Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) runs an extensive programme to promote startups, called EXIST. It offers grants to transfer university research into campus startups, and helps foster a culture of entrepreneurship through innovation workshops, consulting services, and industry connects. 

The BMWi focuses on three modules: 

• anchoring a culture of entrepreneurial independence at universities and research institutes; 

• promoting innovative startups from universities and research institutes with the EXIST Business Startup Grant; 

• and supporting outstanding research-based startups from science with the EXIST Research Transfer programme. 

The EXIST Business Startup Grant includes funding for 12 months and three team members, for up to 3,000 euros per month per person. There is also extra support for parents, of 150 euros per month per child. We also cover material expenses and startup-related coaching, of up to 35,000 euros. The maximum period of funding is one year.

EXIST Transfer of Research is open for all high-technology startup projects with intensive development periods. There are two funding phases of support. Phase I, for 18-36 months, covers technical feasibility and product development. It covers three scientists or technicians, and one graduate from business school. They are eligible for up to 250,000 euros in material expenses for equipment, capital goods, property rights, coaching, and so on. Phase II is after formation of the company, and covers product development onward to market entrance. Startups in this phase are eligible for 180,000 euros for 18-24 months. This phase of funding deals with measures to start business operations in the newly created technology venture as well as meeting the prerequisites for external business financing.

There are three key eligibility criteria of Exist Program: level of innovation, research team and market. The startup should have a reasonable market entry strategy and finance plan. The market size should allow a profitable business to exist and thrive. 

The EXIST gives entrepreneurs freedom to start a company with almost no financial risk. The country-wide entrepreneurial and transfer network also gives young entrepreneurs free professional consulting and mentoring. 

Around 2,300 startups from a wide variety of research fields have graduated from EXIST. The startups are in various fields like bio-technology, energy, optical technologies, digital media, automation, medical technology, lasers, and environmental technology.