Earthbound Student Grant
Are you a student at DTU with a climate tech startup idea that could address a global climate challenge?
The Earthbound Student Grant offers up to 150,000 DKK in soft funding to help you take your project to the next level.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, your startup must meet these criteria:
- At least one cofounder is a DTU student or has graduated DTU within the past year.
- The startup addresses a globally recognized climate challenge—see our Portfolio Themes for inspiration.
- You are enrolled in a startup program or accelerator (such as X-Tech+, Skylab Incubator, Danish Tech Challenge, or GreenUp Accelerator)
- In addition, you need a CVR number to receive the funding (you don’t need to have one when applying)

What the Grant Covers
Previous student grantees have used the grant to fund a range of essential expenses, including prototyping, testing, and access to facilities. It has also helped cover legal and accounting costs, salaries, conference and travel expenses to reach customers, and website design and grant-writing assistance.
Receiving the grant also means becoming part of DTU Earthbound’s climate tech community. Grant recipients gain access to exclusive events and community lunches with fellow startups, along with tools and training for impact assessment.



Application Process
The application portal is always open, and you can apply through the Apply Now button.
Applications are reviewed monthly, and those that meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to pitch at the monthly pitching panel, held on the 4th Tuesday of each month. To be considered for that month’s panel, you must apply by midnight on the 3rd Monday of the month.
Your submission must include a detailed and realistic budget covering up to 150,000 DKK for a maximum of 12 months, along with a clear overview of key milestones (OKRs) aligned with your proposed budget. Download a template here. If accepted, you’ll also need to sign a de minimis declaration.
The grant committee will assess applications based on climate impact potential, team motivation, and commercial viability before making a final decision. You will receive an answer from the grant committee within one week of pitching.
2025 Pitching Panel Dates & Application Deadlines
April
Tuesday, 22/04
Apply by Mon, 14/04 at midnight
May
Tuesday, 27/05
Apply by Mon, 19/05 at midnight
June
Tuesday, 24/06
Apply by Mon, 16/06 at midnight
August
Tuesday, 26/08
Apply by Mon, 18/08 at midnight
September
Tuesday, 23/09
Apply by Mon, 15/09 at midnight
October
Tuesday, 28/10
Apply by Mon, 20/10 at midnight
November
Tuesday, 25/11
Apply by Mon, 17/11 at midnight
FAQ
Previous grantees have used the grant for:
- Prototyping, testing, and access to facilities
- Legal and accounting costs
- Salaries and operational expenses
- Conference and travel expenses to reach customers
- Website development, branding, and grant-writing assistance
If your application meets the eligibility criteria, you’ll be invited to pitch at the monthly pitching panel, held on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
To be considered for that month, you must apply by midnight on the 3rd Monday of the month.
Personal or living expenses are not eligible for grant funding.
Need More Information?

GDPR
When you interact with DTU Earthbound, DTU processes your data as a data controller. This privacy policy has been prepared in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (GDPR).
GDPR - DTU Earthbound