Start? Grant! Apply now!

The "Start?Grant!" funding program is entering its 22nd round. Technology-oriented Munich-based and supra-regional startups driving digitalization can apply until June 17, 2026. Eligible participants are young companies in their start-up phase whose founding date is no earlier than June 18, 2024.

Funding up to 36,000 euros

Start?Zuschuss! provides one-time funding for innovative business models in the field of digitalization for one year, covering up to 50 percent of eligible expenses. The grant is limited to a maximum of €36,000.

Eligible expenses include, in particular, personnel costs, rent, research and development, and product launch. The program is therefore aimed at startups that want to further develop their digital business model and position it in the market at an early stage.

Two-stage selection process

The application process takes place in three stages:
Applicants first submit their documents online. An external jury then evaluates the applications in a competitive process. Selected applicants subsequently submit a funding application to the relevant government authority.

The jury's decision is expected by the end of July 2026. The online funding application process with the selected applicants should be completed by the end of September 2026. The funding period runs from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.

According to program information, the period for the 23rd competition is planned from November 25, 2026 to January 10, 2027.

A note for founders who are also interested in the Exist Founder's Grant or wish to apply for EXIST Research Transfer I: These applications must be submitted and approved before the start of the grant program. For these grants, the company must not have been founded before approval. This does not apply to EXIST Research Transfer II, as a completed company formation is a prerequisite for that program.

Further information on the process and the conditions of participation can be found on the Website of Gründerland Bayern to find.