“I didn’t think I had anything to contribute”

When Beatriz signed up for Deep Green Innovators, she was unsure whether she, as an academic, could contribute to a green startup. Today, she is working to address a growing challenge in the wind industry, with a newly found confidence in the strengths she brings to the table.

It wasn’t that she doubted her abilities. Rather, she struggled to see what her role would be. Still, 24-year-old Beatriz Santos — who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Techno-Anthropology at Aalborg University — decided to apply for Deep Green Innovators.

In her backpack, she brought a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and previous experience from smaller sustainability projects. Even so, she arrived at the first Deep Green Innovators session feeling a certain nervousness.

“I was curious about entrepreneurship, but at the same time I wasn’t sure whether my academic background would fit into a startup.”

Her doubts were quickly put to rest. Although she was surrounded by highly skilled participants from very different professional backgrounds, Beatriz soon realized that innovation is not just about technical expertise. It is just as much about collaboration, asking the right questions — and turning knowledge into practice.

“Strong technical profiles are essential, but collaboration is just as important when it comes to succeeding as a startup team.”

Facts about Deep Green Innovators

• What: 6-month innovation program - open for both students, professionals, researchers and current/former entrepreneurs

• Focus: Sustainability, idea development and interdisciplinary teamwork

• Includes: Workshops, access to research, team matchmaking, expert sparring

• Who can apply: Anyone curious about climate solutions – no idea needed

• Organized by: Aalborg University, Aarhus University and CBS

• Cost: Free

Tackling a wind industry challenge

Beatriz’s role became even clearer when she officially joined a team of five people, each with their own distinct background.

The team was formed through a series of workshops that not only introduced participants to future climate challenges, but also put a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork.

“Through the programme’s workshops, we had the chance to get to know each other through a range of different exercises. It gave us a strong foundation for understanding each other’s professional backgrounds — but just as importantly, for discovering who you work well with on a personal level, which is crucial for any startup.”

Together, the team is working on a solution aimed at the wind industry, where worn-out wind turbine blades represent a growing recycling challenge. Their idea is based on new EU regulations and revolves around developing a digital product passport that can help companies document materials and comply with upcoming requirements.

Within the team, Beatriz has found her place as a project manager and connector. She focuses on collaboration, structure, and translating technical solutions into something that makes sense in a real-world business context.

“I’m not the technical one. But I’m good at understanding people, processes, and context — and at making a team work,”

A boost in confidence

Along the way, the programme has provided not only professional insights, but also personal growth. Beatriz says her confidence has grown significantly — especially through the realization that her academic tools can be applied far beyond the walls of the university.

“I’ve learned to trust my own skills more. I can use my toolkit in new ways and in new contexts — and that’s something I hadn’t seen before.”

Today, the team is developing a prototype and exploring market needs, while also looking into funding opportunities and further development. For Beatriz, her hopes for the rest of the journey are clear: to continue the work, keep learning, and see just how far the idea can go.

And to others who — like she once did — doubt whether they belong in an innovation programme, her message is simple:

“You should just go for it. There’s nothing to lose — and you never know where it might take you.”