EWo26FHK

EXIST-Women 2026 Kiel University of Applied Sciences

Icon: Social Participation

Brief Description

Through the EXIST Women program, HAW Kiel supports women interested in starting a business during the pre-launch phase and helps increase the rate of women-led startups at universities and research institutions. The program is aimed at female students, graduates, researchers, and women with vocational training who wish to further develop their entrepreneurial skills and refine an innovative business idea. Participants receive a lump-sum grant of €2,000 for operational expenses and—if eligible—a three-month stipend of up to €3,000 per month (depending on qualifications). In addition, they benefit from individual coaching, mentorship, access to networks, as well as workshops and events within the EXIST-Women-SH network. The goal is to specifically strengthen the participants’ entrepreneurial skills, bring business ideas to the point of implementation, and sustainably increase the visibility of women’s startup potential within the regional innovation ecosystem.

Funding Agency

Federal Ministry for Buisness and Energy (BMWE)

Grant Amount

77,500 €

Duration

March 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026