Berliner Startup Stipendium – Science & Startups for Democratic Resilience is an early-stage funding program for founders planning to launch innovative, knowledge-driven, science- or technology-based business ideas in Berlin. The program supports research-driven startup teams working toward scalable ventures that contribute to technological sovereignty, social cohesion, and democratic stability. It is funded by the European Union and the State of Berlin as part of the European Social Fund Plus, ESF+.
Program Focus and Thematic Batches
• The overall Berliner Startup Stipendium program is open to ideas from all disciplines.
• Selected batches are organized around strategically relevant priority fields.
• Priority fields include Life Sciences and Digital Health, Immersive Technologies and Robotics, Quantum Systems and Cybersecurity, Circular Economy and CleanTech, Additive Manufacturing and Innovative Construction, and additional emerging fields of scientific and societal relevance.
• Batch II focuses on “The Future of Digital Health.” Applications opened on 8 April 2026 and close on 4 May 2026, 22:59 GMT+1.
Funding and Support
• Stipend: Founders receive €2,500 per person, per month.
• Team Size: Applications are open to teams of 2 to 4 founders.
• Duration: The program offers 6 or 12 months of funding, depending on the Fast Track or Long Track route; Batch II is listed as a six-month stipend.
• Incubation: Participants receive structured incubation aligned with the KTH Innovation Readiness Level model.
• Mentorship: Teams receive individual mentoring from Startup Consultants.
• Resources: The program includes workshops, 1:1 consultations, and expert sessions via the Science & Startups Academy.
• Infrastructure: Founders gain access to university labs, prototyping facilities, and research infrastructure.
• Ecosystem: The program connects teams with the Science & Startups and JUNI innovation ecosystem.
Eligibility and Key Requirements
• Founder Stage: The program targets early-stage and first-time founders.
• Location: Applicants must have their main residence in Berlin.
• Commitment: Founders must commit full-time to the startup, with no employment or full-time studies during the funding period.
• International Applicants: International and diverse founders are strongly encouraged to apply. A valid residence permit for Germany is required at the time of funding.
Application and Information Sessions
• Application Process: Prospective applicants must book an appointment with one of the Science & Startups startup consultants to receive guidance and access to the application process.
• Application Window: Applications for Batch II opened on 8 April 2026.
• Application Deadline: 4 May 2026, 22:59 GMT+1.
• Last Appointment Deadline: The last chance to book an appointment with a consultant to get the application link is 30 April 2026.
• Jury Pitches: Jury pitches are scheduled for 19 May 2026.
• Info Session I, Women Only: Tuesday, 21 April 2026, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM.
• Info Session II: Thursday, 23 April 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
• Info Session III: Tuesday, 28 April 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Participation and Stipend Conditions
• The stipend is intended to allow founders to work full-time on their startup idea.
• Participants are expected to maintain their main residence in Berlin during the funding period.
• The program requires full-time commitment; employment and full-time studies are not permitted during participation.
• The program is aimed at early-stage or first-time founders developing innovative, research-driven, science-based, or technology-based startup ideas.
• A valid residence permit for Germany is required for international founders at the time of funding.
• Participation takes place within the Berlin startup and university ecosystem, including access to Science & Startups support, labs, prototyping facilities, workshops, mentoring, and expert sessions.
Previous Funding Exclusions
• The public program page states that the Berliner Startup Stipendium is aimed at early-stage and first-time founders.
• Specific exclusions related to prior EXIST, BSS, or comparable scholarships are not detailed on the main program page; applicants should confirm individual eligibility with a Science & Startups consultant before applying.
This initiative provides financial support, structured incubation, mentoring, and access to Berlin’s research and innovation infrastructure for science- and technology-driven founding teams. Through Batch II, the program specifically supports early-stage digital health ventures that can contribute to democratic resilience, technological sovereignty, and societal impact.