Gateway EM*power

Are you full of ideas and eager to develop innovative solutions that move our society forward?

Do you see potential in tackling everyday challenges in new ways and want to turn your vision into reality? Maybe you already have an idea and are looking for support to take it to the next level. Or perhaps you’re looking to connect with like-minded individuals and take the next step together.

We’re here to support you on your journey—from idea to implementation!

With Gateway EM*power, we offer you the chance to grow through a 10-month program (April 1 – December 31, 2025) at three Gateway universities in Cologne. Our aim is to help you overcome the specific challenges women face when starting a business.

Through a diverse range of events, personalized mentoring, and targeted coaching, we’ll support you in the following areas:

• Developing impactful solutions
• Building your network
• Strengthening your entrepreneurial skills
• Empowerment
• Exploring funding opportunities and managing your personal finances

Network

Connect with like-minded women who share the maker mindset:

Become part of the Gateway Community—both at your university and within the broader network of Gateway Universities in Cologne. Take part in networking events and exciting start-up happenings within the Cologne ecosystem.

Workshops

In our safe space workshops, you can grow and build your skills. Strengthen your confidence as a female entrepreneur, improve your self-presentation when pitching, and learn how to navigate a male-dominated funding landscape.

Coaching

Work with a Gateway start-up coach on a regular basis. You will receive at least five start-up coaching sessions and be paired with a start-up coach at the start of the program.

Mentoring

Get input and feedback from experienced founders. You will be assigned a mentor at the start of the program, with whom you will have at least three mentoring sessions.

Workplaces

You can use our coworking space for free.

3-month scholarship

During the 10-month program, you can apply for a 3-month scholarship to fully focus on your start-up idea. During the scholarship period, you may work a maximum of 20 hours per week in another paid job. The goal is to dedicate your time and energy to your entrepreneurial project.

The scholarship is granted in the following amounts:

• €1,000 per month for students in the second half of their studies

• €2,000 per month for women with completed vocational training

• €2,500 per month for graduates

• €3,000 per month for women with a PhD

• €150 per month per dependent child

In addition, scholarship holders receive up to €2,000 in material resources, which can be spent through the university for purposes aligned with the EXIST Women funding program (e.g., participation fees for events and training, or additional expert consulting).

Receiving the scholarship is optional, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. For more information on who qualifies for financial support through the EM*power program, please refer to the EXIST Women website.

You can find the terms and conditions of the scholarship in the sample contract for scholarship holders (DEU).

Who can participate?

The offer is aimed at:

• women students at the University of Cologne who have completed at least half of their bachelor’s degrees

• Female founders, graduates, scientists, and university employees, for a maximum of five years following graduation or departure.

A specific start-up idea is not required, but motivation, creativity, and innovation are.

EM*Power Gateway is open to all fields and ideas. However, the formation of a capital company and/or the start of operations cannot have occurred prior to the program's launch.