​From Ph.D in Agroecology to Software Innovation
MAY 28, 2025
BY ANDREAS BIRKEDAL ØRNTOFT
When 27-year-old Alexa Peterson joined the Deep Green Innovators Program, it was with the idea of using perennial crops for sustainable energy production. But what started with protein production and biogas ended up as a startup project focused on software development and automated environmental reporting.
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Alexa has long been interested in working within the agricultural sector. Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in plant genetics and plant breeding. In 2024, she moved to Aarhus University, where she is now pursuing a PhD in agroecology with a focus on perennial crops and their potential to create more sustainable food systems. One day, an email from Aarhus University landed in her inbox, introducing the Deep Green Innovators Program. It was a perfect opportunity to bring some of her research on perennial crops into action.
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"I'm interested in both sustainability and innovation, so when I first read about Deep Green Innovators, I was immediately curious. The theme this year was sustainable energy production, and I work with perennials and perennial grains, so I really saw an opportunity to create a circular system by keeping protein and energy production on farm using regenerative crops.”​
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New team – new ideas
Beyond getting to know each other, the early stages of the program also focused heavily on sharing ideas and insights. During the third session, Alexa struck up a conversation with Johan – a Swedish software engineer who was developing a system to automate and simplify the documentation process for farmers. While the idea was still rooted in agriculture, it was far from her original field of expertise. Still, Alexa was intrigued.
“At first, I thought: this is about paperwork – I don’t know what I can contribute. But gradually I realized that my knowledge of agriculture and environmental issues could help make the solution more relevant and valuable for users. So, I decided to join Johan’s idea and move a little away from my own original concept.”
Together, they expanded the team with two students from Copenhagen Business School: one focused on communication and marketing, and another specializing in logistics and business development. As Alexa explains, the team’s diverse skill sets have been both a challenge and a strength.
“We’ve really had to learn to understand each other. When I talk about nitrate leaching, I have to remember to translate it into something that makes sense to people without an agricultural background. But even though that can be a challenge, it’s also a huge strength that we have experts in each of our fields.”
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Facts about Deep Green Innovators
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What: 6-month innovation program - open for both students, professionals, researchers and current/former entrepreneurs
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Focus: Sustainability, idea development and interdisciplinary teamwork
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Includes: Workshops, access to research, team matchmaking, expert sparring
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Who can apply: Anyone curious about climate solutions – no idea needed
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Organized by: Aalborg University, Aarhus University and CBS
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Cost: Free
Meeting new cultures and people
Participants in the program come from all over the world, offering new perspectives on both collaboration and leadership – two crucial elements when building a startup team. Alexa highlights one particular discussion about hierarchy and decision-making that left a strong impression.
“We had some really interesting conversations about how teams organize themselves. In Sweden, there’s a strong focus on flat structures, while other cultures think differently. It made me more aware of how to create a team culture that works for everyone.”
In addition to the professional collaboration, Alexa also gained valuable personal relationships through the program.
“Besides exchanging ideas, it’s also a great way to meet new people. The social and professional sides go hand in hand, and I’ve come away from the program with both friends and business partners – and that’s pretty great.”
A warm recommendation
Although Alexa had no previous experience with entrepreneurship before joining the program, she’s very glad she signed up. She also emphasizes that you don’t need to have an idea beforehand – as long as you have the motivation to explore entrepreneurship.
“You definitely don’t need a fully formed idea in advance. Maybe you have a few loose thoughts, or maybe you come in with nothing at all. Both are completely fine. As long as you’re curious about entrepreneurship and want to build something, there are plenty of like-minded people you can team up with and research results to inspire you.”
