Skylab Funding

Skylab Funding is DTU Skylab's grant programme for DTU-affiliated startups. The money comes from external foundations and companies, each backing different types of projects - hardware, life science, sustainability, cancer prevention, and more. Grants range from 15,000 to 150,000 DKK and go toward concrete costs like prototyping, testing, and outside expertise, not salaries or daily operations. You can apply twice a year, in spring and autumn. DTU Skylab reviews every application, but it's the individual funding partners who make the final call on who gets funded.

FAQ

Eligibility

All teams with at least one DTU student, researcher, or alumnus (graduated within the last year) on the founding team.

No, you can apply without one. But if a funding partner decides to fund you, you will need to establish a CVR number and a Danish business bank account to actually receive the money. See "What happens after I'm awarded funding?" below for the deadline and what's at stake.

No. Student applicants need to be a founder, or otherwise have ownership in the idea, project, or startup.

Funding amount and timing

Twice a year, in spring and autumn. Next deadline September 11, 23:59 (CET).
Between 15,000 and 150,000 DKK.
English or Danish.

Funding partners

A group of external foundations and companies, each with its own focus area:

  • Bevica Fonden - universal design and equal solutions, regardless of physical ability
  • Christian Nielsens Fond - tech-based hardware startups with clear commercial potential (only provides funding through Skylab Funding, not direct investments or loans)
  • Det Arnstedske Familiefond - sustainable solutions, environmental and social
  • Kai Houmann Nielsens Fond - tech-based hardware startups with clear commercial potential
  • Kaptajn Aage Nielsens Familiefond - sustainable solutions, environmental and social
  • Tranes Fond - tech-based hardware startups with clear commercial potential
The funding partners make the final call. DTU Skylab's commercial and technical experts screen applications first and match the strongest projects to the partners whose focus areas fit. Each partner then reviews its matched projects and chooses which ones to fund.

How applications are evaluated

Four things:

  • Novelty - does the idea clearly differ from what already exists, through new technology or a new use of existing technology?
  • Impact - is it clear how the startup benefits society, for example through the UN Sustainable Development Goals or universal design?
  • Feasibility - is the idea realistic to build and sell?
  • Diversity - does the team have a mix of gender and competence profiles?
1-2 months. All applications are handled confidentially.

What can the funding be used for?

  • Materials for prototyping
  • Development and testing of a prototype
  • Relevant conference participation and travel
  • External knowledge providers, such as consultants, developers, and manufacturers
  • Equipment rental
  • Specialised software or hardware
  • Salaries
  • General operations
  • Regular office supplies
  • IT hardware for everyday office work, phones, etc.
  • Catering

How to apply

Through our online application form. You will need:

  • A two-page description of your startup
  • A team picture
  • Contact details for everyone on the team
Contact startup-applications@dtu.dk

After you're awarded funding

To receive the money, you need a Danish CVR number and a Danish business bank account. You have three months from the award date to set this up.

If the deadline passes without a CVR number in place, the funding is normally forfeited and your team is removed from the startup programme. So before you apply, make sure you're genuinely ready to register a company if you win.

Life happens, though. If something specific stops you from meeting the deadline, get in touch and explain your situation. We consider these on a case-by-case basis, as long as there's a valid reason behind it.

Templates

Apply now

Subpages