After months of intense competition, 1:1 mentoring with experts, and a series of critical milestones, the field has now narrowed to six finalists in DTU Science Park’s hardware accelerator, Danish Tech Challenge. They are now just one step away from winning Jyske Bank’s Startup Award and a prize of DKK 500,000. The program is supported by Jyske Bank.
The six finalist companies are developing a wide range of hardware solutions that optimize and revolutionize complex processes, tackle global challenges, and create increased value across a variety of sectors. “This year’s finalists are highly ambitious and technologically advanced startups,” says Mads Rømer Svendsen, Senior Program Manager for Danish Tech Challenge.
They’re working on everything from biofuel production and the development of autonomous weeding robots to biodiversity monitoring and early cancer diagnostics.
Mads Rømer Svendsen
Senior Program Manager, DTU Science Park
From 15 to six – and soon a winner
The competition began with 15 startups, which were narrowed down to 11, and now only the six strongest remain. In April, one of them will be crowned the winner at the grand award show, where all participants will be celebrated and the winner will receive DKK 500,000. This is the 11th consecutive year Danish Tech Challenge has taken place.
This year, team development has been a crucial factor for the participating startups. “In Danish Tech Challenge, the companies are pushed to their limits, and several have realized along the way that changes or additions to the founder team were necessary,” says Mads Rømer Svendsen, Program Manager for Danish Tech Challenge. “Putting together the right team is essential for a company’s momentum and execution power, and this year’s participants have made impressive progress in strengthening their organizations.”
Organization and team are just one of ten disciplines the companies must master to reach the final. The other disciplines include:
- Legal and accounting
- IP rights
- Ownership and funding
- Product development
- Sales
- Business model
- Supply chain
- Sustainability
- Product-market fit
The finalists span a wide range of fields, but they all have one thing in common: They’re working on groundbreaking technology and have built the right team with the necessary skills to make a real difference.
Meet the finalists
After countless 1:1 sessions with experts, the six finalists have now been selected. The companies competing for the title are:
Anemo Robotics
Anemo Robotics has developed an underwater camera system to monitor marine biodiversity, based on advanced AI technology. Their systems deliver high-resolution data that automatically monitor and evaluate the impact of offshore structures on marine ecosystems, such as offshore wind farms. With precise and actionable insights, Anemo Robotics helps decision-makers report on biodiversity targets and comply with regulatory requirements.
CARE-DNA
CARE-DNA is revolutionizing pancreatic cancer diagnostics with a screening test based on circular DNA – a newly discovered biomarker. The technology enables early detection with high sensitivity, allowing patients to receive treatment sooner and significantly reducing mortality. The method also holds potential for screening other high-mortality cancers, such as lung, liver, and bladder cancer.
O-Robotics
O-Robotics has developed an autonomous robot for maintaining tiled and paved areas. The robot’s advanced technology removes weeds, debris, and other dirt while reducing maintenance costs by up to 65%. It operates 24/7, improving safety and minimizing operational disruptions.
Sensemakers
Sensemakers is creating a cost-effective and eco-friendly autonomous drone boat for the maritime industry. Their SenseBOAT acts as a flexible “sensor taxi platform,” enabling real-time collection of environmental data at sea, enhancing decision-making for sustainable marine environment management.
SPKTRA
SPKTRA is developing advanced hyperspectral vision systems that combine software with specialized cameras for production lines. The technology can identify product defects and differentiate materials during sorting processes, optimizing quality assurance and resource handling across industries, as well as in areas like waste sorting.
Tergy Sagava
Tergy Sagava produces marine biofuels through a carbon-negative process based on biogenic raw materials. In addition to fuel, the process creates biochar – used for carbon removal and soil improvement – as well as hydrogen-rich synthesis gas. Tergy Sagava’s flexible solution supports the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors and integrates seamlessly into existing marine infrastructures.
Who will take home the prize?
Danish Tech Challenge 2024 culminates on 8 April, when the finalists will pitch their solutions at a spectacular awards show. The winner will not only receive DKK 500,000 and Jyske Bank’s Startup Award, but also gain a powerful platform to scale their business and attract new investors.
Join us as we celebrate this year’s winner!
🔹 Interested in covering the final, interviewing the finalists, or learning more about the competition? Contact DTU Science Park’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Louise Kammacher, at [email protected].
