The Danish Society of Engineers (IDA) and investor matchmaking platform Heyfunding are inviting applications for the IDA Startup Grant 2026. One promising STEM startup will win DKK 25,000 (about €3,350) in cash, plus publicity and introductions to investors. Applications close on Friday, 13 November 2026 at 18:00 (Danish time).
Important — who this is for: the grant is only for companies registered in Denmark. You must have an active Danish CVR number (company registration number) when you apply. If you are an African founder whose startup is incorporated in Denmark, or you are studying or working in Denmark and have already registered your company there, you can apply. Startups registered only in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana or elsewhere are not eligible.
At a Glance
- Organisers: IDA (Ingeniørforeningen) and Heyfunding
- Prize: DKK 25,000 cash for one winner, chosen from five finalists
- Sector: STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
- Location: Denmark (active CVR number required)
- Application fee: none mentioned
- Deadline: 13 November 2026, 18:00
What the Winner Receives
- a cash prize of DKK 25,000
- free PR and media exposure through IDA and Heyfunding
- access to Heyfunding’s Investor Matchmaking Service
- recognition from experienced investors and startup-ecosystem stakeholders
Bonus — CONNECT Denmark Springboard: partner CONNECT Denmark adds a three-hour advisory session. You present your company for 20 minutes to a temporary advisory board of 6–7 people — usually business developers, investors and serial entrepreneurs picked to match your needs — and they work through strategic questions you choose. CONNECT Denmark has run more than 4,500 of these sessions since 2000.
Eligibility
Your company must meet two conditions:
- STEM: your product or solution is in a science, technology, engineering or maths field.
- Established startup: the company is already set up and has an active CVR number at the time of application.
Ideas without a registered company do not qualify.
How Applications Are Judged
- Innovation — your solution is new and not already on the market.
- Potential — the business could grow into a major success.
- Execution — your team can show it is able to deliver its strategy.
- Relevance — the solution is clearly linked to STEM.
Selection Committee
Applications are judged by Maria Emilie Kath Danø (PSV Hafnium), Lisbeth Chawes (Finari, angel investor), Morten Halborg (Climentum), Mia Grosen (Superseed) and Jørgen Bek Weiss Hansen (law firm Lassen Ricard). All applications are kept confidential and shared only with the committee.
How to Apply
- Check that your company has an active Danish CVR number and a STEM-based solution.
- Complete the official IDA Startup Grant application form.
- Submit before 13 November 2026 at 18:00. You should get a confirmation email within a few days.
- Questions go to [email protected].
See the official IDA Startup Grant page for full details.
Timeline
- Applications opened: 1 August 2026
- Deadline: 13 November 2026, 18:00
- Five finalists contacted: within 14 days of the deadline
- Winner announced: about four weeks after the deadline, via Heyfunding’s newsletter and LinkedIn and IDA Startup’s LinkedIn
Tips
- Explain in one or two sentences what is new about your technology and why no one else offers it.
- Back up growth claims with numbers: pilots, customers, revenue or market size.
- Show the team’s track record — execution is one of the four criteria.
- Don’t wait for the deadline; applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
More Startup Funding on OpportunityLab
- 100x Impact Accelerator 2027–28
- Womankind Creative Grant 2027: Free US$15,000 Rebrand for FemTech Startups
- DGC Investment Readiness Programme 2027
Deadline: 13 November 2026, 18:00. Open only to Denmark-registered STEM startups.
