The Hessen Ideen Scholarship is a six-month scholarship program for university members or graduates who are in an early phase of developing an innovative, knowledge-based, entrepreneurial business idea. The teams are supported in the transition from an initial entrepreneurial idea to a validated business idea with financial support of up to 2,500 euros per month and an accelerator program, which consists of workshops and coaching.

Conditions of participation
At least one of the team members must be a member or alumnus of a state or state-recognised, non-profit private university in Hesse. Applicants must provide evidence of a first university degree (bachelor's) obtained no more than five years ago. Further details can be found in the conditions of participation (PDF).

Application deadline
The next application deadline (funding period 1 July – 31 December 2026) is 12 March 2026.

Apply now

If you have any questions, please contact:
stipendium(at)hessen-ideen.de

Every year, the Hessen Ideen Competition selects the best ideas from Hessian universities. The universities are called upon to nominate up to three of their strongest ideas. 

Prizes
1st place: €10,000
2nd place: €7,000
3rd place: €4,000
An audience award will also be presented during the award ceremony.

In addition to the prize money, there are many other advantages:
All nominees receive feedback on the content of their idea.
The idea becomes better known and attracts attention.
The founders can expand their network and have access to networking events.

Conditions of Participation
Ideas from students, staff, professors and alumni (who graduated no more than five years ago) are eligible for nomination. Participation is possible both as an individual and as a team. Only one idea proposal per participant/team is permitted.
The incorporation of a corporation and the commencement of business activities must not have taken place yet (deadline: 2 April 2026). 
The commencement of business activities means generating revenue and operating on the market with the intention of generating revenue. Participants may have founded a company in the calendar years 2024/2025 (excluding corporations) and/or be in possession of an EXIST start-up grant. Teams that have already participated in a completed business plan competition are excluded from participation. 

If you are interested in participating in the competition, please contact the start-up advisory service at your university. 

If you have any questions, please contact:
wettbewerb(at)hessen-ideen.de

Hessen Ideen Crowdfunding supports start-up ideas from Hessian universities in implementing a crowdfunding campaign. Such a campaign can be a good option if, for example, you want to manufacture the first series of your products.

Hessen Ideen helps you realise your campaign:
Support in developing your crowdfunding campaign on Startnext, Germany's largest crowdfunding platform.
Presentation of your idea on the Hessen Ideen website and social media channels.

Would you like to start a crowdfunding campaign?
We would be happy to advise you on your first steps! Arrange a consultation appointment at crowdfunding@hessen-ideen.de. 

In the Hessen Ideen University Network, start-up support services at Hessian universities work closely together to strengthen the services available to founders throughout Hessen and establish Hessen Ideas as an essential part of the Hessian start-up ecosystem.
 You can view all universities and local contact persons here.