University funding for start-ups
In co-operation with the city of Oldenburg
"The university is a source of innovative ideas and therefore an important factor for the future viability of our north-west region. With our contribution to the funding pool, we would now like to support the university's founders directly for the first time." (Jürgen Krogmann, Lord Mayor of the City of Oldenburg)
University funding for start-ups
Through our funding program, we support early-stage startup projects in cooperation with the City of Oldenburg by providing non-repayable grants.
“This funding program is an important addition to our startup support portfolio. It enables us to assist projects right from the outset. I am delighted that, together with the City of Oldenburg, we can create meaningful momentum for new ventures,” says University President Prof. Dr. Ralph Bruder.
What We Fund
- External consulting services for startup and project development
- Individual training and professional development with an entrepreneurial focus
- Materials and equipment for prototype development
- Participation in trade fairs and networking events
Who Can Apply?
Students, researchers, and staff of the University of Oldenburg are eligible to apply. Funding is awarded directly to the applicant (applications on behalf of third parties are not permitted).
How to Apply
The application process begins with a consultation with one of our startup advisors to discuss your project and determine funding needs. Following this meeting, applicants submit the required documents as outlined in the funding guidelines. These documents form the basis for evaluation.
Applications may be submitted at any time per email to the Department for Research and Technology Transfer at giz@uol.de. Your contact person will be the advisor you consulted during the initial meeting.
Selection Criteria
Projects are selected based on the scientific quality or innovative potential of the proposed startup and the viability of the underlying business model.
Project and Startup-Related Consulting Services by Third Parties
Aim
The purpose of the startup-related consulting services is to provide objective, external expertise that complements the support already offered by the GIZ startup advisory team. This additional perspective helps to further develop the project and maximize its potential. Consultants are expected to contribute both professional expertise and practical experience, assisting the team in building on its strengths while addressing areas for improvement.
Scope
The choice of consultant and the amount of funding requested depend on the specific advisory needs of the project, as determined in consultation with the assigned startup advisor. As a general rule, funding should not exceed a daily rate of €800 (excluding VAT) per proposal.
Funding Conditions
Funding is available for project and startup-related consultancy services provided by third parties in the form of a contract award. This includes, among other things, consultations on the topics of: Marketing, sales, product development, company presentation and communication, financing, legal advice, innovation protection, team communication.
Funding is available for project- and startup-related consulting services provided by external third parties under a contractual agreement. Eligible topics include, but are not limited to: marketing and sales, product development, corporate presentation and communication, financing, legal advice, intellectual property protection, and team communication. Additional startup-related consulting services may be eligible upon prior agreement.
Not Eligible for Funding
- Expenses related to the formal establishment of the company (e.g. notary and legal fees, shareholder agreements, terms and conditions, tax filings)
- Individual training or further education unrelated to the startup project
- Preparation of a business plan, financial plan, or pitch deck
- Design or production of marketing materials (e.g. logos, flyers, posters, copywriting)
- Services provided by individuals affiliated with your own research institution or the University of Oldenburg
Consulting services must be provided by individuals who can demonstrate proven entrepreneurial success or who have held a management position in a company. If this is not clearly evident from the consultant’s CV, appropriate references must be submitted. When commissioning freelancers closely connected to the startup project, applicants must ensure that qualifications are verifiable and that a prior comparison of providers has been conducted.
Individualised Training with a Startup Focus
Goal
The aim of this funding is to increase the number of successful business startups by providing training in startup-related and topic-specific skills. Supporting participation in workshops, courses, and seminars gives prospective founders the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and expertise needed to advance their startup projects.
Amount
Funding covers the participation fee for the selected training program, up to a maximum of €800 per person (excluding VAT). The choice of training program should be made in consultation with the assigned startup advisor..
Funding Conditions
Funding is available for further training measures that are expected to have a direct, positive impact on the successful realisation of the startup project. Further education that is not related to the startup project is not eligible for funding. Any travel expenses incurred cannot be reimbursed.
Material Expenses for Prototype Production
Objective
The goal is to increase the economic potential of knowledge- and technology-based ideas by demonstrating their technical feasibility or functionality.
Funding for prototype development helps reduce the financial barriers to testing potential applications and contributes to more successful spin-offs.
Scope
Funding is available for small-scale prototype models.
The amount of support depends on the specific project and will be determined together with the startup advisor. However, it must not exceed €500 (excluding VAT) per application.
Funding Conditions
Eligible expenses include material costs for producing a functional prototype.
Project-related costs such as license fees, equipment, materials, software, or similar items may be funded.
Typical business expenses (e.g. MS Office, CRM or accounting software) and costs related to serial production are not eligible.
Innovation Campus
Another opportunity for prototype development is offered by the Innovation Campus of the Innovative Hochschule Jade-Oldenburg! (IHJO), located on the Haarentor Campus of the University of Oldenburg.
The campus includes a metal workshop, digital lab, seminar rooms, and a coworking space for developing and testing both digital and physical prototypes.
More information at: https://uol.de/en/transfer/offers-at-the-innovation-campus
Participation in Trade Fairs and Networking Events
Objective
This measure is designed to facilitate early connections for aspiring founders with potential co-founders, employees, customers, partners, and investors. Networking and knowledge exchange provide significant added value for a startup project and can play a key role in its overall success..
Scope
Participation fees for eligible events can be covered, up to a maximum of €500 per person (excluding VAT). The choice of event should be made in consultation with the startup advisor.
Funding conditions
Funding is available for event participation that cannot be financed through other programs (e.g., the BMWK’s “Young Innovative Companies Trade Fair Programme”). Travel expenses incurred in connection with the event are not eligible for reimbursement.