Support programmes
During and after your start-up, you have the option of receiving support from various external institutions. You will find a list of the most important support programs further down on this page. We will be happy to advise you on the selection and application process!
Helene Schneider provides advice and support. Ms. Christiane Graswald from the Department IV - Transfer and Qualification will support you in the formal application process.
Further funding programs and financing options can be found at the BMWK's start-up portal.
The Bavarian funding programme to support the easier transition to a start-up existence (FLÜGGE) of the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Technology has set itself the goal of supporting start-up entrepreneurs at Bavarian state universities in their innovative business start-up in the field of innovation, research and technology.
Who and what is supported?
FLÜGGE authorizes institutions of higher education to provide support to those seeking to start a business,
- in securing their innovative, digital business model, which could result in a sustainable start-up.
- who have not been able to complete their start-up project under EXIST funding due to particular technological in-house challenges and have not yet been able to establish a company.
- whose technologically innovative, ambitious and high-risk project was denied funding in the "EXIST-Gründerstipendium" programme.
Projects are considered that
- go beyond the state of the art or, in the case of digital business models, are sufficiently new;
- have clear unique selling propositions;
- have sufficient connectivity (positive follow-up prognosis).
How is it promoted?
- The support takes the form of a scholarship for the person(s) wishing to set up a business and the assumption of material expenses by the university up to 50 percent of the scholarships awarded in the project.
- The amount of the scholarship is a flat rate of 2,500 euros per month plus. 150 Euro per child dependent.
Requirements, application and procedure
For more information on the program process and current application deadlines, visit the Website of Bayern Innovativ.
Where can I get more information?
- Advice and first contact at the University of Passau: Helene Schneider
- Questions about the application process at the University of Passau: Christiane Graswald
What is EXIST?
With the EXIST entrepreneurship bursary, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climateaction supports innovative technology or knowledge-based start-up ideas for the course of one year.
Who can apply?
Under the guidance of a mentoring professor:
- teams of two to three members; one member may have a qualifying degree
- students who have completed at least half of their studies
- scientists and alumni up to five years after their graduation
- former scientific staff up to five years after their resignation
How does the programme work?
- bursary for securing one’s living costs, according to a team member`s status:
- students: 1,000 euro per month
- alumni with university degree: 2,500 euro per month
- postdoctorals: 3,000 euro per month
- technical and scientific staff: 2,000 euro per month
- child supplement of 100 euros per month and child
- material cost up to 30,000 euro (for three-person teams)
- means for coaching (for example on strategy, business management and administration for young entrepreneurs) up to 5,000 euro
How long is the funding period?
1 year
When can I apply for funding?
You can apply anytime via your university. The examination takes about three months.
How do I apply?
- Consulting by Helene Schneider
- Drafting an idea paper
- Applying with Christiane Graswald
Where can I get further information?
- Advice and first contact at the University of Passau: Helene Schneider and Michael Pleschgatternig
- Questions regarding the application process at the University of Passau: Christiane Graswald
- information on the EXIST entrepreneurship bursary at the University of Passau
- EXIST entrepreneurship bursary website
- website of Hans Lindner foundation – contact person: Christian Schläger
- list of previously supported projects
What is it?
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climateaction supports the development process of outstanding, particularly risky and complex research-based start-up projects, preferably in technology areas with relatively long development times (for example energy, environmental, information and communication technology or material or microsystem technology).
Who can apply?
Research teams with a maximum of three members who have at least a diploma, a master or a similar degree. The team may comprise one technician or laboratory assistant as well as one person with business competence.
How does the programme work?
- personell cost for a maximum of four team members
- material cost, e.g. for consumables, contracting, protective rights or coaching
- student assistants
- Cost for student assistants and material costs up to a total of 250,000€ can be supported.
How long is the funding period?
18 months or 36 months for especially lengthy development projects.
When can I apply for funding?
Twice per year: 1 to 31 January and 1 to 31 July via your education institution. The examination takes about six months.
How do I apply?
- Consulting by Helene Schneider
- Drafting an idea paper
- Applying with Christine Graswald
Where can I get further information?
- Advice and first contact at the University of Passau: Helene Schneider and Michael Pleschgatternig
- Questions regarding the application process at the University of Passau: Christiane Graswald
- EXIST entrepreneurship bursary website
- list of previously supported projects
What is it?
The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Media, Energy and Technology supports research projects aiming to investigate and develop technologically new or improved products, production processes and knowledge-based services. Projects have to entail considerable risk and highly innovative content. They must be economically viable in the short run, have a prospect of gaining economic significance, and must be carried out mainly in Bavaria. The focus is on the qualification of research results and inventions in the fields of general technologies.
How does the programme work?
A maximum of 300,000 euro can be awarded per project. The funding cannot be used for investing.
How long is the funding period?
18 months
When can I apply for funding?
You can apply anytime via your university.
How do I apply?
- Consulting by Helene Schneider
- Drafting an idea paper
- Submit application to Christiane Graswald
Where can I get further information?
- Advice and contact person at the University of Passau: Helene Schneider
- Questions on files and applications at the University of Passau: Dr Kerstin Theis
- Support programme for promoting the validation of research results and inventions
What is supported?
The Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs and Media, Energy and Technology supports technology-oriented start-ups in the field of digitisation in the start-up phase with the Start?grant!
Who is supported?
Business startups that meet the following three criteria.
- from the area of digitalisation
- whose foundation dates back a maximum of 2 years (the relevant date of the application deadline is decisive)
- with a particularly sustainable, innovative business model
How is it promoted?
Expenses in particular for
- Rent and personnel,
- Product launch,
- Research and development
Supported are
- maximum 50% of eligible expenses,
- maximum € 36,000 per year.
- Funding is provided within the framework of the de minimis regulation
How long is funding available?
for a period of one year
When can the grant be applied for?
In July
What is the procedure?
1st stage: Competitive procedure, evaluation of application by external jury of experts.
2nd stage: Selected applicants submit funding application to the responsible government
Where can I get more information?
- Website zum Start?Zuschuss!-Programm
- Advice and first contact at the University of Passau: Helene Schneider and Michael Pleschgatternig
- Formal application discussion: Christiane Graswald
What is ERASMUS for young entrepreneurs?
The European Commission supports European entrepreneurs in acquiring the necessary skills to set up and successfully lead a company in Europe by establishing cooperation with experienced entrepreneurs. Thereby, young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and business ideas.
Who can apply?
People who want to start their own business and who submit a realistic business plan or who have founded their own company within the last three years.
How does the programme work?
Expenses for travel and accommodation are subsidised.
How long is the funding period?
Up to six months.
When can I apply for funding?
Any time via the programme website.
Where can I get further information?
- Advice and contact person at the University of Passau: Helene Schneider and Michael Pleschgatternig
- ERASMUS website
The BMBF funding measure Validation of the technological and societal innovation potential of scientific research - VIP+ aims to encourage significant innovation by bridging the gap between initial results from basic research and potential application.
The target group is scientists who are supported by VIP+ in testing and proving the innovation potential of research results and in developing possible areas of application. This creates the conditions for the further development of research results into innovative products, processes or services.
The open-topic funding measure supports projects for up to three years with up to 1.5 million euros. The eligible project-related expenses can be funded individually up to 100%, with universities being granted a project lump sum of 20%. As a rule, the grant should not exceed the sum of 500,000 euros per project or collaborative project and year.
The application can be made on an ongoing basis.
State: July 2018
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