gewerblichen Wirtschaft; Betriebsstätte in Deutschland bei Auszahlung; forschendes KMU muss führen","ru":"МСП коммерческого сектора; при выплате нужно подразделение в Германии; ведёт проект МСП, ведущее R&D"}},{"page":7,"text":{"en":"Outline max 10 A4 pages incl. cover page, Arial min 10 pt, in German","de":"Skizze max. 10 DIN-A4-Seiten inkl. Deckblatt, Arial mind. 10 pt, auf Deutsch","ru":"Эскиз проекта до 10 страниц A4 с титулом, Arial от 10 pt, на немецком"}},{"page":5,"text":{"en":"Projects usually run up to 3 years","de":"Vorhaben laufen in der Regel bis zu 3 Jahre","ru":"Проекты обычно длятся до 3 лет"}}]},{"title":"Zweite Änderung der Bekanntmachung „KMU-innovativ: IKT“ (BAnz AT 12.11.2024 B2)","url":"https://www.bundesanzeiger.de/pub/publication/OIRhCOyLgB399pgAYPk/content/OIRhCOyLgB399pgAYPk/BAnz%20AT%2012.11.2024%20B2.pdf?inline","language":"de","version":"2024-10-31","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Focus narrowed to software-intensive systems; communication systems and IT security removed","de":"Fokus nur noch auf Software-intensive Systeme; Kommunikationssysteme und IT-Sicherheit gestrichen","ru":"Фокус сужен до программно-насыщенных систем; связь и ИТ-безопасность исключены"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Project agency is now DLR Projektträger, Berlin: kmu-innovativ.IKT@dlr.de","de":"Projektträger ist jetzt der DLR Projektträger, Berlin: kmu-innovativ.IKT@dlr.de","ru":"Проектный оператор теперь DLR Projektträger, Берлин: kmu-innovativ.IKT@dlr.de"}}]}]},{"id":"dbu-green-startup","name":"DBU Green Start-up","nameLocal":"DBU Green Start-up","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/dbu-green-startup","officialUrl":"https://www.dbu.de/foerderung/green-start-up/","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU)","type":"stipend","recipient":"team","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":125000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Up to €125,000 per start-up over 24 months, up to 100% (de minimis). Mainly living costs up to €2,000/month per person, plus some material/external services."},"duration":null,"stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":null,"fullTimeRequired":true,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Germany","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["climate"],"eligibility":["Company ≤5 years old; may apply before founding but must be founded by funding start (UG/GmbH/partnerships)","Fits a DBU funding topic; environmental relief + innovation + viability + personal fit","German-language application"],"commonBlockers":["DBU recommends 2+ people; solo not excluded but weaker","Business model must clearly reduce environmental impact","Einzelunternehmen not mentioned (Personen-/Kapitalgesellschaften named)"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Applications any time; decisions take months"},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.dbu.de/foerderung/green-start-up/","https://www.dbu.de/foerderung/green-start-up/foerderung-beantragen/","https://www.dbu.de/foerderung/green-start-up/faq/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"DBU FAQ (checked 2026-10-09): DBU does not set how many founders may be funded and mentions teams of up to three, so a solo founder is not excluded; confirm with DBU. Needs an environmental benefit.","overlooked":"An EXIST-sized living stipend with no university requirement and rolling intake. Software with measurable environmental impact qualifies, and most digital founders never check DBU.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"coaching-bonus-berlin","name":"Berlin Coaching BONUS","nameLocal":"Coaching BONUS","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/coaching-bonus-berlin","officialUrl":"https://ibb-business-team.de/en/coaching-bonus/","region":"berlin","regionLabel":"Berlin","provider":"IBB Business Team (Land Berlin / ESF)","type":"coaching","recipient":"company","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"First 2 coaching days free for first-time applicants; then 80% of net fees (firms <5 years) / 50% (>5 years), max €1,000/day, up to 20 days total"},"duration":null,"stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Seat/permanent establishment in Berlin","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["digital","creative","impact"],"eligibility":["Startups/SMEs with clear technology focus, creative firms with first sales, or social-economy firms","Coach from the programme's Coach Pool","Approval before commissioning"],"commonBlockers":["Must already be a company in Berlin (no pre-founding)","Pay the coach first, then reimbursement","German-only application"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling; 2026 status not stated on page"},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://ibb-business-team.de/en/coaching-bonus/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"","overlooked":"Two free days plus 80% of up to 18 more coaching days is worth up to ~€16k for a young tech firm, and very few solo founders use it.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"ibb-mikrokredit-kmu-fonds","name":"Berlin microloan","nameLocal":"Mikrokredit aus dem KMU-Fonds","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/ibb-mikrokredit-kmu-fonds","officialUrl":"https://www.ibb.de/de/foerderprogramme/mikrokredit-aus-dem-kmu-fonds.html","region":"berlin","regionLabel":"Berlin","provider":"Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB), EFRE","type":"loan","recipient":"any","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":null,"max":50000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Up to €50,000; 6 years incl. 1 repayment-free year; quarterly repayment; 7.50% nominal (7.71% effective) for founders, 7.00% for existing firms, fixed for 6 years (Sep 2026)"},"duration":null,"stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue","revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Business location in Berlin","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Founders of commercial or freelance businesses, or firms on market ≤5 years (founding track)","No bank collateral, but personal guarantee required","Direct application to IBB (no Hausbank)"],"commonBlockers":["Negative SCHUFA/tax debt is disqualifying","Development costs not funded","Early repayment penalty","Interest of 7–7.5% p.a. (Sep 2026)"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling; apply before project start"},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.ibb.de/de/foerderprogramme/mikrokredit-aus-dem-kmu-fonds.html","https://www.ibb.de/media/dokumente/foerderprogramme/wirtschaftsfoerderung/mikrokredit-aus-kmu/mikrokredit_konditionsuebersicht.pdf","https://www.ibb.de/media/dokumente/foerderprogramme/wirtschaftsfoerderung/mehrfach-verwendet/kmu-fonds_mb.