DTU Discovery Grants

Discovery Grant is DTU’s own instrument for funding startup projects emerging from research and innovation done at DTU. It is often the first step on a startup journey for researchers. The program has been very succesfull this spring and will reopen in a revised format in August 2026. We will adjust the programme to better align demand and available budget and coordinate it with the Skylab Startup Programme.

Eligibility: to apply for the DTU Discovery Grant it is a requirement that you are employed at DTU and enrolled in the Skylab Startup Programme (Stage 1). Reach out to your innovation partner to get into the programme. Read more about the startup programme here.

The in's and out's:

• Designed for early development and maturation of a startup idea or identifying and validating specific applications and market potential
• Monthly panel meetings and fast response time
• Grant amount up to 100,000 DKK and grant period max. 6 months
• The grant can cover materials, consulting services, tests, reports/knowledge, travel and salary directly related with the project, but not the salary for the main applicant
• The application must be endorsed and supported by the department and the DTU Skylab Innovation Partner
• Discovery Grants are only for projects preparing for a startup, but are not for research and not available if the innovation is already commercialised.

Application and deadlines

Contact your DTU Skylab Innovation Partner for guidance on developing and submitting your application.

Application deadline

Deadline for submission of you application to your Skylab Innovation Partner. Your application consists of an application form and a pitchdeck. Please allow your Innovation partner time to check and endorse your application.

Prescreening

All received applications will be prescreened to ensure they comply with the eligibility criteria and requirements. Admitted applicants will receive an invitation to pitch at the following panel meeting.

Panel meetings

Applicants pitch their project for 7 minutes followed by 15 minutes questions and answers. The budget is limited and applicants pitch competitively against other applicants of the day. Important assessment criteria include the value created for the project and the motivation of the applicant to make a startup. It is recommended to apply for specific activities that really bring the project forward, especially commercially. Applicants will get the response max 3 days after the panel meeting.

Guidelines and application form can be found below when ready.