Danish Tech Challenge 2025 has officially kicked off at DTU Science Park. This year, 15 ambitious hardware startups are taking part – all of whom have already proven that their technology can make a difference. Now, they’re taking the next step toward market entry and scaling.
This year’s participants span a wide range of fields – from green transition and medtech to defence and advanced materials. The mix not only creates a diverse cohort but also a strong environment for professional synergy.
“The companies operate in related markets and face many of the same technical and regulatory challenges,” says Mads Rømer Svendsen, Senior Program Manager for Danish Tech Challenge, and continues: “That means they can support and advise each other to a great extent. We’re also seeing more startups emerging from research environments at both the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and the University of Copenhagen (KU) – and they share the classic challenges of bringing technology from the lab to the real world and managing IP negotiations. It creates a natural community and a strong foundation for peer-to-peer learning.”
Over the next five months, the companies will take part in an intensive program featuring mentorships, workshops, and access to some of Denmark’s most experienced experts in hardware development, production, and business strategy. And expectations for this year’s participants are clear, says Mads.
“I expect the companies in this year’s Danish Tech Challenge to create commercial traction earlier – to involve customers sooner, establish the right partnerships, and thereby ensure faster product development and a shorter time-to-market,” says Mads and continues: “We’re already seeing signs of more customer dialogue, and we want to support that, so more companies find their product-market fit. As a natural result of that, I also expect to see more of them raising capital during the program.”
A community that lasts beyond the program
When the program culminates in March with a major award show, one startup will be honored with Jyske Bank’s Startup Award and a prize of DKK 500,000.
But for most participants, it’s not just the competition that drives them. It’s the journey – the new insights, the personal and professional growth, and above all, the strong relationships that form along the way.
During the program, the startups gain deep insight into everything from strategy and production to fundraising and scaling. They meet mentors, investors, and experts who challenge and strengthen their business – and they stand shoulder to shoulder with other founders facing the same questions and ambitions. The late nights before a crucial pitch. The shared frustrations, laughs, and breakthroughs
It’s here that something special happens: a strong community across industries and technologies. A full 82% of previous participants remain in contact, and for many, those relationships last far beyond the five months of the program.
The 15 startups in Danish Tech Challenge 2025
Anorit Medical
Anorit Medical aims to increase survival rates in cardiac arrest by providing bystanders with an effective, hygienic, and user-friendly alternative to mouth-to-mouth ventilation. Their automatic ventilation device makes resuscitation simpler and more effective – and can triple the chances of survival.
Biio
Biio develops energy-efficient edge-AI chips for medical devices. The technology enables advanced data analysis directly on the device – without cloud solutions – opening new applications within cardiac, motion, and neurotechnology.
BÆTA Carbon Solutions
BÆTA Carbon Solutions transforms plastic waste into advanced materials capable of capturing CO₂ from air and flue gas. The developed sorbents are cost-efficient, stable, and reusable – making CO₂ capture more circular and sustainable.
Celloop
Celloop develops next-generation organ-on-chip technology that replicates human organs with high precision. The platform helps the pharmaceutical industry accelerate drug development while reducing animal testing.
CETO Innovation
CETO Innovation provides advanced solutions for predictive maintenance in district heating systems. Using sensor technology and data analytics, the company can locate leaks and assess pipe conditions accurately – without excavation – reducing breakdowns, costs, and environmental impact.
Copenhagen Medical Cryo
Copenhagen Medical Cryo is developing a cryo-based neurotherapy platform for treating pain and spasticity. The technology uses N₂O and can reach –80°C within seconds, enabling precise, outpatient treatments without the use of opioids.
ecoblaq™
ecoblaq™ develops a sustainable, plastic-free, and non-toxic wood coloring technology. The process changes the color of wood at the molecular level and offers a biobased alternative to fossil and chemical pigments used in industry.
ERLEtek
ERLEtek is automating the construction industry with mobile 3D concrete printers that can build walls and landscape structures with significantly lower resource consumption. The technology reduces labor and costs while supporting more efficient and sustainable construction.
GLYON
GLYON has developed a patented process that converts textile waste into new raw materials for fiber production. The solution addresses both environmental and regulatory challenges and reduces the resource intensity of the textile industry.
Godwit Systems
Godwit Systems develops heavy, long-range VTOL drones capable of autonomously transporting supplies over long distances without GPS. Equipped with hybrid engines and automated refueling, the drones enable safe and efficient logistics – from conflict zones to offshore operations.
MultiBiopsy
MultiBiopsy improves cancer diagnostics with an innovative biopsy tool that can take multiple tissue samples in a single insertion. The solution increases precision, reduces patient risk, and minimizes the need for repeated procedures.
NAMODAN
NAMODAN develops an AI-based ground-penetrating radar system for drones that can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects up to two meters underground. The technology enables rapid and safe mine clearance in challenging terrain, with both humanitarian and military applications.
NDURE
NDURE is developing the first continuous lactate sensor for athletes. The sensor measures lactate directly beneath the skin and provides precise endurance data – independent of factors such as heart rate, stress, and temperature – revolutionizing performance optimization.
PureMilk
PureMilk has developed the world’s first home test for detecting bacterial contamination in breast milk. The test combines paper-based technology with an app that delivers rapid results, enhancing food safety for infants.
Solstice
Solstice is revolutionizing energy storage by combining solar power, mirrors, and sand-based heat storage in a unique system. The solution reduces storage costs by up to 89% and enables renewable energy delivery on demand – both as electricity and heat.
What is Danish Tech Challenge?
Danish Tech Challenge is an accelerator program run by DTU Science Park that each year helps selected hardware startups develop and scale their technology.
Over five months, participants gain access to mentors, workshops, and expert sparring that strengthen their business development, production, and market readiness. The program concludes with the final in April, where the winner receives Jyske Bank’s Startup Award and a prize of DKK 500,000.
Since its establishment in 2014, Danish Tech Challenge has served as a launchpad for many Danish tech companies that today have strong positions in both national and international markets.