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Interest rates change; the rate shown is from the IBB conditions sheet dated 16 Sep 2026.","overlooked":"Freelancers and pre-revenue founders can apply directly without a Hausbank, which is the main hurdle with KfW StartGeld.","officialDocuments":[{"title":"Konditionsübersicht für Kredite aus dem KMU-Fonds","url":"https://www.ibb.de/media/dokumente/foerderprogramme/wirtschaftsfoerderung/mikrokredit-aus-kmu/mikrokredit_konditionsuebersicht.pdf","language":"de","version":"2026-09-16","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Founding microloan up to EUR 50,000: 7.50% nominal, 7.71% effective, fixed for 6 years","de":"Mikrokredit Gründung bis 50.000 €: 7,50 % nominal, 7,71 % effektiv, Zinsbindung 6 Jahre","ru":"Микрокредит на открытие до 50 000 €: 7,50 % номинально, 7,71 % эффективно, фиксированно 6 лет"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Microloan for existing firms: 7.00% nominal, 7.19% effective; 0–1 year repayment-free","de":"Mikrokredit Bestand: 7,00 % nominal, 7,19 % effektiv; 0–1 Jahr tilgungsfrei","ru":"Микрокредит для действующих фирм: 7,00 % номинально, 7,19 % эффективно; 0–1 год без погашения"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Term 6 years; founders get 1 repayment-free year; 100% payout; quarterly instalments","de":"Laufzeit 6 Jahre; Gründungen 1 Jahr tilgungsfrei; Auszahlung 100 %; vierteljährliche Raten","ru":"Срок 6 лет; для новых бизнесов 1 год без погашения; выплата 100 %; взносы раз в квартал"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"No commitment fee for microloans; processing fee waived if the loan is approved","de":"Keine Bereitstellungsprovision bei Mikrokrediten; Bearbeitungsgebühr entfällt bei Zusage","ru":"Без комиссии за резервирование; плата за обработку не взимается при одобрении кредита"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"GmbH/UG: shareholders or managing directors with major influence must give a personal guarantee","de":"GmbH/UG: Gesellschafter oder Geschäftsführer mit maßgeblichem Einfluss müssen selbstschuldnerisch bürgen","ru":"GmbH/UG: учредители или директора с существенным влиянием дают личное поручительство"}}]}]},{"id":"sovereign-tech-fund","name":"Sovereign Tech Fund","nameLocal":"Sovereign Tech Fund","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sovereign-tech-fund","officialUrl":"https://www.sovereign.tech/programs/fund","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"Sovereign Tech Agency (federally funded)","type":"grant","recipient":"any","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":50000,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Work must be estimated above €50,000 (current minimum); no max stated"},"duration":null,"stages":["revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"None stated (invests globally)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["open_source"],"eligibility":["Existing FOSS infrastructure/foundational technology with users","FOSS licence","Not already publicly funded for the same work"],"commonBlockers":["Needs an already-relevant critical OSS component, not a new product","~6 months from application to contract","Prototypes and user-facing apps are currently not funded"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Applications via apply.sovereign.tech; no deadline stated"},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.sovereign.tech/programs/fund","https://www.sovereign.tech/programs"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Page content may predate 2026 (form preview dated Nov 2024).","overlooked":"If you maintain a widely used OSS library, this pays real money for maintenance work that no VC funds.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"github-secure-open-source-fund","name":"GitHub Secure Open Source Fund","nameLocal":"GitHub Secure Open Source Fund","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/github-secure-open-source-fund","officialUrl":"https://github.com/open-source/github-secure-open-source-fund","region":"eu","regionLabel":"European Union","provider":"GitHub (with partners)","type":"grant","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"personal","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":10000,"max":10000,"currency":"USD","period":"total","text":"$10,000 per project, paid in 3 tranches ($6k/$2k/$2k) + 3-week security programme + Azure credits/tools"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Region supported by GitHub Sponsors (Germany is)","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["open_source"],"eligibility":["Maintainer(s) of an OSS project (max 2 people)","Clear OSS licence, traction, governance","~20 hours total commitment (PST meeting times)"],"commonBlockers":["Project needs demonstrated adoption","Meetings in US Pacific time"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling review for upcoming sessions"},"applicationLanguages":["en"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://github.com/open-source/github-secure-open-source-fund"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Region set to 'eu' as closest fit; it is a global programme.","overlooked":"$10k for a short form plus 3 weeks of security training, paid to individuals. Few European founders apply.