Uni-Tübingen

The EXIST-Women Program at the University of Tübingen:

START: Women – Strong Female Entrepreneurship in Tübingen

Apply now!

START: Women stands for Starke Tübinger Akademikerinnen Revolutionieren UnternehmerTum (Strong Female Academics from Tübingen Revolutionizing Entrepreneurship) and represents the EXIST-Women program at the University of Tübingen. Through EXIST-Women, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action supports women at universities and research institutions interested in founding a business. The program focuses on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and the further development of existing business ideas prior to company formation.

Target Group

The program is primarily aimed at female researchers, but in general open to all female members of the university: alumni,  and students (those who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or at least 50% of their study credits) and employees  interested in entrepreneurship, that already have a startup idea, and plan to establish a company in the future. The project should not have been founded yet. The further the startup project has progressed, the higher the chances of getting the scholarship and the greater the benefits from the program (e.g., business model optimization, business plan development, team completion, etc.).

The program offers:

  • A 9-month qualification program (German & English) including workshops, events, seminars, as well as exchange and networking formats with female founders from the region
  • Material resources of up to €2,000 (e.g. for additional coaching, travel expenses, or validation of the business idea)
  • Support through coaching
  • Access to a nationwide network of female founders

In addition, up to five participants will receive:

  • A short-term scholarship of up to €3,000 per month (depending on academic degree) for a maximum of three months (subject to meeting the eligibility requirements)

Requirements:

  • Affiliation with the University of Tübingen and an initial startup idea
  • Participation in at least four program events, as well as the joint kick-off, mid-term meeting, and final event
  • Development of milestones and planning of the funding period
  • Regular update and coordination meetings throughout the year

Applicants for the three-month scholarship must also meet the following conditions:

  • During the funding period, employment must not exceed 20 hours per week
  • No other scholarships or benefits intended to cover living expenses (e.g. BAföG or unemployment benefits) may be received during this period.
  • A full focus on the startup project and close exchange with the Startup Center are expected

Applicants may apply for the program with or without the three-month scholarship.

Selection process for scholars

Due to a limited number of spots, selection is based on specific criteria, which include:

  1. Personal motivation/drive
  2. Commitment
  3. Individual competencies
  4. Potential and quality of the startup idea
  5. Connection to the University of Tübingen
  6. Necessity of funding

Apply here by February 8, 2026, to join the START: Women program!

We’re excited for your applications!

For more information about EXIST-Women, click here.