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 (External link) of BayStartUP (External link) .

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 19. Competition
May 9, 2025, 12 pm to
July 23, 2025, 12 pm
Submission of online applications
until end of July 2025
Jury´s decision
until end of September 2025
Submission of funding request by applicants selected by the jury
October 1, 2025 until September 30, 2026
Beginning and Ending of funding stage (Grant period)

The 21th competition is expected to start on November 20, 2025 and end on Januray 9, 2026 with fundingstart on April 1, 2026.

 

Important note: If you would like to apply for the EXIST Start-up Grant (External link) and/or EXIST Research Transfer Phase I (External link) 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 (External link) , where the completed foundation is even a prerequisite.