Start-up funding InnoStartBonus

With the InnoStartBonus, the Free State of Saxony supports Saxon founders with innovative business ideas in the phase before and at the beginning of their innovative business start-up. Start-ups from the sideline are also possible.

Timeline for Call 16

15.09.2026, 12 noon Application deadline
October 2026 Pitch workshops for finalists
28./29.10.2026 Meeting of the expert panel
2.11. - 9.11. Submission of applications to the SAB
02/2027 Start of approval

Apply now until April 13, 2026, 12:00 PM.

A Mein futureSAX account is required for the application. The futureSAX privacy policy applies: www.futureSAX.de/date

What does the funding program offer?

The Free State of Saxony supports innovative founders with 1,050 euros per month for a whole year.

For each dependent child, the InnoStartBonus increases by 150 euros per month over the entire approval period.

Our competent project managers will support you with know-how and contacts before, during and after the approval period.

In a competitive process, the expert panel provides direct feedback on each application, which you can use to further improve your concept.

Fast formal approval: There are only a few weeks between a positive funding vote by the expert committee and the start of funding.

Founding an individual or team: The InnoStartBonus supports up to two team members.

Of the more than 990 completed applications submitted in Calls 1 through 15 and Special Calls 1 through 5, more than 270 startup teams with innovative business ideas received a positive decision on their eligibility for funding.

The InnoStartBonus start-up funding program is based on a competitive process. We are supported by a diverse and renowned panel of experts who evaluate the submitted start-up concepts on a voluntary basis

Record number of applications for the 14th InnoStartBonus call

The 14th InnoStartBonus funding call ends with 91 start-up ideas submitted across Saxony - the next call is already underway.

Your contact persons at futureSAX

Bild

Juliane Waidhas

Project Manager

Idea Phase & InnoStartBonus

Juliane Waidhas's career has been shaped by her enthusiasm for business development, innovation, and collaboration between different stakeholders. During her master's degree in Business Administration at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, she specialized in Market-Oriented Corporate Management. She gained professional experience in areas including consulting, business development, and project management. A particularly formative experience was leading the project CROSS INNOVATION MADE IN SAXONY II, in which she connected creative professionals with medium-sized businesses to unlock new ideas, business models, and innovation potential. She is especially motivated by the opportunity to bring people together, foster exchange, and actively support forward-looking initiatives. In her personal life, she expresses her creative side through painting and sewing, and finds a valuable counterbalance to her everyday work life in jogging, hiking, and cycling.

Bild

Tabea-Elice Hantsche

Projectcoordinator

Awards and Calls

Connecting people, telling stories and triggering emotions - these were the goals that motivated Tabea-Elice Hantsche to train as an event manager and then pursue a more in-depth dual course of study in business administration service management/event and sports management at the State Academy of Studies in Riesa.
The native of Lusatia was able to gain professional experience not only in the organization of various events, but also in marketing and public relations as well as in personnel management. In addition, the insight into different corporate structures sharpened the sense for diverse perspective.