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"erasmus-young-entrepreneurs","name":"Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs","nameLocal":"Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/erasmus-young-entrepreneurs","officialUrl":"https://www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu/","region":"eu","regionLabel":"European Union","provider":"European Commission (EISMEA, SMP/COSME) via local contact points","type":"stipend","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"personal","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":600,"max":1200,"currency":"EUR","period":"month","text":"Monthly lump sum for travel and living costs, set by host country: EUR 600–1,200 (e.g. Netherlands 950, Spain 900, Germany 900, Denmark 1,200, USA 1,200); 1–6 months abroad"},"duration":"1–6 months abroad within 12 months; can be split into slots of at least 1 week","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue","revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Resident in an EU/participating country; apply via a contact point in your region","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["New entrepreneur with a concrete business plan, or running a business for no more than 3 years; no upper age limit, 18+","Works up to 6 months with an experienced host entrepreneur in another participating country","Apply via a local contact point (Berlin: ABUplus, STIC; Saxony: Landesverband Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaft Sachsen in Dresden, TGZ Bautzen)"],"commonBlockers":["Must find a host entrepreneur in another country","Money only covers time abroad; proof of travel and stay required","Only one participation per new entrepreneur"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling via local contact points (2026 intermediary call closed 21 Apr 2026, so new contact-point contracts are being set up)"},"applicationLanguages":["en","de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu/page.php?pid=005","https://www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu/page.php?cid=05&pid=018&ctr=DE","https://eismea.ec.europa.eu/funding-opportunities/calls-proposals/erasmus-young-entrepreneurs-smp-cosme-2026-eye_en","https://www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu/upload/2024-05%20Financial%20assistance%20for%20exchanges%20starting%20from%20June%202024.pdf","https://erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu/upload/Programme%20Guide%20EN,%20Update%20Mar%202023.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Monthly amounts are from the table valid for exchanges starting from 1 June 2024; the programme guide's older table is superseded.","overlooked":"A paid stint embedded with a founder in e.g. Amsterdam or Barcelona to test a new market.","officialDocuments":[{"title":"Monthly financial assistance (exchanges starting from 01/06/2024)","url":"https://www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu/upload/2024-05%20Financial%20assistance%20for%20exchanges%20starting%20from%20June%202024.pdf","language":"en","version":"2024-06","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Monthly lump sum by host country: Germany EUR 900, Netherlands 950, France 950, Austria/Italy 1,000","de":"Monatspauschale je Gastland: Deutschland 900 €, Niederlande 950, Frankreich 950, Österreich/Italien 1.000","ru":"Ежемесячно по стране пребывания: Германия 900 €, Нидерланды 950, Франция 950, Австрия/Италия 1 000"}},{"page":1,"text":{"en":"Highest: Denmark, Norway, Liechtenstein EUR 1,200; Ireland 1,100; lowest: Albania EUR 600","de":"Am höchsten: Dänemark, Norwegen, Liechtenstein 1.200 €; Irland 1.100; am niedrigsten: Albanien 600 €","ru":"Больше всего: Дания, Норвегия, Лихтенштейн 1 200 €; Ирландия 1 100; меньше всего: Албания 600 €"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Spain EUR 900, Sweden 1,000, UK 1,100, Singapore 1,150, USA 1,200 per month","de":"Spanien 900 €, Schweden 1.000, UK 1.100, Singapur 1.150, USA 1.200 pro Monat","ru":"Испания 900 €, Швеция 1 000, Великобритания 1 100, Сингапур 1 150, США 1 200 в месяц"}},{"page":2,"text":{"en":"Entrepreneurs with disabilities get EUR 1,200/month in any host country","de":"Unternehmer:innen mit Behinderung erhalten 1.200 €/Monat in jedem Gastland","ru":"Предприниматели с инвалидностью получают 1 200 € в месяц в любой стране"}}]},{"title":"Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs – Programme Guide","url":"https://erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu/upload/Programme%20Guide%20EN,%20Update%20Mar%202023.pdf","language":"en","version":null,"checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":3,"text":{"en":"Stay of 1–6 months within 12 months; can be split into slots of at least 1 week","de":"Aufenthalt 1–6 Monate innerhalb von 12 Monaten; teilbar in Abschnitte von mind. 1 Woche","ru":"Пребывание 1–6 месяцев в течение 12 месяцев; можно делить на части от 1 недели"}},{"page":5,"text":{"en":"New entrepreneurs: planning a business or running one for no more than 3 years","de":"Neue Unternehmer:innen: Gründung geplant oder Unternehmen höchstens 3 Jahre aktiv","ru":"Новые предприниматели: бизнес в планах или работает не больше 3 лет"}},{"page":6,"text":{"en":"New and host entrepreneur must be from different countries; register via a contact point in your country","de":"Neue:r und Gastunternehmer:in müssen aus verschiedenen Ländern sein; Anmeldung über eine Kontaktstelle im eigenen Land","ru":"Новый и принимающий предприниматель должны быть из разных стран; регистрация через контактный центр своей страны"}},{"page":10,"text":{"en":"Your contact point pays the grant directly to you, based on actual time spent abroad","de":"Die eigene Kontaktstelle zahlt direkt an dich, nach tatsächlicher Zeit im Ausland","ru":"Ваш контактный центр платит напрямую вам, по фактическому времени за границей"}}]}]},{"id":"sachsen-kreislaufwirtschaft","name":"Saxony circular economy grant","nameLocal":"Förderrichtlinie Kreislaufwirtschaft und Ressourceneffizienz (RL