Danish Tech Challenge
Denmark's leading growth program for hardware startups
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Participate in Danish Tech Challenge, shorten your 'time-to-market' - and win DKK 500,000
Danish Tech Challenge is DTU Science Park’s growth program for hardware startups. Out of more than 100 applicants, we select the 20 most promising startups for the program each year.
The purpose is to help you develop your product and your business. You get a 360-degree business review, so you stand stronger in front of investors, partners, and future customers.
You get more than 75 hours of 1:1 advice with experts during the program. You can also access DTU Science Park’s community with over 300 deep tech companies, workshops, and potential investors.
We help you find your Product Market Fit, expand your team, and assemble the right board.
The program is tailored to your business and gives you the best conditions to enter the market and raise capital so you create growth in your business.
It’s free to participate in Danish Tech Challenge.
Facts about participants in Danish Tech Challenge
They are innovative and have developed over 330 products in the last 3 years.
They create viable businesses – 83% survive beyond the first three years.
They secure funding – the participants in Danish Tech Challenge have collectively raised DKK 2.8 billion through the programs.
They create new jobs and have, over the past ten years, created +1,500 new jobs.
Former Danish Tech Challenge participants
Danish Tech Challenge 2021 winner: Participation was ‘decisive’ for our company
Participating in Danish Tech Challenge meant Simplewire underwent a much-needed professionalization, according to the company’s founders, who managed to attract another participant to the company in the process.
The cultural foundation needs to be in order – otherwise the team will fall apart
Many teams believe that a good idea they are passionate about, and a bit of hard work is all it takes to succeed with a startup. However, it is not that simple. Learn why…
From startup to worldwide success
In just a few years, MedTrace has gone from winning the Danish Tech Challenge to now being one of the most promising future stock market candidates in Denmark. We met with Martin Stenfeldt, CEO and...
As a participant in Danish Tech Challenge, you get:
- More than 75 hours of 1:1 guidance on various topics, including legal matters, sales, marketing, accounting, and product development. See all disciplines
- A team of strong mentors from our mentor program
- Workshops on B2B sales, online marketing, pitching, finance, and much more
- Networking and collaboration with like-minded individuals
- Exposure to attractive investors
- A comprehensive 360-degree review of your startup.
The leading acceleration program for hardware startups
Danish Tech Challenge is for startups that work on solutions with the potential to change the world.
We collaborate with companies that are ready to enter the market, and through our programs, we assist them with development and business in the country’s leading growth program for hardware companies.
It is a requirement that you work with some form of hardware. If you are unsure if you can participate in the program, you are always welcome to contact us.
This is how Danish Tech Challenge works
Out of all applicants, 20 hardware startups are selected to be part of Danish Tech Challenge. The program takes place in DTU Science Park, and at the end of the program, 10-12 companies are selected for the semifinals.
Six companies advance to the finals and pitch their business idea at an award show in January. An external jury selects the winner and receives the Industriens Fond Entrepreneurship Award along with a prize of 500,000 Danish kroner.
The entire program lasts about five months.
Key dates in the program
We develop and test your business through 12 disciplines
Danish Tech Challenge is an intensive and ambitious growth program where, through workshops, mentoring, and training, we test your company
12 disciplines that prepare you for growth
You will gain knowledge of 12 fundamental disciplines for your growth and market entry. Here, we assist, advise, and challenge you to develop your business to the best of its potential.
The program is tailored to your company’s challenges and opportunities, and we have subject matter experts in all 12 areas ready to assist you.
Winning the Danish Tech Challenge is undoubtedly a significant endorsement of your startup. It has garnered us a lot of attention from investors, as well as from customers and various collaborators. We couldn't be more thrilled!
Our company has matured extraordinarily, something we would have never achieved otherwise. In the Danish Tech Challenge, you become part of an impressive community of talented and supportive individuals, which has provided us with an invaluable network.
The most significant benefit of participating in the Danish Tech Challenge is the strong emphasis on building our business while simultaneously developing our product. It's challenging but a necessary discipline to balance.
Danish Tech Challenge has challenged us in areas we had never considered before. The team ensured that we examined all our business hypotheses and created focus in our business. We've learned to step out of our comfort zone and are ready to take IoTBee to the next level.
The Danish Tech Challenge community is fantastic. It has provided us with healthy competition and collaboration among startup founders. We are working toward a common goal - establishing ourselves in the market and creating a positive net impact on people's lives.
The most significant learning experience has been presenting ourselves to investors and other stakeholders. We have been pushed to present all information about our company in a visually appealing but, most importantly, easy-to-understand manner and not overlook anything that could determine whether we secure funding.
Optimize your chances of securing funding
Participating in Danish Tech Challenge enhances your chances of securing funding. Significant funds are raised throughout the program, and we act as the bridge between you and potential investors.
This program makes your business more appealing to invest in. We assist you in constructing a compelling pitch deck and provide pitch training for investors alongside you.
- Guidance from our Investment Manager
- Assistance in crafting your pitch deck
- Extensive exposure to investors
- Over 75 hours of one-on-one mentoring with subject matter experts
- Matchmaking with potential investors
Meet our growth team
When you participate in one of our programs, you receive free mentoring from the subject matter experts on our growth team that you require.
Our growth team is composed of highly qualified experts who guide you throughout the process. Here, you can receive guidance on everything from business development to recruitment as part of the program.
Collaborate with our corporate partners
At DTU Science Park, several corporate partners collaborate with startups through acquisitions, investments, or access to unique knowledge.
We act as the bridge between you and them and can assist in finding the right match for your company.
Corporate partners
FAQ about Danish Tech Challenge
Here, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about the program. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please feel free to contact us
To participate in Danish Tech Challenge, you need to submit an application and have a Danish CVR number.
Yes, Danish Tech Challenge is for hardware startups.
Anything that is not purely digital or a service can be considered hardware.
Yes, absolutely. Danish Tech Challenge is open to both new and more experienced startups.
No, but it is advantageous to have two or more team members. If you come alone, we may encourage you to find a co-founder, but you can participate as a solo founder.
No, but you will have a desk in an open co-working space at DTU Science Park alongside other startups.
No, you don’t need to be part of DTU Science Park to participate in Danish Tech Challenge. However, it is advantageous to have two or more team members. If you come alone, we may encourage you to find a co-founder, but you can participate as a solo founder.
DTU Science Park is a secure place where we never share your information without consent. However, the office space where you are located is an open area with many people, so if you have confidential information, you should consider when and how you share it.
No, it is free to participate in the program.
We have an external jury that selects the winner. The jury primarily consists of tech experts and investors. The Danish Tech Challenge team does not influence the selection of the winner.