Suitable financing options for your project
Our ZfE start-up advisors will help you select suitable financing options and funding programs. Together, we will analyze your individual needs and examine which programs or sources of capital are best suited to your project.
Key areas of advice:
- Analysis of financing and resource requirements
- Eligibility check (e.g., degree of innovation, team profile, research relevance)
- Classification and recommendation of suitable programs (e.g., exist, VIP+, GO-Bio, state funding – see below)
- Orientation on supplementary private financing options, such as business angels or venture capital
You will receive a well-founded recommendation on which financing steps are realistic, sensible, and well coordinated in terms of timing for your project. The individual funding programs and the respective contact persons are described in detail below.
Exist start-up grant and exist research transfer
exist is one of the most important support programs for start-ups from universities and research institutions. The exist start-up grant is aimed at founders in the early stages and supports the development of innovative business models based on scientific findings. The exist research transfer is specifically geared towards transforming research results with high development potential into marketable products or processes.
Our support:
- Assessment of whether your project is suitable for EXIST
- Support in developing the content of the application and presentation
- Advice on project structure, schedule, and budget planning
- Coaching on team development and task allocation
- Pitch training and preparation for evaluator interviews
- Organizational support during the funding phase
If you are interested, please contact us via our contact form or directly contact Martin Dinter (martin.dinteruni-rostockde).
GO-Bio
GO-Bio promotes research-oriented start-ups in the life sciences. The program focuses on the development of new biotechnological products or processes and supports the transfer of research results into commercial applications. It places particular emphasis on innovative ideas from the fields of biotechnology, molecular biology, and pharmacy.
Our support:
- Review of the eligibility and suitability of your project in the life sciences sector
- Advice on the development of a commercialization strategy and product development
- Support in structuring the funding application and the legal framework
- Advice on market-specific and regulatory requirements
If you are interested, please contact us via our contact form or directly contact Martin Dinter (martin.dinteruni-rostockde).
VIP+
VIP+ supports the validation and further development of innovative research results with high market potential. The program promotes projects that aim to bring scientific findings to market maturity and focuses on the early exploitation of research results in marketable products or technologies.
Our support:
- Assessment of the innovation and exploitation potential of your project
- Support in developing the exploitation strategy and business model
- Advice on selecting the right partners and research institutions
- Assistance with the application process and during project implementation
If you are interested, please contact us via our contact form or directly contact Tino Arnhold (tino.arnholduni-rostockde).
exist Women (*INnovate HRO)
exist Women promotes female entrepreneurs at universities and supports them in implementing their innovative business ideas. The program offers specific assistance for the development of start-ups by women and strengthens their entrepreneurial skills, while at the same time building up a network of mentors and support structures.
Further information and the opportunity to apply directly can be found in the separate exist Women section of our website.
If you are interested, please contact us via our contact form form or directly contact Sophie Mossejko (sophie.mossejkouni-rostockde).
Additional funding guidelines
In addition to the programs mentioned above, there are numerous other funding opportunities at the state, federal, and EU levels. These programs may be suitable depending on the project phase, topic, or target group, and cover a wide range of areas—from basic research to business start-ups and product commercialization.
Our support:
- Identification of suitable funding opportunities that match your project
- Initial assessment of funding logic and prospects of success
- Advice on the next steps and application options
If you are interested, please contact us via our contact form.
Would you like to find out which funding programs or financing options are right for your project? Contact us—we will advise you individually and show you suitable options.