KrW/RE)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sachsen-kreislaufwirtschaft","officialUrl":"https://revosax.sachsen.de/vorschrift/21473-Foerderrichtlinie-Kreislaufwirtschaft-und-Ressourceneffizienz","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) for the Saxon Ministry of Economics (SMWA)","type":"grant","recipient":"any","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":500,"max":10000000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Grant; rate depends on measure, company size and region. Awareness/knowledge-transfer projects EUR 2,500–60,000 at 80% for small firms; circular production investments EUR 8,000–5m at 55% for small firms; STEP critical-technology investments 90%"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Project in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["climate","impact"],"eligibility":["Companies, municipalities, associations, clubs and non-profits","Funds products or processes that cut waste or raw material use, better waste handling, and awareness, exchange and knowledge transfer on waste prevention","Preparation for re-use is named; digital platforms are not named explicitly"],"commonBlockers":["A pure marketplace without a measurable waste-prevention effect","Own work (Eigenleistungen) is not an eligible cost","Starting before the application reaches SAB; after that, an early start is at your own risk","Freelancers (Freiberufler) are not named among eligible applicants; ask SAB first"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Applications via the SAB portal (www.sab.sachsen.de/frl-kreislaufwirtschaft); the federal funding database lists 30 Jun 2029 as the last submission date (guideline of 16 Jan 2026)."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Land/Sachsen/kreislaufwirtschaft.html","https://revosax.sachsen.de/vorschrift/21473-Foerderrichtlinie-Kreislaufwirtschaft-und-Ressourceneffizienz","https://revosax.sachsen.de/vorschrift_gesamt/21473/49374.pdf"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-08","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Whether a re-use platform with local awareness events counts as a waste-prevention project is decided by SAB case by case.","overlooked":"Built for recyclers and municipalities, so startups rarely look at it, yet small firms get 80% of up to EUR 60,000 for awareness and knowledge-exchange projects on waste prevention.","officialDocuments":[{"title":"Förderrichtlinie Kreislaufwirtschaft und Ressourceneffizienz (FRL KrW/2026) vom 16. Januar 2026","url":"https://revosax.sachsen.de/vorschrift_gesamt/21473/49374.pdf","language":"de","version":"2026-01-16","checkedOn":"2026-10-08","facts":[{"page":13,"text":{"en":"Awareness/exchange projects (EFRE 2.1 c): EUR 2,500–60,000; small firms 80%, medium 70%","de":"Sensibilisierung/Austausch (EFRE 2.1 c): 2.500–60.000 €; kleine Unternehmen 80 %, mittlere 70 %","ru":"Просвещение/обмен (EFRE 2.1 c): 2 500–60 000 €; малые фирмы 80 %, средние 70 %"}},{"page":13,"text":{"en":"Circular production investments (EFRE 2.1 a): EUR 8,000–5m; small firms 55%, medium 45%","de":"Investitionen Kreislaufproduktion (EFRE 2.1 a): 8.000 €–5 Mio. €; kleine Unternehmen 55 %, mittlere 45 %","ru":"Инвестиции в замкнутое производство (EFRE 2.1 a): 8 000 €–5 млн €; малые 55 %, средние 45 %"}},{"page":4,"text":{"en":"Eligible: companies, municipalities, waste authorities, associations, clubs, non-profits","de":"Antragsberechtigt: Unternehmen, Kommunen, Entsorgungsträger, Verbände, Vereine, Gemeinnützige","ru":"Могут подать: компании, муниципалитеты, операторы утилизации, ассоциации, объединения, НКО"}},{"page":9,"text":{"en":"You may start once SAB has received the application, at your own risk","de":"Beginn ist erlaubt, sobald der Antrag bei der SAB eingegangen ist, auf eigenes Risiko","ru":"Начинать можно после поступления заявки в SAB, на свой риск"}},{"page":9,"text":{"en":"Own work (Eigenleistungen), insurance and recoverable VAT are not eligible costs","de":"Eigenleistungen, Versicherungsbeiträge und erstattbare Umsatzsteuer sind nicht förderfähig","ru":"Собственный труд, страховые взносы и возмещаемый НДС не покрываются"}}]}]},{"id":"aideas-circular-ai-hub","name":"AIDEAS: circular business ideas with AI","nameLocal":"AIDEAS #1 – Ideen für zirkuläre Geschäftsmodelle (Circular AI Hub)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/aideas-circular-ai-hub","officialUrl":"https://circular-ai-hub.org/aideas","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"Circular AI Hub (Federal Environment Ministry, BMUKN)","type":"prize","recipient":"any","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":10000,"max":10000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 10,000 fixed payment for each of up to 10 teams to work out the idea (2 Nov to 19 Dec 2026), plus a pitch at the Circular AI Hub FORUM on 10 Nov 2026"},"duration":"7 weeks","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue","revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Individuals must live in Germany","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["climate","impact"],"eligibility":["Natural persons may apply, so no company is needed","The concept must use AI for a circular-economy problem (reuse, repair, resale, recycling)","The work must not already be publicly funded","Ends with a 5-10 page report in December 2026"],"commonBlockers":["No AI element in the idea","Idea already funded by another public program"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":"2026-10-16","opensOn":null,"text":"Apply by 16 Oct 2026 (first AIDEAS round; opened 16 Sep 2026)."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://circular-ai-hub.org/aideas","https://www.bundesumweltministerium.de/pressemitteilung/bundesumweltministerium-startet-innovationsplattform-circular-ai-hub-kuenstliche-intelligenz-soll-unternehmen-der-kreislaufwirtschaft-helfen"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Read on the AIDEAS page and the ministry press release of 16 Sep 2026. A reuse marketplace qualifies when AI does real work in it (item recognition, pricing, matching).","overlooked":"A brand-new federal call that pays individuals, not only companies, and closes four weeks after launch.