What is Deep Green Innovators?
Deep Green Innovators is a three-year pilot project consisting of five cohorts, each running a six-month innovation program.
Deep Green Innovators is a collaboration between Aarhus University, Aalborg University and Copenhagen Business School. The program is funded by The Danish Industry Foundation.
Who can participate?
We are looking for brilliant minds with the dedication and motivation needed to create change-making startups in the field of the green transition.
We are looking for the following profiles to participate:
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Entrepreneurs looking for their next startup adventure
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Students deeply committed to green tech, sustainability or entrepreneurship
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Green tech or sustainability professionals who want to dive into entrepreneurship and gain inspiration from innovative research
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Professionals who are looking for their next career path and curious about sustainability and green tech
Why join?
Collaborate: Work with driven and ambitious peers from diverse backgrounds.
Transform Ideas: Develop startup concepts addressing sustainability challenges.
Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced business developers and academics.
Remarkable Research: Gain inspiration from the latest research in a broad range of fields related to the green transition.
8,4 out of 10
of previous Innovators would recommend their friends to apply for Deep Green Innovators.
THEME: COHORT #5
Future of Food
We all need food. But the way we produce, process, and consume it puts enormous pressure on our climate, environment, and natural resources.
From carbon emissions and biodiversity loss to resource scarcity and food waste, the food system is deeply connected to some of the biggest challenges of our time.
But that also means it holds huge potential for change.
In the next and final cohort of Deep Green Innovators, we focus on The Future of Food.
MEET THE
INNOVATORS
I would absolutely recommend Deep Green Innovators – the only requirement is that you want to create a startup. If you’ve got that drive, there are so many opportunities to build a green startup and meet both friends and co-founders along the way.
Marcin Zelent
Software developer and former co-founder of a startup
INNOVATOR IN COHORT #2
”
Save the Dates
1. DISCOVER THE PROGRAM
Online Intro session
October 20 from 16:00 to 17:30
Explore the connection between entrepreneurship and sustainability, and discover what it means to build a project together with others.
Gain a basic understanding of sustainability and how it can be applied in an entrepreneurial context
Day 2: Discover how to put sustainability on the menu
Weekend Session
October 25 from 9:00-16:00
Meet in person - Roskilde
Work more closely with the specific themes and explore what sustainable entrepreneurship means in practice.
Through a mini-hackathon format, you will dive into one of the sub-challenges and begin shaping ideas with sustainability at the core.
You will also be introduced to sustainable business models and how they can help turn ideas into stronger ventures.
You will also meet a startup and gain insights into their journey, challenges, and learnings.
Day 4: Build your recipe for change
Weekend Session
November 21 from 11:00-18:00
Meet in person - Aarhus
Give your startup momentum through focused teamwork, 1:1 sparring with experienced business developers, and sustainability as a strategic lens for your venture.
Together, you will explore how to make the most of Deep Green and its offerings, while learning from each other and strengthening your community.
Expect time in nature, great food, and shared experiences that build strong connections and lasting memories.
Access to hubs
From November 22 until February 4, 2027
Either in Aarhus or Copenhagen
Once you and your team have completed the five days, you will gain access to hubs in either Aarhus or Copenhagen.
Here, you can use the facilities, continue working on your startup, and get support from experienced business developers who can help you take the next steps.
You will have access until the Deep Green Innovators Final Event on February 4, 2027.
Day 1: Discover how to put sustainability on the menu
Weekend Session
October 24 from 11:00-18:00
Meet in person - Roskilde
Meet your fellow Innovators face to face for the first time and begin building connections within your cohort.
Explore the world of food together through harvesting, cooking, tasting, and celebrating.
Day 3: Discover your opportunities within future foods
November 4 from 10:00-18:00
Meet in person - Copenhagen
Share your interests, explore new opportunities, and get inspired by food-focused startups and industry experts.
Through talks, presentations, dialogue, and time with like-minded Innovators, the day is designed to spark new ideas, encourage collaboration, and support team formation within the cohort.
Day 5: Build your recipe for change
Weekend Session
November 22 from 9:00-16:00
Meet in person - Aarhus
Continue the momentum from Day 4 and get ready to test your ideas in the real world.
On this day, you will work deeply within your teams and prepare for industry research.
You will explore different methods for validating your idea, create a discovery plan, and start mapping the people, companies, and sources that can help you gain new insights.
Together, you will also build a game plan for the months ahead — including milestones, next steps, potential obstacles, and the support you need to move forward.
Expect less presentation and more time to work together.
Final Event
February 4, 2027
Meet in person
At the Final Event, we will reflect on the highs, the lows, and everything you have learned along the way — and celebrate the many green solutions you have brought to life.
FAQ
Who can apply to the program? Anyone can apply, no formal requirements are needed. However, to be considered eligible for participating we need to be sure, that you are motivated to commit fully to the program and have interest in creating and working on a start-up.
Who will be admitted to the program? Innovators are invited to participate in the Deep Green Innovators Program based on the following criteria: experience with entrepreneurship and sustainability, motivation and commitment to create a start-up, collaborative skills, technical knowledge and experience.
Is this a case challenge? No. Deep Green Innovators is not a case challenge. It is an innovation program where the outcome is creating new startups.
Can I participate in the entire program online? No. You need to participate physically for the 'meet in person' sessions in both Copenhagen and Aarhus. If your team advances to the Incubation Phase, it is also mandatory to be physically present for the Incubation Kickoff in Middelfart.
When will I know if I have secured a spot in the program? Shortly after the application deadline, you will know if you are considered eligible for participation in the initial Discovery sessions. At the end of the Discovery sessions, the final teams will be created.
Does it cost anything for me to participate? No, there is no participation fee, and all food during the workshops are covered by the program. However, you need to pay for transportation to the physical venues and sleeping accommodation yourself. If your team advances to the Incubation Phase, accommodation is covered during the two-day Incubation Kickoff. The program is funded by the Danish Industry Foundation.
Do I have to live in Denmark? Yes, you have to be based in Denmark to participate in the program, since we have several physical meet-ups in different locations in Denmark.
Do I have to be connected to Aarhus University, CBS or Aalborg in order to participate? No, there are no requirements to be connected to any educational institutions.
Will I work alone or together with other people? You will be a part of a team working together to create a start-up.
When is the next cohort? Applications are now open for Cohort #3. The Discovery Phase begins September 30, 2025.
Will you cover my travel expenses? No, the program does not cover travel expenses for the physical meet-ups.
