Early detection of pancreatic cancer can save lives. Every year, between 350,000 and 500,000 patients are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and it is often discovered far too late, which can have fatal consequences. Statistics show that only one in eight patients survives more than five years after diagnosis. CARE-DNA is revolutionizing early cancer detection with a simple blood test based on a new cancer marker — circular DNA — discovered by co-founder and Professor of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Copenhagen, Birgitte Regenberg.
Today, pancreatic cancer is typically detected only after symptoms such as severe weight loss, jaundice, and pain appear. By that time, the disease is often already in an advanced stage. With their discovery, CARE-DNA’s goal is to increase the survival rate for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer by 50%.
CARE-DNA’s technology enables the detection of cancer before symptoms occur. The technology also holds the potential to screen for lung, liver, uterine, and bladder cancer.
I am truly happy on behalf of all the clinicians and patients who provided us with samples, because without them, this product would not exist. And I’m grateful that we are bringing attention to pancreatic cancer and some of the other deadliest forms of cancer. I feel like our baby, CARE-DNA, is beginning to stand on its own feet now. Meeting discipline owners and learning about the various startup disciplines (in the Danish Tech Challenge, ed.) has been important for us, as it has helped shape the company and created the foundation so that we now have a product and are ready for investments.
Birgitte Regenberg
CSO, CARE-DNA
"We live in a physical world"
In Danish Tech Challenge at DTU Science Park, all participating startups work with hardware. The companies in this year’s recently concluded program are engaged in everything from the production of biofuel and the development of autonomous robots for weed control to the early diagnosis of cancer. Danish Tech Challenge is running for the 11th year, this time supported by Jyske Bank, and Steen Donner emphasizes the program’s ongoing relevance:
“The finalists in this year’s Danish Tech Challenge – and indeed the entire group of participants – clearly demonstrate why the program remains relevant after 11 years. They are working with technologies that are critical for the development of industries such as energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. We live in a physical world, and many of the challenges we face require physical solutions — not just software. In a world where we need green transition, better diagnostics, and efficient production, there is therefore a growing need for hardware solutions and programs that can help them scale,” says Steen Donner, CEO of DTU Science Park.
Relationships between technology-heavy startups and investors are essential
Danish Tech Challenge has been run by DTU Science Park since 2014, and since then, more than 200 companies have participated in the program. A considerable share of these companies still exists today, having created more than 1,500 jobs, and together they have achieved a combined valuation of more than four billion DKK.
During the five-month-long program, participating startups undergo a thorough review of their entire business — for better or worse. They are required to make critical decisions regarding their team, product-market fit, business plans, and much more.
An essential part of being a startup is funding, and for these companies to grow and make a real difference in the world, strong relationships between startups and investors are crucial. This is precisely one of the reasons why Jyske Bank supports the hardware accelerator.
“We are pleased to contribute to the growth journey that many startups are on by building bridges between ambitious companies, selected customers, and this award — as an incentive. These are companies that have each developed outstanding hardware products. It’s hard work — every single day. These are products that streamline complex processes, solve global challenges, and create value across sectors. This is exactly what Denmark and the business community need. It helps create jobs and places Denmark on the world map as a leader in innovation,” says Lars Mørch, Chairman of the Executive Board at Jyske Bank.
About Danish Tech Challenge
Danish Tech Challenge is a five-month intensive program where participants gain access to advice from advisors and mentors, investors, and a grand prize in the form of Jyske Bank’s Startup Award worth 500,000 DKK. Danish Tech Challenge was launched in 2014 as a development program targeted at technological hardware entrepreneurs working to bring new physical products to market. Around 100 hardware startups apply each year. The program is conducted in collaboration between Jyske Bank and DTU Science Park.