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"digiress-circular","name":"DigiRess Circular: digital circular business models","nameLocal":"DigiRess Circular (BMUKN, VDI TZ)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/digiress-circular","officialUrl":"https://www.digiress.de/digiress-circular/","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"Federal Environment Ministry (BMUKN), project agency VDI Technologiezentrum","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":100000,"max":1000000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 100,000 to 1 million per project for up to about 3 years; small firms get up to 85% of costs, so about 15% is your own share"},"duration":"up to about 3 years","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":null,"requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["climate","impact"],"eligibility":["Commercial companies (Unternehmen der gewerblichen Wirtschaft); start-ups and micro firms are the main target","Funding line (c) covers digital circular business models: sharing, reuse, resale and return platforms","Two stages: project sketch on the VDI TZ portal, then a formal application","Do not start the project before applying"],"commonBlockers":["Freelance income only, without a trade registration or company","Project smaller than EUR 100,000","No money for the 15% own share"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":"2026-12-15","opensOn":null,"text":"Sketch cut-offs 15 Jun and 15 Sep 2026 (passed) and 15 Dec 2026; no 2027 dates yet."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"high","sources":["https://www.digiress.de/digiress-circular/","https://www.digiress.de/digiress-circular/forderbekanntmachung-circular"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Funding notice read 9 Oct 2026. The applicant must be a commercial undertaking; sole proprietors with a trade registration are not excluded, freelance practices are not addressed.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"leipzig-reward-ideenwettbewerb","name":"RE\\WARD idea competition for circular solutions","nameLocal":"Ideenwettbewerb Re\\ward (Stadt Leipzig)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/leipzig-reward-ideenwettbewerb","officialUrl":"https://www.leipzig.de/newsarchiv/news/ideenwettbewerb-reward-sucht-marktfaehige-loesungen-fuer-die-kreislaufwirtschaft","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"City of Leipzig","type":"prize","recipient":"any","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"City competition for market-ready repair, reuse and rethink ideas; the prize is set out in the call on leipzig.de"},"duration":null,"stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue","revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":null,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Solution for Leipzig","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["climate","impact"],"eligibility":["Market-ready ideas for the circular economy: repair, reuse, resale","Aimed at Leipzig founders, businesses and initiatives"],"commonBlockers":["No reuse or repair angle"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":"2026-10-23","opensOn":null,"text":"Applications close 23 Oct 2026."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.leipzig.de/newsarchiv/news/ideenwettbewerb-reward-sucht-marktfaehige-loesungen-fuer-die-kreislaufwirtschaft"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"low","verificationNote":"Deadline and theme confirmed from the city news item; the prize and eligibility text on the page could not be read automatically. Confirm with the Amt für Wirtschaftsförderung (wirtschaft@leipzig.de).","overlooked":"Announced only as a city news item, not on the funding pages, and it closes within weeks.","officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"leipziger-zukunftspreis","name":"Leipzig Future Prize (sustainability)","nameLocal":"Leipziger Zukunftspreis 2026/27","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/leipziger-zukunftspreis","officialUrl":"https://nachhaltiges-leipzig.de/foerdern-unterstuetzen/foerdern-unterstuetzen-leipziger-zukunftspreis/","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"Forum Nachhaltiges Leipzig with the City of Leipzig","type":"prize","recipient":"any","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":3000,"max":5000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 12,000 in total: EUR 3,000 for sustainable small businesses, EUR 4,000 for new projects of initiatives, EUR 5,000 for long-running initiatives"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Seat in Leipzig","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["climate","impact"],"eligibility":["Business category: small and medium firms of any legal form with a seat in Leipzig","Initiative categories: associations and civic initiatives","Firms apply themselves through a five-step online form"],"commonBlockers":["No sustainability practice to show yet"],"deadline":{"type":"fixed","nextDeadline":"2026-11-30","opensOn":null,"text":"Apply by 30 Nov 2026; winners announced in spring 2027."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://nachhaltiges-leipzig.de/foerdern-unterstuetzen/foerdern-unterstuetzen-leipziger-zukunftspreis/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Call opened 5 Aug 2026. The jury may split a prize.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"leipzig-popup-store","name":"Leipzig Pop-up Store competition","nameLocal":"Ideenwettbewerb Pop-up-Store (Petersbogen)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/leipzig-popup-store","officialUrl":"https://www.leipzig.de/wirtschaft-und-wissenschaft/mittelstand-staerken/foerdermittel/zentrenbelebung/ideenwettbewerb-pop-up-store","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"City of Leipzig, Amt für Wirtschaftsförderung (Zentrenbelebung)","type":"voucher","recipient":"any","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Use of a 160 m² city-centre shop in the Petersbogen for 6 months, with help on fit-out and marketing"},"duration":"6 months","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Shop in Leipzig city centre","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Companies, associations, initiatives and freelancers","For start-ups that want to test a retail concept with real customers"],"commonBlockers":["No physical product or retail concept"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"About two rounds a year; the last call closed 18 Jan 2026 and the next one is not announced yet."