exist Women 2026

The program is aimed at women with ties to Saarland University, in particular: 

• Female students who have completed at least half of their degree program 

• Female graduates of the university 

• Female researchers 

• Women with vocational training and ties to Saarland University 

You can also apply if you don’t have a specific business idea yet. The selection process focuses in particular on motivation, creativity, personality and innovative spirit. 

exist Women supports start-up ideas from all academic disciplines and industries – for example: 

• Technology and high-tech 

• Services 

• Social entrepreneurship and social innovation 

• Creative industries 

It is important that no corporation has been established so far and no business operations have commenced prior to the start of the program. 

In 2026, up to 15 women can participate in the program and benefit from: 

• Comprehensive training on all aspects of starting a business 

• Individual coaching to help develop your idea 

• Mentoring from experienced female founders and experts 

• Access to an exclusive network of start-ups, mentors, and supporters 

• Workspaces and infrastructure provided by the university or the start-up ecosystem 

• Workshops, lectures, and networking events 

The program supports you in validating your idea, developing a business model, and planning the next steps toward self-employment. 

The support program runs for a total of 9 months and begins on April 1, 2026. 

During this time, you will participate in various workshops, lectures, coaching sessions, and networking events, while actively working on your start-up idea. 

The workshops in the exist Women program support participants in their personal development and on their journey toward starting a business. They address topics such as self-efficacy, motivation, and the mindset of a female founder, as well as how to deal with self-doubt and gender stereotypes. Additionally, the program explores female perspectives on innovation and product development, the role of diversity in teams, as well as visibility, communication, and confident presentation in start-up contexts. The goal is to empower participants to confidently present their ideas and realize their potential in the start-up world. 

The objective is to strengthen your skills, validate your idea, and develop a clear, individualised roadmap for your start-up. In ordert to achieve this, the participants are expected to attend certain events, as well as work independently on further developing their business idea. 

Yes. In addition to the non-monetary support, optional financial assistance is available: 

Scholarship (optional) 

Up to 5 participants can receive a three-month scholarship, provided they have no other income or work no more than 20 hours per week. The amount depends on your educational background: 

• €1,000 / month for students in the second half of their degree program 

• €2,000 / month for women with vocational training 

• €2,500 / month for graduates 

• €3,000 / month for researchers with a Ph.D. 

The payment period is determined on an individual basis and may also take place later in the year.  

During the three-month scholarship period, you may not receive any other scholarship. 

Yes. In addition to the scholarship, up to 10 participants may receive as much as €2,000 for material expenses. 

Possible uses include, for example: 

• Travel expenses  

• Coaching or advanced training 

• Attending events or conferences 

• Project-related expenses for developing your idea 

Throughout the program, you’ll be supported by experienced female mentors and experts. 

You’ll also become part of a network of female founders where you can regularly exchange ideas, learn from one another, and develop new perspectives. The program also facilitates connections with potential co-founders, supporters, and investors.

A key component of exist Women is the centrally organized “Female Founder” seminar. 

• Duration: 1.5-day in-person event in Munich 

• Subsequent: Online follow-up after approximately 3 months 

In this seminar, you’ll work on developing your entrepreneurial mindset, strengthen your soft skills, and network with other exist Women participants from all over Germany. 

The application deadline is March 25. (You can also find more information here)

The program begins on April 1. 

If you want to further develop your start-up idea, build new skills, and become part of a strong network, apply now for exist Women at Saarland University.