Proof of Concept Grants

The PoC Grant is DTU’s own instrument for funding commercialisation projects emerging from research done at DTU.

Eligibility: to apply for the DTU PoC Grant it is a requirement that you are enrolled in the Skylab Startup Programme (Stage 2). Reach out to your innovation partner to get into the programme. Read more about the programme here.

  • Designed to fund a startup journey, focusing on commercial application, e.g. development of prototypes, scalability demonstration, user testing etc.
  • Three application rounds per year
  • Grant amount up to 500,000 DKK and max. 12 months project period
  • The grant can cover salary, materials, external consultancy, reports/knowledge, market testing, travel expenses etc. The grant may be paid out in installments subject to a milestone plan
  • The applicant startup team must already have entered a startup journey and participate in the Startup Programme stage 2 for startups at Skylab (Read more here)
  • The application must be endorsed and supported by the department and the DTU Skylab Innovation Partner
  • Only DTU employees are eligible for applying for DTU PoC.

It is important that you contact your DTU Skylab Innovation Partner well in advance of the deadline regarding your Proof of Concept (PoC) Grant application.

 

Application and deadlines 2026

There are three POC application rounds per year. Each funding round consists of an info meeting, an application deadline, a pitch training session, and a board meeting.

Information meeting

Application deadline

Pitch training

Board meeting

-

February 17

March 10

March 13

May 5

June 1

June 23

June 26

October 8

November 4

November 24

November 27

Information meeting

Here, we will present the tips and tricks for a good PoC application, previous experiences, and general information about the process. It is strongly recommended that you attend this meeting if you plan to apply for the DTU PoC grant. 

Application deadline

This is the last date to submit your PoC application. The application link will open min. 3 weeks before the deadline. Make sure you are in the Skylab Startup Programme and passed gate 2 before you submit the application. The PoC board will pre-evaluate and rate the applications before the board meeting, and the eight projects with the highest score will be invited to pitch at the board meeting. Please note that if you are applying for or have been awarded an InnoExplorer grant at the same time for the same project, you will not be eligible for DTU PoC. 

Pitch training

There will be pitch training for the eight selected projects approximately one week before the board meeting. Participation in this pitch training is mandatory for PoC applicants.

The PoC board meeting

The selected projects will pitch before the board. You have 10 minutes to pitch, followed by 10 minutes Q&A with the board. Applicants will be informed of the grant decisions a few days after the meeting.
Apply here
Michael Persson

Michael Persson Programme Manager, Startup Funding Mobile: +45 60544031