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.leipzig.de/wirtschaft-und-wissenschaft/mittelstand-staerken/foerdermittel/zentrenbelebung/ideenwettbewerb-pop-up-store","https://www.leipzig.de/newsarchiv/news/fast-wie-massgeschneidert-zame-zame-eroeffnet-pop-up-store-im-petersbogen"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Rounds since 2024: Sep 2024, Apr 2025, Sep 2025, Mar 2026. Whether rent is waived is not stated in the pages read.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"smart-city-challenge-leipzig","name":"Smart City Challenge Leipzig","nameLocal":"Smart City Challenge Leipzig","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/smart-city-challenge-leipzig","officialUrl":"https://smart-city-challenge-leipzig.de/","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"City of Leipzig, Referat Digitale Stadt, with Smart Infrastructure Hub Leipzig","type":"prize","recipient":"any","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":35000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Pilot contract with the city of up to EUR 25,000, plus up to EUR 10,000 if the solution is released as open source"},"duration":null,"stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":null,"requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["digital"],"eligibility":["Start-ups, founders, companies and students","Each round solves specific city problems (2026: AI checks of grant reports, a council chatbot, crisis simulations)"],"commonBlockers":["The year's challenges do not match your product"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"2026 round closed 4 Jun 2026; the next round starts in spring 2027."},"applicationLanguages":["de","en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://smart-city-challenge-leipzig.de/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Round timing from the official site; the amounts come from startup-mitteldeutschland.de and are not on the official page.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"leipziger-gruendungsnacht","name":"Leipzig Founding Night prizes","nameLocal":"Leipziger Gründungsnacht (Idee & StartUp)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/leipziger-gruendungsnacht","officialUrl":"https://leipziger-gruendungsnacht.de/","region":"leipzig","regionLabel":"Leipzig","provider":"SMILE, Startbahn 13, Sparkasse Leipzig, City of Leipzig and districts","type":"prize","recipient":"any","moneyType":"mixed","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":5000,"max":10000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"2025 prizes: EUR 5,000 for the best idea (audience vote) and EUR 10,000 for the best young start-up"},"duration":null,"stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":false,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Seat in Leipzig, Landkreis Leipzig or Nordsachsen","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Idea prize: idea not yet implemented, or founded very recently","Start-up prize: founded within the window set each year (2025: 1 Jan 2023 to 30 Jun 2025)","Open to non-academics and solo founders"],"commonBlockers":["Founding date outside the year's window"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Pitch applications usually close in Aug–Sep; the 2026 evening is on 17 Nov 2026. Next application window expected summer 2027."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://leipziger-gruendungsnacht.de/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"2025 terms confirmed via press (19 Nov 2025); the 2026 call text could not be read. Going to the 17 Nov 2026 evening is free networking.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"kfw-erp-gruendung-077","name":"KfW ERP Founding Loan","nameLocal":"ERP-Förderkredit Gründung und Nachfolge (KfW 077)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/kfw-erp-gruendung-077","officialUrl":"https://www.kfw.de/PDF/Download-Center/F%C3%B6rderprogramme-(Inlandsf%C3%B6rderung)/PDF-Dokumente/6000000213_M_077.pdf","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"KfW via your bank, with a 100% Bürgschaftsbank guarantee","type":"loan","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"company","equity":"conditional","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":null,"max":500000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Loan up to EUR 500,000 for up to 35% of costs; 15 years with 5 repayment-free, or 10 with 2; a Bürgschaftsbank guarantees 100%, so no other collateral"},"duration":"10-15 years","stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":null,"requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Commercial or freelance founders, less than 5 years in business","Apply through your bank before the investment starts","Can be combined with ERP-Kapital für Gründung (058); EUR 500,000 cap in total"],"commonBlockers":["Business plan the bank does not find fundable","Investment already started"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling through your bank."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.kfw.de/PDF/Download-Center/F%C3%B6rderprogramme-(Inlandsf%C3%B6rderung)/PDF-Dokumente/6000000213_M_077.pdf","https://www.ihk.de/dresden/hauptnavigation/finanzierung-foerderung/foerdermittel-im-ueberblick/erp-foerderkredit-gruendung-und-nachfolge-kfw--6409916"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Terms from the KfW Merkblatt dated 10 Dec 2025. Larger sibling of KfW StartGeld (max EUR 125,000). Debt, so runway only as a loan.