​​​​​What is Innoe​​xplorer? 

InnoExplorer is a funding program by Innovation Fund Denmark, designed to support the commercialization of research-based entrepreneurial ideas originating from public Danish research institutions, universities, and hospitals. To be eligible, the research must demonstrate commercial potential, and the applicant must intend to establish a company based on the results.

The program provides early-stage investment to help uncover and mature the commercial potential of innovative ideas, bringing them closer to market readiness or positioning them to attract additional public or private funding.

Applicants can request funding between DKK 500,000 and DKK 1.5 million (including a 3.1% overhead), with a project duration of up to 12 months.

Eligible expenses include: ​

• ​Salaries for institutional employees
• Fees for external consultants and services
• Costs for materials and equipment
• Overhead (3.1% for hospitals)

The Innoexplorer grant can cover up to 100% of the relevant project expenses. 

How do I apply for an InnoExplorer g​rant?  

To be considered for an InnoExplorer grant, you must first be nominated by the Capital Region of Denmark. This requires initiating contact with the region’s designated InnoExplorer representative (see contact box) before the internal deadline. In collaboration with you, the representative will assess whether your project and the underlying research or knowledge align with the objectives of the programme.

Due to a limited number of nomination slots available for each application round, the Capital Region of Denmark conducts an internal selection process. Only a select number of projects will be nominated, and all nominated projects are automatically invited to an interview with Innovation Fund Denmark.

​As such, participation in the internal approval process is a prerequisite for nomination:

1. Please reach out to the Capital Region of Denmark's Innoexplorer coordinator, Ayşe Tolunay, to determine whether your project aligns with the InnoExplorer programme. 
   
   
2. Prior to the internal deadline, submit the following materials to Ayşe Tolunay: 
   

• A draft of the project description, assessed according to the three evaluation criteria: 'Quality of the Idea', 'Impact', and 'Quality of Execution'. See the template (from 2025) with the project description here
  
• Find a detailed description of the three evaluation criterai in the fund's guidelines (from 2025). 
• Budget (from 2025) signed by the department management. 
• Support statement (from 2025) signed by the department management. 
• Find guidelines and templates (from 2025) on the Innovation Fund Denmark's website. 
• Please indicate whether you have already been in contact with the Capital Region of Denmark's Tech Trans Office. If so, please include the name of your contact person. 
  

3. We will review the draft and then return it to you. 
   
   
4. Once finalized, the budget must be signed, and you must obtain a letter of support from your department head.
   
   
5. Upload the application and all required documents to the Innovation Fund’s system (read more on the Innovation Fund Denmark's website e-grant​).   
   
   
6. Prior to your interview, you will be invited to a mandatory interview training session (lasting 1–1.5 hours), where Ayşe Tolunay and the Tech Transfer Office will provide feedback on your presentation and PowerPoint.​
   
   
7. You will then be invited to an interview with Innovation Fund Denmark, where a member of our team will attend as an observer.
   
   
8. If you are awarded an Innoexplorer grant, the region’s project finance team can assist with reporting to the Innovation Fund.​
   

The Capital Region of Denmark’s Innoexplorer team maintains regular dialogue with program managers at Innovation Fund Denmark and can assist in evaluating whether your project is a suitable candidate for an Innoexplorer grant. If Innoexplorer is not the right fit, we will help identify alternative funding opportunities that better match your project’s scope and maturity. You are welcome to reach out to the team at any time for feedback and guidance—even between application deadlines.

Already have an Innoexplor​​er grant?  

It is possible to apply for multiple Innoexplorer grants. If you have previously received funding and wish to apply again, this is referred to as a Phase 2 application. The application process for Phase 2 is identical to that of first-time applicants, including internal review and nomination procedures.​

Application rounds for Innoexplo​​rer in 2026:  

1st Application Round: 

• ​E-grant opens: January 2, 2026 
  
• Internal Region H deadline for approval: December 19, 2026
  
• Internal Region H deadline for the first draft: January 15, 2026 
  
• Application deadline: January 30, 2026
  
• Panels: weeks 11-13
  

2nd Application Round