What?


EXIST Research Transfer (EXIST FT) supports oustanding research-oriented projects that involve expensive and high-risk development efforts. 

The planned business idea must be a strongly scientifically backed innovative technology-oriented or knowledge-based product/process with reasonable technological risks involved that still need to be verified. Ideally the idea stems from a doctoral thesis.

Who can apply?


EXIST Research Transfer Facts
  • Up to 4 founders can be funded: a maximum of three academics (and technical assistants) and one person with managerial competence
  • Founders will be employed by TUM

  • EXIST Research Transfer is split into two phases due to required innovation targets & according to technological risks:

    • Phase 1 (“pre-seed”): typically 18-24 months; maximum 36 months
      Aim: verification of technical feasibility (proof of concept), development of a prototype or MVP, elaboration of the business plan & founding of the company
    • Total expenses of up to 250.000 € are typically covered; required expenses > 250.000€ possible => need to be explained in detail
    • TUM Start-up Consulting supports the application in Phase 1

    • Phase 2 (“seed”): typically 12-18 months
      Aim: “final” development for market readiness, start of business activities & securing of company financing

    • A non-repayable grant of up to 180,000 €, but no more than 75 percent of the specific costs of the project, can be granted. As a prerequisite for funding, the company provides its own funds and, if necessary, equity capital in a ratio of 1:3 (up to 60.000 €).

    • A separate application is required. The application is done by the incorporated entity that has been established in Phase 1. 

  • The approval rate for EXIST FT is at 28%.

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EXIST Research Transfer Requirements
  • University affiliation (at least one member in the founding team must be a student, scientist, employee or alumni of TUM)
  • TUM professor (chair) as EXIST Mentor (employment at the chair; access to infrastructure - offices & labs)
  • The start-up may not be incorporated yet
  • 3-4 Letter of Intent from intended customer (mainly B2B cases)
  • Proof of Principle



How to apply?


Template

There are examples for a successful EXIST FT application available for review within the TUM Incubator Office. Please contact the TUM Incubator Manager Ivana Hecimovic (ivana.hecimovic@tum.de) for an appointment.


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Important Deadlines
Project applications can be submitted continuously, but they will be collected by March 31, August 31 and November 30.

Please get into contact with TUM Start-up Consulting at least 8 weeks before the deadline for the preparation of the business plan. 

Contact with Patents & Licensing needs to be established at least 6 weeks prior to the deadline.

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Application Process 

The full application comprises the business plan (or rather projet paper) and several attachments:

  • I.3 is to be signed by Patents and Licensing; they also have to provide an LOI for the project (any templates??)
  • I.7 is to be signed by the mentor respectively the affiliated chair     

 

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