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The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs (BMWK) is continuing its successful start-up funding for female founders in the scientific field. Following the overwhelming success of the first round in 2024, the “EXIST-Women” program will now enter its second round.

SMILE, the start-up initiative at Leipzig University aims to use this program to encourage women at universities and research institutions to put their business ideas into practice and set up their own company.

What does “EXIST-Women” offer?

  • 3-month scholarship (up to €3,000/month)
  • Participation in a 9-month qualification program
  • Individual coaching
  • Entrepreneurial support from mentors
  • Nationwide network of female founders
  • material resources in the amount of €2,000

 

To all aspiring female founders: Apply now and take the plunge into self-employment!

 

Regardless of whether you already have a concrete business idea or can simply imagine setting up your own business - the EXIST-Women program, run by “SMILE - the start-up initiative at Leipzig University”, offers support, expertise and a network to accompany you on your start-up journey.

Apply by February 14, 2025 with your CV and a short letter of motivation for the new program, which starts in April 2025.

For further information, please contact:

 

General information on the “EXIST-Women” program
 

SMILE - Leipzig University's start-up initiative has been supporting start-ups from the academic and scientific environment since 2006. SMILE is funded by the European Union, the Free State of Saxony and the participating institutions. www.smile.uni-leipzig.de