Introduction:
In today's increasingly innovation-driven business world, there is a wide range of funding opportunities specifically designed to support companies at different stages of development and with a variety of objectives. From the start-up phase to scaling and international expansion, the right funding can make all the difference in reaching the next level of growth or developing groundbreaking technologies.
But how do you choose the right funding program? What requirements must be met in order to be eligible for funding? After working with over 90 startups and SMEs, we realized that finding your way through the funding jungle is a huge challenge!
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the main types of funding, from academic grants for startups to technology-focused grants to application-based programs.
Using practical examples and expert knowledge, you will learn how to specifically identify funding opportunities, how to avoid the most common pitfalls and which steps are necessary to successfully finance your project with funding. The focus is not only on pure theory, but also on practical tips that will help you implement your project strategically and sustainably.
In this article:
Funding for start-ups
Funding after start-up: Innovation, research and development, digital transformation, innovation vouchers
Requirements for respective funding + expert tips
Bonus material: Access to the free eligibility check + exclusive consulting offer + visual roadmap for successful grant application.
Grants for start-ups pre-incorporation
a) Academic funding
For founders from research and academia, special funding programs offer essential start-up support for turning scientific ideas into marketable products. Such funding not only focuses on financing, but often also on consulting and network support in order to accelerate knowledge transfer and optimally scale innovative projects. They are aimed specifically at academics who want to commercially exploit their research results outside the university walls, but often do not have the necessary entrepreneurial knowledge or financial resources.
Arise-Insights: A key advantage of academic funding programs is not just the money, but the structure they offer. Programs such as the eXIST start-up grant or GO-Bio combine financial support with targeted coaching and mentoring offers that help to strategically develop scientific ideas and turn them into marketable products. Experts recommend identifying potential applications early in the research process and focusing on commercial viability.
At the same time, these funding initiatives also have their downsides. We have already reported on this in detail in this article .
Examples: eXIST research transfer, GO-Bio
Minimum requirements / eligibility:
Academic involvement: A university or research institution must be involved, which often happens through cooperation with chairs or research groups. This ensures access to expert knowledge and resources.
Innovative business idea: The project must be based on a clear degree of scientific innovation. This requires not only technical know-how, but also proof that the idea can solve a relevant problem and is marketable.
Proof of feasibility and scalability: A detailed concept for technical implementation and economic scaling is essential. Funding bodies want to be sure that the innovation is not only theoretically interesting, but also practically feasible and economically viable. Experts therefore recommend paying attention to a clear market strategy right from the conception phase.
Many of these programs also offer access to networks of potential investors, partners and industry experts. It is therefore advisable not only to prepare the application itself perfectly, but also to actively use the networks that these grants offer. In the long term, this can represent a decisive competitive advantage in establishing the idea on the market. Early involvement of relevant stakeholders can significantly increase the chances of success. Get started today and gain access to our network of investors, industry partners, IP/patent strategists, regulatory experts (life sciences), IT security/cybersecurity, and scaleup specialists - book a free initial consultation .