Berliner Startup Stipendium

The Berliner Startup Stipendium (BSS) supports innovative, technology-based startup projects (2-4 persons) in the development of a marketable prototype. Scholarship holders receive a stipend of 2,500 euros per team member as well as access to infrastructure and supporting coaching and qualification modules. The funding duration is between 6-12 months, depending on the program and the needs or phase of the startup. 

Programs and Application Dates

All information here: https://www.science-startups.berlin/programs/berliner-startup-stipendium

The Science & Startups All-Inclusive Package

• Financial support: 2,500 euros per person per month for a period of 6–12 months (Fast Track or Long Track)
• Standardized university incubation process
• Individual mentoring by startup advisors
• Workshops, one-on-one consultations, and expert sessions through the Science & Startups Academy
• Access to university labs, prototyping facilities, and research infrastructure
• Integration into the innovation ecosystem of Science & Startups and JUNI

Application Process

• Book an appoinment with a startup consultant: https://www.science-startups.berlin/kontakt
• You will get the application link in the appointment
• Deadline for submitting your written application in digital form: May 4, 2026
• May 19, 2026: Jury Pitch
• The Berliner Startup Stipendium "Science & Startups for Democratic Resilience" is funded by the European Union and the State of Berlin as part of the European Social Fund. 

Details about the Grant

Who is being funded?

• Founding teams with 2 to 4 sponsored persons, who ...
  • have a university degree (at least Bachelor)
  • work full time on the startup project
  • have their place of residence in Berlin (registration address)
  • are first-time founders (if you have already founded a company, participation is only possible, if the company has not started any economic activity yet)
  • have not yet received BSS, EXIST or similar scholarship

What is being funded?

• Innovative start-up idea (preferably technology-based)
• First "proof of principle" is already available (e.g. mockup, laboratory sample)
• Development of a marketable prototype within the funding period seems plausible
• A professor (or post-doctoral research assistant) from the supporting university accompanies the startup project as a mentor

How is support provided?

• Monetary: 2.500 Euro per month per person (GDP)
• Infrastructure: Free office space in the Startup-Incubator Mitte or Adlershof as well as free use of laboratory space at the university if required
• Know-How: Free coaching and consulting by the start-up service, consulting and qualification modules and integration into the start-up ecosystem of the Humboldt University of Berlin
• Funding duration: 6-12 months

How do I apply?

3 steps to apply for the Berliner Startup Stipendium:

1. Arrange an initial consultation appointment with a startup consultant
2. Submit application documents before the deadline (received after positive outcome of the initial consultation)
3. Convince in pitch before a jury of experts (invitation after positive assessment of the application documents)

More Information