Understanding EXIST Reviewer Logic
A 90-minute live walkthrough of a real submitted EXIST-Forschungstransfer application—designed for research founders to understand reviewer logic.
Why many EXIST applications fail — despite strong science
Many EXIST-Forschungstransfer applications don’t fail because of weak technology or poor research. They fail because of how the idea is written, framed, and justified. Reviewers do not read applications like scientific papers. They evaluate risk, plausibility, and transfer logic.
Common issues:
The application is scientifically sound, but weak as a transfer project
The value for market, industry, or society remains vague
Individual sections are good, but the overall logic is inconsistent
Assumptions are stated, but not framed as a clear, fundable bet
Team, environment, and implementation lack convincing justification
This is exactly what the webinar addresses.
Why This Expert?
For more than 10 years, I’ve been working at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and funding as a startup consultant at TU Darmstadt and University of Heidelberg.
I help scientists structure and communicate their ideas so that decision-makers — juries, reviewers, funding bodies — understand and take them seriously.
Short Proof Points
> 15 granted EXIST-Forschungstransfer
> 26 granted EXIST-Gründerstipendien
> 16,2 Million EURO acquired
Specialized in science-to-business & funding logic
Creator of the APP Framework (Analyze · Produce · Perform)
Experience from numerous trainings, pitches, and proposal reviews
Deep understanding of EXIST evaluation criteria and reviewer perspective
This webinar is not a general overview.
It is a practical walkthrough from a reviewer’s point of view.
What you will learn in the 90-minute live walkthrough
In this live session, we walk step by step through a real, anonymized EXIST Research Transfer application and analyze how reviewers assess each core chapter — and what strong applications do between the lines.
The focus is not only what to write, but also how to move forward strategically after each section.
How reviewers decide early
How the executive summary is read and how reviewers quickly judge whether an application is worth funding.
What makes a team look fundable
How roles, competencies, and gaps are evaluated beyond CVs and academic titles.
How innovation is assessed in practice
What reviewers really look for in development history, novelty, IP strategy, and the R&D plan
How market and sustainability arguments are evaluated
How market logic, customer benefits, competition, and sustainability strengthen—or weaken—the funding case.
How to reduce perceived risk with LOIs
How Letters of Intent can meaningfully support your application and when they actually help from a reviewer’s perspective.
How to move forward strategically
How to identify what is still missing, what is already good enough, and where to focus next to improve your chances.
How the live webinar works
Live online session (90 minutes)
Walkthrough of the example application + explanation of reviewer logic
Live Q&A
You can ask questions — I answer them using general criteria and examples
Implementation checklist
You leave with a clear framework for writing and revising your own application
Important:
There is no individual review or correction of your application during the webinar.
The focus is on structure, orientation, and evaluation logic.
Next date & online participation
Next Live Session
16:00 (Berlin time / CET)
Participation
I run this masterclass no more than three times per year, live.
🟡 Waitlist open — next date in planning
Regular price: €249
Waitlist early-bird: €149
Bootstrap Insider Growth Reader: €free
Waitlist members and Bootstrap Insider Growth reader receive early access to the booking link once the date is confirmed.
Buy Your Ticket Now
Early-Bird Ticket till 18.01.2026 (23:59)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my application be reviewed individually?
No. The webinar uses an example application and general criteria.
Individual reviews or proofreading are offered as a separate consulting service.
Who is this webinar for?
Scientists, postdocs, and teams preparing an EXIST Research Transfer application.
Do I need a finished application?
No. The webinar helps both at the structuring stage and when reviewing an existing draft.
What if I can’t make it on the scheduled date?
Because this is a live-only format, participation is only possible on the scheduled date.
If you register but cannot attend, you can:
- transfer your seat to a colleague from your team (prior notice required), or
-join the waitlist for a future session (subject to availability).
Refunds due to non-attendance are not possible.
How many participants are allowed?
Participation is limited to 10 people per session.
This ensures:
- enough time for questions,
- a high-quality learning experience for everyone.
Once all seats are filled, registration closes.
Can I ask questions during the webinar?
Yes.There will be a dedicated live Q&A segment.Questions are answered using general principles and examples.
I won’t review or comment on individual application texts during the session.
Is this an official EXIST training or affiliated with the funding body?
Yes.There will be a dedicated live Q&A segment.Questions are answered using general principles and examples.
I won’t review or comment on individual application texts during the session.
Will this increase my chances of getting funded?
The webinar does not guarantee funding. What it does is help you:
understand how reviewers think,
avoid common structural and logical mistakes,
and write your application more clearly and convincingly.
The final decision always lies with the reviewers.