EXIST-Women 2025 is entering a new round at the University of Rostock with the *INnovateHRO program. This qualification program, specially developed for women, supports you on your way to founding a company - regardless of whether you already have a concrete business idea or simply want to discover the entrepreneurial spirit within you.
What does *INnovateHRO offer you?
- a 12-month qualification program to develop your start-up idea
- Individual coaching from the University of Rostock's start-up network
- Support from experienced mentors from science and business
- Access to a nationwide network of female founders
- 2,000.00 € in material resources for coaching, travel expenses or the validation of your idea
- Optional: A three-month scholarship (€ 1,000.00 - € 3,000.00/month depending on qualifications) for financial support and € 150.00 child allowance per child
Who can participate?
The program is aimed at female graduates, academics, students or women with vocational training or a university background. Participation is possible while working. No specific previous start-up experience is required.
Dates and application
- Information event: February 11, 2025, 4:00 p.m., online via Zoom
- Application phase: February 1 - February 26, 2025
- Applications via the online form
Take this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, networks and skills for your entrepreneurial future. Seize the chance to become part of an innovative network and develop your ideas in a structured and supportive environment.
For further information on the “EXIST-Women” funding guideline, please visit the website of Project Management Jülich.
Conditions of participation
Who is EXIST-Women aimed at?
Female graduates (graduation can be more than 5 years ago), female academics, female students (Bachelor's degree or ≥ half of the coursework completed) and women with vocational training and a connection to the university who are interested in the topic of start-ups and want to take part in a 12-month qualification program. Participation is also possible while studying or working. A concrete start-up idea can, but does not have to exist. Funding is also available for ideas that are not based on knowledge or research, but are geared towards later commercial activity. Women who have previously received start-up funding from the federal or state governments are not eligible for funding.
What are my obligations as a participant?
You will take part in the seminar Gründerin, regularly attend the events of the Center for Entrepreneurship (ZfE) that are relevant to you on site and attend appointments for individual advice from the ZfE and to exchange ideas with your mentor. If possible, you should also attend the centrally organized start-up forums and networking events. EXIST-Women is a measure to sensitize and qualify women to start-ups. There is no obligation to start a business. At the end of the funding period, you will present your start-up idea and the results you have achieved in a short and concise one-pager. If you set up a company during the 12-month qualification phase or during subsequent start-up support - great. But if you want to take more time with your start-up, that's fine too, because entrepreneurial spirit is needed everywhere!
Where does the program take place?
The ZfE will qualify you online or on site, perhaps in cooperation with other universities in the region. You will also take part in up to four centrally organized EXIST-Women events and meet prospective female founders from all over Germany.
Who selects the participants?
This is done by a jury appointed by the ZfE. You can find out whether EXIST-Women is something for you in a personal consultation at the ZfE. Female students and graduates from other universities can also apply.
