The “Start?Zuschuss!” funding program is entering its 22nd round. Technology-oriented Munich and national startups driving digitalization can apply until June 17, 2026. Eligible are young companies in their startup phase whose founding is not before June 18, 2024.
Funding up to 36,000 euros
Start?Zuschuss! provides one-time funding for innovative business models in the digitalization sector for one year and up to 50 percent of eligible expenses. The subsidy is capped at a maximum of 36,000 euros.
Eligible expenses include personnel, rent, research and development, and product market launch. The program targets startups that want to further develop their digital business model in an early phase and position it on the market.
Two-stage selection process
The application process takes place in three stages:
First, applicants submit their documents online. An external jury then evaluates the applications in a competitive process. Selected applicants subsequently submit a funding application to the responsible government.
The jury decision is expected by the end of July 2026. The online funding application with selected applicants should be processed by the end of September 2026. The approval period runs from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
According to program information, the timeline for the 23rd competition is planned for November 25, 2026 to January 10, 2027.
A note for founders who also want to apply for the Exist founder scholarship or Exist research transfer I: These applications must be submitted and approved before Start?Zuschuss!. For these funding programs, no founding may have taken place before approval. This does not apply to Exist research transfer II, as completed founding is a requirement there.
Further information on the process and participation conditions can be found on the Gründerland Bayern website.
