A soft funding grant of up to DKK 550,000. For mature, DTU-affiliated, research-based startup projects with real potential to move the climate needle.
Important dates
Application window opens: Aug 14, 2025
Application deadline: Sep 14, 2025
Eligibility Check
- Are you working on a novel climate tech technology at TRL 3 or above?
- Are you motivated to spin out your technology?
- Does your technology have the potential to help solve a globally recognised climate challenge?
- Do you believe it can be commercially viable?
If so, this might be the opportunity you’re looking for.
What the grant includes
1 Monthly check-ins and venture building support from the Earthbound team:
- Helping you to achieve your milestones and commercial development targets
- Climate impact assessment tools for your project
- Preparing you to get funding and spin out
2 Support with finding a relevant commercial driver
3 Peer-to-peer sparring with commercial project leads
4 Invitation to Earthbound events with focus on building expertise and network
Requirements and deliverables
- DTU affiliation: The applicant must be a scientist employed at DTU and leading a research-based startup project aimed at addressing a globally recognised climate challenge.
- Budget and duration: Applicants must submit a realistic budget of up to DKK 550,000, covering a project period of up to 12 months.
- Project Leadership: A committed project lead (‘driver’) must be in place, responsible for advancing the project's commercial potential.
- Milestones: A clear overview of quarterly milestones for the 12-month period must be included.
- Project stage: Only pre-CVR (pre-company registration) projects are eligible for support.
- Commercial Status: The project must not engage in any economic activity as defined by EU state aid rules — i.e., it must not currently offer goods or services on the market, have concrete plans to do so, or hold binding commitments from customers.
- Market: The solution must be at least three years away from market readiness at the time of receiving support from DTU Earthbound.
“Having an external commercial driver join our project has tremendously boosted the research project and made us much closer to commercial success. He brings in both a technical and business background, and he has not been afraid to “get his hands dirty” and do coding, thereby progressing the technology, while at the same time providing support and guidance to understand the market.”
Suzanne Zamany Andersen, CEO at NitroVolt
How to apply?
Download and fill out the Excel sheet:
- Excel sheet with 3 tabs (link to Excel)
- Upload it all when prompted to our form before the deadline Sep 14, 2025.
Selection Process:
- Be ready to get invited to pitch for an external committee on the ultimo Sep/primo Oct, 2025.
- Accepted cases will be announced the following week
- Book your calendar for the mandatory Kick Off in Oct, 2025.
Need help with budget and milestones?
Before applying, we highly recommend and welcome applicants to book a meeting with with either Martin, Mette or Jane to receive assistance with filling out their budget and milestones.
