These days, new technologies for production, distribution or crowdfunding enable founders to generate a huge resonance with a small team and to test alternative entrepreneurial paths. The project takes the models, experiments and projects as a starting point for further development and testing of relevant start-up projects. Initial prototypes or prototypical procedures should be available. The Berlin Startup Scholarship is aimed at all those who wish to further develop a project in an entrepreneurial way. The project is funded by the European Social Fund and by the State of Berlin (Senate Administration for Economics, Energy and Enterprises).

• the further development of the prototype or prototype-like process to market maturity
• the expansion of entrepreneurial competencies (project planning, business model development, financial planning, legal bases) and positioning within the cultural and creative industries
• the acquisition of project partners, investors or further project funding for follow-up financing
• the generation of resonance: regional, national and international visibility of all supported start-up projects

• A functioning prototype exists for the proposed start-up project
• A maximum of 5 people are in the team, whereby the idea provider must have a connection to the UdK Berlin. In exceptional cases the support of individual entrepreneurs is possible.
• A professor from the UdK Berlin is committed as a mentor.
• All team members have a first academic degree (at least B.A.) and are permanent residents in Berlin.

• You will receive EUR 2,200 brutto per person and month in the funding period from to cover your living expenses.
• You will work full-time on your start-up project, of which at least 60 hours per month will be spent in the coworking space of the UdK Berlin.
• Secondary jobs are only possible in exceptional cases and require permission.
• The use of the UdK laboratories can be arranged on request.
• You will receive accompanying business coaching from external experts.
• You will receive constant support and encouragement from the project team.
• Funding is subject to the De Minimis ruling  (subsidy).

Insurance and taxes must be paid independently by the scholarship holder.

The selection process is multi-stage and consists of

• A mandatory initial consultation at the CTC by 15 Jan 2025. Please send an email to creative.prototyping@intra.udk-berlin.de with a brief outline of your project and several suggested dates, preferably Monday to Wednesday.
• A written application by 17.01.2025. Please use the application form linked below. Note: As the process is conducted in German, the linked forms are in German.
• If the pre-selection is successful, there will be a short presentation (pitch) in front of a jury on 30 Jan 2025, for which an obligatory dress rehearsal/pitch training will take place on 28 Jan 2025.

The jury is made up of representatives of the Career & Transfer Service Centre and the Berlin start-up scene. The funding period starts in March 2025 and begins with a mandatory kick-off workshop on 3 March 2025.

+++ Important note: The funding is for 6 months and cannot be extended +++

FAQs (in german)

Application form (in german)

 Mandatory initial consultations from now until 15/01/2025

17.01.2025 Application deadline for written applications

28.01.2025 Rehearsal for the selection pitch

30.01.2025 Selection pitches

01.03.-31.08.2025 Funding period, kick-off on 03.03.2025.

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CREATIVE PROTOTYPING X SUSTAINABILITY - Das Berliner Startup Stipendium an der UdK