From Curiosity to Impact-driven Startup

Theme: Made to Last: Rethinking how we build the future

The way we build shapes how we live — and the future we leave behind.

Cohort #4 explores how to rethink the built environment to create solutions that are sustainable, resilient, and made to last.

Apply here

Application

Who can apply?
We’re looking for entrepreneurs, students, and professionals eager to explore sustainability, launch new ideas, or take the next step in their career. You don't have to be affiliated with a university. Just eager to create a startup in the green transition.

Do I need an idea or team?

Not at all — we’ll support you in finding both. Just come as you are.

What if I already have an idea or/and team?

Whether you’re joining as part of a team or as an individual with your own idea, you’re more than welcome and we will help you further with your idea.

How do you decide, who gets in the program?

We’ll be looking at your motivation, and any experience you have with entrepreneurship and sustainability.

Apply here

Discovery Phase

Once the application round wraps up, the Discovery Phase begins – and that’s where the fun begins!

This is the moment where individuals become teams, and curiosity turns into collaboration. Through a series of dynamic workshops, the Innovators dive into the cohort theme, connect across disciplines, and explore bold new ideas together.

Once you have joined Deep Green Innovators you get:

5 workshop sessions (online and physical meet-ups)

A group of dedicated and inspiring people with an array of personal and professional backgrounds

Access to industry professionals, groundbreaking research, business developers and mentoring

Office space in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Aalborg for continued work on your project

Save the dates

1. DISCOVER THE PROGRAM

INTRODUCTORY SESSION

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 4 PM - 5.30 PM

Online session

2. DISCOVER SUSTAINABILITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP – 8-HOUR SPRINT

Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10 AM - 6 PM

Meet in person: Copenhagen

3. DISCOVER HOW TO BUILD THE FUTURE

Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 9 AM - 12 PM

Meet in person: Copenhagen and Aarhus

4. DISOVER THE IDEAL STARTUP TEAM

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 9 AM - 12 PM

Meet in person: Aarhus and Copenhagen

5. DISCOVER WHAT’S MADE TO LAST

8-HOUR SPRINT

Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10 AM - 6 PM

Meet in person: Aarhus

Incubation Phase

Once the Discovery Phase is complete, it's time to dive deeper with your team and start shaping your idea into a real venture!

You’ll get hands-on support from experienced business developers and local hubs to help you refine your concept and move closer to launch.

What’s included in the Incubation:

As part of the Incubation Phase, you’ll gain access to a wide range of resources designed to help you grow your startup:

Up to 12 Business Development sessions
Up to 5 Impact Developer sessions
Pitch training to sharpen your storytelling
Access to a mentor network of experienced professionals
Funding workshops to prepare you for investment
Flexible seating and access to local hubs
Community events to connect, learn, and grow

How do I get to the Incubation Phase?

After completing the Discovery Phase, you can apply either as a team or as a solo founder — but if you're applying alone, you'll need a clear plan for how to build your team.

What are teams evaluated on?

To move forward into the Incubation Phase, teams are evaluated based on several key criteria:

The strength and originality of the idea
The potential for real-world impact in the green transition
Team dynamics and commitment
A clear plan for development and execution

When?

The Incubation Phase of cohort #4 runs from May until October, 2026 with a kick off weekend from Saturday, May 9 - Sunday, May 10, 2026

Theme

Every cohort focuses on a specific theme within sustainability. Based on this theme, participants are introduced to key industry challenges and cutting-edge research from leading universities.

The upcoming cohort’s theme is:

Made to last: Rethinking how we build the future

The spaces we build shape how we live, connect, and thrive. But they also lie at the heart of some of our biggest global challenges: climate change, resource depletion, fast-growing cities, and social inequality.

Today, the construction sector is responsible for around 30% of Europe’s carbon footprint. So it’s time to design with purpose.

To slow down the pace. To reuse and upcycle materials. To breathe new life into worn-out buildings and choose biogenic materials where we can.

To embrace circular design and smart technologies that help us make better decisions.

The subthemes reflect and build on the core focus areas identified by CEBE – Centre for the Green Transition of the Built Environment

Sustainability assessment

Design for regeneration, circularity and longevity

Climate-friendly and robust building materials

Digitalization and automation

Climate-resilient and adaptable infrastructure

Sufficiency, well-being and energy efficiency

Extending the lifespan of the built environment

Want to be part of our next cohort?

APPLY HERE