EXIST Forschungstransfer: the two-phase grant for spin-offs from research

EXIST Forschungstransfer is designed for research-derived technology that is not yet ready to leave the lab. Phase 1 covers the technical hardening - additional development, IP clearance, market validation - while you stay inside the university. Phase 2 starts after the GmbH is founded and funds product, market entry, and team. Phase 1 success does not guarantee Phase 2 - you re-apply with a sharper business case.

Phase 1 applicants must be a research group at a German university or research institute. The group typically includes a professor as principal investigator, postdocs as future founders, and the Gründungsbüro as administrative anchor. The technology must have at least TRL 3 (experimental proof of concept) and be on a credible path to TRL 7 by end of Phase 2.

A project proposal of ~50 pages covering: scientific-technical concept (state of the art + your innovation), commercialisation concept (market + business model + IP), work plan with milestones across 18 months, risk analysis, and detailed budget. Letters of support from at least three potential customers strengthen the case materially.

There is no submission deadline - calls are open continuously, but reviews concentrate around three rounds per year. Plan 5-6 months from submission to decision (longer than the Gründerstipendium because of the external Gutachter panel for Phase 1). Phase 2 typically starts 3-4 months after GmbH founding.