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"mikromezzaninfonds","name":"Micro-Mezzanine Fund Germany","nameLocal":"Mikromezzaninfonds Deutschland III (MBG Sachsen)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/mikromezzaninfonds","officialUrl":"https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Bund/BMWi/mikromezzaninfonds.html","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"BMWE and ESF Plus, delivered in Saxony by MBG Sachsen","type":"investment","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"conditional","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":null,"max":150000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Silent participation up to EUR 100,000, or EUR 150,000 for social and ecological firms; about 8% a year effective plus up to 2% profit share; 10 years, no collateral"},"duration":"10 years","stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":null,"requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Small and young companies and founders with a viable business","Higher cap for commercially run social enterprises and ecologically sustainable firms"],"commonBlockers":["No sign yet that the business can pay the return","Restructuring cases"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling; fund III started in April 2025."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Bund/BMWi/mikromezzaninfonds.html","https://vdb.ermoeglicher.de/de/aktuelles/presse/mikromezzaninfonds-iii-gestartet/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"No voting equity, but expensive money. Freelancers are not named explicitly; check with MBG Sachsen. The fund's own domain currently shows unrelated content, so link to Förderdatenbank or MBG.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"buergschaft-ohne-bank-sachsen","name":"Guarantee without a bank (Saxony)","nameLocal":"Bürgschaft ohne Bank (BoB, Bürgschaftsbank Sachsen)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/buergschaft-ohne-bank-sachsen","officialUrl":"https://sn.ermoeglicher.de/de/ueber-uns/service-downloads/buergschaftsprogramme/b%C3%BCrgschaft-ohne-bank-bob/","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Bürgschaftsbank Sachsen","type":"loan","recipient":"any","moneyType":"company","equity":"conditional","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":null,"max":160000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Guarantee of up to 80% of a loan, max EUR 160,000, promised before you look for a bank; 1% one-off fee and 1.1-1.5% a year"},"duration":"up to 15 years","stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Investment in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Founders and existing firms, including freelancers (freie Berufe)","For equipment, vehicles, inventory, working capital and rent deposits","Apply to the Bürgschaftsbank first, then take the promise to a lender"],"commonBlockers":["You still need a lender for the loan itself"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://sn.ermoeglicher.de/de/ueber-uns/service-downloads/buergschaftsprogramme/b%C3%BCrgschaft-ohne-bank-bob/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Solves missing collateral, e.g. for a van loan or lease. Not money in itself.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"sab-sachsenkredit-universal","name":"SAB Saxony Loan Universal","nameLocal":"Sachsenkredit Universal (SAB)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sab-sachsenkredit-universal","officialUrl":"https://www.sab.sachsen.de/en/sab-sachsenkredit-universal-neu","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) via your bank","type":"loan","recipient":"any","moneyType":"company","equity":"conditional","repayable":true,"amount":{"min":20000,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Investment loans from EUR 20,000 (4-20 years) and working-capital loans from EUR 20,000; 4% of the loan is forgiven, 6% for start-up financing"},"duration":"1-20 years","stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Business in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["People founding a commercial business and members of the free professions (Freiberufler)","Applied for through your bank"],"commonBlockers":["Needs less than EUR 20,000","Refinancing, leasing goods, rental property or energy plants"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling; terms changed on 13 May 2026."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.sab.sachsen.de/en/sab-sachsenkredit-universal-neu"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"No transport exclusion is listed. Combine with Bürgschaft ohne Bank when collateral is missing.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"sab-beratungsfoerderung","name":"SAB Business Consulting Grant","nameLocal":"Beratungsförderung – Betriebsberatung (SAB)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/sab-beratungsfoerderung","officialUrl":"https://www.sab.sachsen.de/en/beratungsf%C3%B6rderung-betriebsberatung","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB)","type":"voucher","recipient":"company","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":2000,"max":8000,"currency":"EUR","period":"year","text":"50% of EUR 800 per consultant day for 5-20 days a year, about EUR 2,000-8,000"},"duration":"12 months","stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Seat in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Micro firms and SMEs in Saxony, freelancers included","Business, strategy, marketing or HR consulting; building software is not covered"],"commonBlockers":["Budget stops: check that applications are being taken","Software development or advertising costs"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling; the SAB page says the budget is tight but the direct route is open. Confirm before you book a consultant."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.sab.sachsen.de/en/beratungsf%C3%B6rderung-betriebsberatung"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Successor of the consulting module of the old Mittelstandsrichtlinie. The page has conflicting lines on budget; ask wirtschaft@sab.sachsen.de.