If more researchers are to become entrepreneurs, the university environment is crucial
That was the case for Professor Tomislav Dragičević, postdoc Ramadhani Subroto, and engineer Wybren Oppedijk when they launched the energy spinout Phlit in 2021. The three researchers developed an IoT solution, FlexGate®, which can connect assets like electric boilers, batteries, and—pioneering globally—wastewater facilities directly to the electricity market, helping balance the grid in real time.
This wouldn’t have been possible without being based at DTU Science Park, allowing them to maintain their daily presence in lecture halls. That proximity is a huge advantage for a spinout founded by researchers, explains Peter Larsen, CEO of Phlit.
The founders are deeply engaged in the company but have continued teaching and researching. Having our office on campus has enabled us to balance having researcher-founders while gradually growing the company.
Peter Larsen
CEO, Phlit
A year after its founding, Phlit joined DTU Science Park’s GreenUP Accelerator, a program for startups with CO₂-reducing solutions. The goal was to turn the DTU founders’ FlexGate technology into a viable business and raise capital for the company’s scaling journey.
Both objectives were achieved, says Peter Larsen:
We have continuously developed our technology, and maintaining close ties to the research environment has been crucial. That was one of the reasons we quickly found a strong product-market fit and secured investment from the Danish VC firm Noon Ventures.
Peter Larsen
CEO, Phlit
Did you know that DTU Science Park is…
- As one of Europe’s largest and leading deep tech communities, DTU Science Park creates ideal conditions for deep tech companies to grow and scale.
- The community includes 300+ deep tech companies in life science, biotech, medtech, and robotics, and 50+ startups participate in growth programs each year.
- DTU Science Park is owned by DTU and is ranked Europe’s best technical university.
Staying at DTU
Although Phlit has long since completed the accelerator program, the company—now with eight employees—has chosen to remain a permanent tenant at DTU Science Park.
“The reason is simple: The connection to DTU. Plus, there are many technical companies at different stages, which makes it natural to exchange insights about the common challenges of a deep tech startup on a venture journey.”
The Phlit-founders Tomislav Dragičević, Ramadhani Subroto and Wybren Oppedijk.
As discussions around Denmark’s electricity grid intensify, Phlit is securing a significant market position in the country. With partners like Danfoss, Xolta, and Envidan, the company is now looking towards international expansion, says Peter Larsen:
“There is a huge need to improve flexibility in the power system. That’s why we continuously develop new technological and commercial solutions we see as highly relevant across Europe.”
