DTU InnoExplorer Grants

InnoExplorer is a national funding programme operated by Innovation Fund Denmark. The purpose is the commercialisation of research results at a pre-commercial stage, which need maturation to investigate the potential for commercial exploitation or societal benefit.

  • For final technical and commercial maturation towards a commercial application
  • 3 application rounds per year
  • Grant size: 500,000-1,500,000 DKK, incl. 44% overhead
  • Up to 12 months project period
  • The grant can cover salaries, materials, consultancy, reports/knowledge, market testing, marketing, travel, university overhead and IP-related cost, etc.
  • The programme is owned by Innovation Fund Denmark, but it's a requirement that DTU Skylab qualifies and endorses all applications coming from DTU
  • DTU Skylab will provide assistance for the preparation of the application.
  • InnoExplorer can only support projects prior to the establishment of a CVR number.
  • Applicants may not apply for DTU PoC if they are applying for InnoExplorer for the same project.

Please contact your DTU Skylab Innovation Partner in advance to discuss your opportunities in the InnoExplorer grant programme. 

 

Application and deadlines 2024

(Deadlines for 2025 are not ready from Innovation Fund Denmark, but expect dates in 2025 to besimilar to those in 2024)

Info Meeting         

Internal DTU deadline

Internal DTU Pitch  

Innovation Fund Deadline

Innovation Fund Panel meeting

15 December

10 January

 16 January

31 January

Weeks 11-13

22 March

3 April

9 April

24 April

Weeks 23-25
 27 August 4 September  10 September  25 September   Weeks 45-47

Internal DTU deadline

By this date, you must notify your DTU Skylab Innovation Partner to enroll to the qualification process. DTU Skylab will decide whether a project is admitted to the process.

Internal DTU Pitch

If admitted to the qualification process, you must prepare a draft application (slide deck) according to the InnoExplorer criteria and pitch it before the DTU Skylab pitch panel. The panel will select the applicants to be invited to apply for InnoExplorer from DTU. Make sure you are available, this is mandatory. Selected applicants will receive support from DTU Skylab’s Innovation Partners in refining the application for Innovation Fund Denmark.

Final deadline with Innovation Fund Denmark

This is the final date for submitting your application to Innovation Fund Denmark. Only applications endorsed by DTU Skylab can apply.

Innovation Fund Panel Meeting

At the panel meeting, you pitch your application in front of the InnoExplorer panel, who then gives their recommendation for the final decision by the Innovation Fund Board. Usually, you will receive the response 2-3 weeks after the panel meeting.

Guidelines and Inspiration

Check out the guidelines for InnoExplorer at the Innovation Fund Denmark website.

Criteria, guidelines and examples for InnoExplorer applications


Contact

Michael Persson

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