About the opportunity
The IDA Startup Grant is an initiative by IDA in partnership with Heyfunding to foster entrepreneurship and support early-stage STEM companies in Denmark. STEM startups possess strong potential to drive technological innovation and build sustainable market solutions. Through this competition, one winner is chosen from five shortlisted finalists to receive grant funding and strategic advisory support. The program helps ventures transform scientific research and cutting-edge technology into commercially scalable business concepts while providing access to angel investors, venture capitalists, and ecosystem mentors.
Funding and benefits
- DKK 25,000 cash grant awarded to the winning startup
- Complimentary public relations and media exposure across IDA and Heyfunding channels
- Access to Heyfunding's Investor Matchmaking Service to connect with business angels and venture capital funds
- Formal recognition and validation from seasoned startup ecosystem leaders and investors
- Bonus CONNECT Denmark Springboard session: a 3-hour strategic advisory session with a custom panel of 6–7 business developers, investors, and experienced entrepreneurs
Who can apply?
- Must be a startup developing solutions within a STEM-related field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics)
- Must be officially registered and hold an active Danish Central Business Register (CVR) number at the time of application
- Demonstrates an innovative approach with solutions not currently saturated in the market
- Presents clear growth potential and evidence that the team is capable of executing its business strategy
Required documents
- Completed online application form submitted via Airtable
- Company details including active Danish CVR registration number
- Business concept, STEM relevance explanation, innovation pitch, and execution strategy details
When to apply
- Applications open: August 1, 2026
- Application deadline: November 13, 2026 at 18:00 CET
- Confirmation emails are sent within a few days of application submission
- Finalists contacted directly: within 14 days after the application deadline
- Winner announced: approximately 4 weeks following the application deadline
How to apply
- Access the official Airtable application form linked on the IDA grant page
- Fill in the required information regarding your venture, STEM application, team, and CVR details
- Submit the application before the deadline of November 13, 2026 at 18:00
- Receive confirmation and await evaluation results; five shortlisted finalists will be notified directly
Additional information
- All applications and proprietary data are treated with strict confidentiality, shared only with selection committee members for evaluation
- Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the application window
- The selection committee includes partners and leaders from PSV Hafnium, Finari, Climentum, Superseed, and Lassen Ricard
- Inquiries regarding the grant application can be submitted to info@heyfunding.dk
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-stage Danish tech, engineering, or science startups looking for validation from prominent Nordic investors and industry leaders
- Ventures with an active CVR ready to leverage expert feedback via CONNECT Denmark's Springboard advisory session
- Founding teams seeking investor matchmaking and broad PR exposure across professional networks in Denmark
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires an active Danish CVR number at the time of submission, excluding unregistered projects or foreign companies without a Danish entity
- Only one company out of five shortlisted finalists is awarded the DKK 25,000 cash grant and Springboard prize
- Focus is exclusively restricted to STEM technologies and business models
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This grant is well-suited for early-stage Danish STEM entrepreneurs aiming to achieve market visibility, refine their strategic growth plans, and access external investment capital. Beyond the direct grant funding, the investor matchmaking and expert advisory board make it a strategic stepping stone for teams preparing for upcoming funding rounds.
Our take
Early-stage registered STEM startups in Denmark should strongly consider applying for the visibility, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Pre-incorporation concepts or teams outside the STEM domain or Danish business registry will not qualify.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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