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"futuresax-mentoring","name":"futureSAX mentoring network","nameLocal":"Sächsisches Mentoring-Netzwerk (futureSAX)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/futuresax-mentoring","officialUrl":"https://www.futuresax.de/kosmos/saechsisches-mentoring-netzwerk","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"futureSAX (innovation platform of the Free State of Saxony)","type":"coaching","recipient":"any","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Free long-term 1:1 mentoring by an experienced entrepreneur"},"duration":null,"stages":["pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Business in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Your business is at least one year old"],"commonBlockers":["Business younger than one year"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":"2026-12-31","opensOn":null,"text":"Matched at the end of each quarter; next cut-off 31 Dec 2026."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.futuresax.de/kosmos/saechsisches-mentoring-netzwerk"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"No fees. No sector or solo restriction stated.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"kreatives-sachsen-beratung","name":"KREATIVES SACHSEN consulting","nameLocal":"KREATIVES SACHSEN – Beratung","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/kreatives-sachsen-beratung","officialUrl":"https://www.kreatives-sachsen.de/beratung/","region":"saxony","regionLabel":"Saxony","provider":"KREATIVES SACHSEN (Saxon centre for the cultural and creative industries)","type":"coaching","recipient":"any","moneyType":"in_kind","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":null,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Free consulting on marketing, financing, business development and matching to funding; up to 3 sessions in 3 years"},"duration":null,"stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":null,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Residence in Saxony","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["creative"],"eligibility":["Anyone working in the cultural and creative industries in Saxony, solo self-employed included","De-minimis declaration needed"],"commonBlockers":["Project is not part of the creative industries"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Rolling."},"applicationLanguages":["de"],"effort":"low","sources":["https://www.kreatives-sachsen.de/beratung/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Funded by SMWA, budget planned for 2027 and 2028.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"eit-urban-mobility-raptor","name":"EIT Urban Mobility RAPTOR","nameLocal":"EIT Urban Mobility RAPTOR","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/eit-urban-mobility-raptor","officialUrl":"https://www.eiturbanmobility.eu/join-us/call-for-proposals/","region":"eu","regionLabel":"European Union","provider":"EIT Urban Mobility (EU)","type":"grant","recipient":"company","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity_free","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":60000,"max":60000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"EUR 60,000 lump sum for a 6-month pilot that solves one city's mobility challenge"},"duration":"6 months","stages":["prototype","pre_revenue","revenue","incorporated"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":null,"incorporationRequired":true,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"Legal entity in the EU","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["mobility"],"eligibility":["One SME legal entity in the EU or an associated country; no consortia","The solution must answer one of the year's city challenges"],"commonBlockers":["None of the year's city challenges fits your product"],"deadline":{"type":"windows","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Annual call; 2026 closed 12 Mar 2026. The 2027 call is expected in Jan–Mar 2027."},"applicationLanguages":["en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://eit.europa.eu/our-activities/opportunities/raptor-open-call-2026","https://www.eiturbanmobility.eu/join-us/call-for-proposals/"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"medium","verificationNote":"Recurring call; 2027 dates not yet published. Logistics and last-mile challenges appear in some years.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]},{"id":"antler-one-berlin","name":"Antler ONE Residency","nameLocal":"Antler ONE (Berlin)","url":"https://stipendium.berlin/funding/antler-one-berlin","officialUrl":"https://www.antler.co/location/germany","region":"germany","regionLabel":"Germany (nationwide)","provider":"Antler (venture capital)","type":"investment","recipient":"individual","moneyType":"company","equity":"equity","repayable":false,"amount":{"min":null,"max":500000,"currency":"EUR","period":"total","text":"Up to EUR 500,000 pre-seed (EUR 200,000 at once, the rest as follow-on) for about 10% equity; co-founder matching for solo founders"},"duration":"10 weeks, then investment","stages":["idea","prototype","pre_revenue"],"conditions":{"soloFoundersAllowed":true,"fullTimeRequired":true,"incorporationRequired":false,"universityLinkRequired":false,"residence":"In Berlin for the kickoff","requiresBenefit":null,"womenLedOnly":false},"sectors":["any"],"eligibility":["Solo founders accepted through the co-founder matching track","Pre-idea and pre-revenue are fine; applications all year"],"commonBlockers":["You don't want to give up equity","Business not built for venture scale"],"deadline":{"type":"rolling","nextDeadline":null,"opensOn":null,"text":"Applications all year; cohorts start in March and September (next: March 2027)."},"applicationLanguages":["en"],"effort":"medium","sources":["https://www.antler.co/location/germany","https://www.antler.co/blog/introducing-antler-one"],"verifiedOn":"2026-10-09","confidence":"high","verificationNote":"Equity. Listed because it is one of few routes that pairs a solo founder with a co-founder.","overlooked":null,"officialDocuments":[]}]}