Young Innovators – Business Start-ups from Universities and Research Institutions

The 'Young Innovators' program is aimed at state and state-recognized universities, academies, and non-profit non-university research institutions based in Baden-Württemberg. These institutions receive funding to support research-based start-ups by young university graduates, scientific staff, or individuals with prior EXIST funding. The goal is to strengthen the transfer of knowledge and technology from science to the economy and to promote the development of innovative products, processes, or services in the pre-founding phase.

The program specifically supports the preparation of business start-ups under the care of the applicant institutions. The focus is on innovative products, processes, or services based on proprietary inventions, software, or technological know-how. Funding covers personnel and material expenses, as well as coaching measures for founding teams in the pre-founding phase.

Funding is provided as a grant and covers various cost categories. The amount of funding varies depending on the type of expenditure and can include both personnel and material costs, as well as specific support measures. The funding period for founders is limited to a maximum of 12 months.

Funding under the 'Young Innovators' program is linked to specific legal and content-related requirements. These include criteria for the composition of the founding team, the innovation level of the project, the time elapsed since graduation or a preceding funding, as well as the fulfillment of certain formalities and compliance with state aid regulations.

Applications for the 'Young Innovators' program are submitted digitally and evaluated by an independent jury panel. The process includes electronic submission of complete documents by fixed deadlines, an assessment of the projects, and a final funding decision by the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts.

The funding program 'Young Innovators – Business Start-ups from Universities and Research Institutions' is based on a specific funding guideline from the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts (MWK) Baden-Württemberg. This guideline precisely defines the objectives, funding subject, funding requirements, and application procedure. The provisions contained therein form the binding basis for the implementation and approval of the funding.