Start?Zuschuss!

                                                           The 22nd competition will start on May 6, 2026.
                                          The link to the online application will be published here at 12 noon then.

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1. The programme’s goals:

  • Supporting early stage technology-oriented business start-ups in the field of digitisation
  • Contributing to the establishment of fresh, innovative businesses in the market

 

Start?Zuschuss! aims to provide uncomplicated support to founders in the initial phase. Therefore, individual feedback from the jurors on the business models is not provided. For close monitoring of the development as well as regular evaluation of your business plan, we recommend that you participate in the Bavarian Business Plan Competitions of BayStartUP.

2. Who receives support?

Business start-ups

  • with a particularly future-oriented, innovative business model
  • in the field of digitisation
  • that were founded no more than two years ago (relevant is the date of the application deadline)

3. What is funded?

Expenditures cover

  • Costs for personnel
  • Rent
  • Market launch of the product
  • Research and development

4. How does the funding work?

Once for a period of one year

  • 50% of all eligible expenses
  • but maximum 36.000 €.

The funding is provided in the framework of the De-minimis-Regulation.

5. How can you get selected for funding?

For a successful application, please fill in the online application form (only in German).

Step 1: Competition procedure, assessment of the application by an external jury
Step 2: Selected candidates submit their funding request to the authorised government

6. Schedule

Time period 22. Competition
May 6, 2026, 12 pm to
June 17, 2026, 12 pm
Submission of online applications
until end of July 2026
Jury´s decision
until end of September 2026
Submission of funding request by applicants selected by the jury
Ocotber 1, 2026 until September 30, 2027
Beginning and Ending of funding stage (Grant period)
Nobember 25, 2026 until 10. January 2027
Period of the 23rd competition

Important note: If you would like to apply for the EXIST Start-up Grant and/or EXIST Research Transfer Phase I in addition to Start?Zuschuss! please note that both EXIST applications must be submitted  a n d  approved before Start?Zuschuss! because for these EXIST fundings (before they are approved) you may have not founded a company! Otherwise there is a risk of rejection. This does not apply to EXIST Research Transfer Phase II, where the completed foundation is even a prerequisite.