IDA
Applications are open for the IDA Startup Grant 2026, an initiative designed to support entrepreneurship and encourage the development of innovative technology businesses in Denmark. Organised by IDA in partnership with Heyfunding, the grant recognises promising startups that use science, technology, engineering or mathematics to develop solutions with strong commercial potential.
The initiative aims to help entrepreneurs transform scientific knowledge, technical expertise and new technologies into viable business ideas. By supporting startups at an important stage of their development, the grant seeks to encourage innovation and help promising companies strengthen their position in the market.
One selected startup will receive a cash prize of DKK 25,000, together with additional opportunities to increase its visibility and connect with investors. The winner will be chosen from five nominated finalists. Applicants should therefore be prepared to explain what makes their solution innovative, how it relates to a STEM field and why their team is capable of turning the concept into a growing business.
The IDA Startup Grant is offered by IDA in collaboration with Heyfunding, a platform that connects startups seeking capital with investors, including business angels and venture capital funds.
The programme focuses on businesses operating within science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Rather than providing funding to every eligible applicant, the grant recognises one startup considered especially promising by the selection committee.
Applications are assessed on innovation, growth potential, execution capability and relevance to STEM. The organisers are interested in solutions that offer something meaningfully different from what is already available in the market, alongside evidence that the team can execute its business strategy.
The competition also provides opportunities beyond the cash prize. Through publicity, investor connections and professional recognition, the selected startup can gain exposure to people and organisations that may help it develop its business further.
The winning startup will receive the following benefits:
• Cash grant: DKK 25,000 awarded to the selected startup.
• Public relations and media exposure: Complimentary publicity through IDA and Heyfunding channels.
• Investor matchmaking: Access to Heyfunding's Investor Matchmaking Service, which connects businesses with business angels and venture capital funds.
• Industry recognition: Recognition and validation from experienced stakeholders in the startup ecosystem.
• Strategic advisory session: An additional opportunity to win a CONNECT Denmark Springboard session, providing three hours of strategic advice from a panel of six to seven business developers, investors and experienced entrepreneurs.
The Springboard session is intended to help a company discuss strategic questions relevant to its needs with an advisory panel selected to match those needs. It is a bonus opportunity and should not be confused with the guaranteed cash prize and other listed benefits.
To apply for the IDA Startup Grant, a company must meet the following core requirements:
• The business must develop a solution within a science, technology, engineering or mathematics related field.
• The company must be established and have an active Danish Central Business Register number, known as a CVR number, at the time of application.
• The proposed solution should demonstrate innovation and offer something that is not already widely available in the market.
• The business should show clear potential for growth and further development.
• The applicant must be able to demonstrate that the team has the capability to execute its business strategy.
The official eligibility information does not specify a separate age limit for founders or a particular educational qualification. Applicants should ensure that their company meets the STEM and Danish registration requirements before submitting an application.
Applications are primarily assessed against four criteria:
• Innovation: The company develops an innovative solution that is not already available in the market.
• Potential: The business demonstrates the possibility of becoming a significant success.
• Execution: The team shows that it can carry out its strategy and develop the proposed solution.
• STEM relevance: The company's product, service or technology is clearly connected to a STEM field.
Applicants should be prepared to provide the information requested through the official online application form, including:
• Company details and the active Danish CVR registration number.
• A description of the business concept.
• An explanation of how the proposed solution relates to a STEM field.
• Information explaining the innovative nature of the product, service or technology.
• Details of the company's growth potential and execution strategy.
The official application form should be treated as the definitive guide to the information required. Applicants should answer each question carefully and ensure that the details supplied accurately represent the company and its plans.
IDA
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