Now open for applications: Join the Deep Green Innovators Program

If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, eager to make a tangible difference in the green transition, and excited to explore the latest breakthroughs in circular economy, then the Deep Green Innovators program is your perfect match. Applications are now open! 

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Why Join Deep Green Innovators as an entrepreneur?
Deep Green Innovators isn’t just another innovation program—it’s a launchpad for future leaders in sustainability. This program is designed to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world entrepreneurial solutions. If you are chosen to participate, you will join the program as an entrepreneur with the goal of starting a new business together with your teammates. 

As a participant, you’ll have the unique opportunity to:

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• Engage with Cutting-Edge Research: Immerse yourself in the latest studies and discoveries in circular economy, from material recycling and waste reduction to innovative water systems and sustainable design principles.

• Collaborate with Like-Minded Peers: Work alongside individuals who share your passion for sustainability and entrepreneurship. Your fellow participants will come from diverse backgrounds, including engineering, business, science, and the arts, bringing a rich mix of perspectives to the table.

• Transform Ideas into Action: Through a structured process that includes online and in person workshop sessions, team formation, an intensive 3-day incubation kickoff and a 6 month incubation phase, you’ll develop and refine your startup idea, with the potential to create tangible solutions for today’s most pressing sustainability challenges.

• Receive Expert Guidance: Throughout the program, you’ll be supported by seasoned business developers and academics who will help you navigate the complexities of turning research into viable business opportunities.

What You Need to Know
 

Who Should Apply? 
We are looking for brilliant minds, who has the dedication and motivation it takes to create brilliant, change-making green start-ups. You need to be committed to dedicating time and energy to an intense and rewarding program.

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We are looking for the following profiles to participate: 

• Entrepreneurs looking for their next start-up adventure

• Students deeply committed to green tech, sustainability or entrepreneurship

• Green tech or sustainability professionals who wants to dive into entrepreneurship and commercialize innovative research

• Professionals who are looking for their next career path and curious about sustainability and green tech

Program Structure: The program is divided into five key phases:

 

1. Application and Selection (September 1 – October 6, 2024): The journey begins with your application. Share your background, experience, and motivation for joining. The selection process will identify candidates who are the best fit for this unique opportunity.

2. Discovery Sessions (October - November 2024): Three online workshops (4 pm – 7 pm) and one in person workshop on a Saturday or Sunday (10 am – 4 pm). Dive deep into the core research areas that will form the basis of your startup ideas. You’ll explore themes like circular economy, material reuse, and sustainability in various industries.

3. Team Formation and Selection (November 2024): If you are chosen to advance to the Incubation Phase, you will be assigned to a startup team to work on a designated piece of research related to circularity. 

4. 3-Day Incubation Kickoff (The last weekend of November 2024): Join your team and other participants for an intensive weekend of workshops and collaboration. This event is designed to jumpstart your project, offering expert guidance, networking opportunities, and the chance to refine your ideas.

5. Incubation Phase (December 2024 to May 2025): This is where your ideas take flight. Work closely with your team and mentors to develop your startup concept, test it in the real world, and prepare for potential pitch events and award shows.

Location and Commitment: The program will include both online sessions and in-person events. The physical events, such as the 3-day Incubation Kickoff, will take place at a central location in Denmark, ensuring easy access for all participants. You’ll need to be available for all key dates and committed to working closely with your team throughout the incubation phase. 

Who’s Behind the Program? Deep Green Innovators is a collaborative initiative led by Aarhus University, Aalborg University, and Copenhagen Business School, with support from The Danish Industry Foundation. The program is hosted by the innovation hubs at these universities—The Kitchen (Aarhus), AAU INNOVATE (Aalborg), and Copenhagen School of Entrepreneurship (Copenhagen). As a participant, you’ll be affiliated with one of these hubs, depending on your location and team.

Save The Dates
If you are chosen to join the Program, it is mandatory to participate on these dates: 

Workshop no. 1 - online session: Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 4 pm - 7 pm 

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Workshop no. 2 - meet in person
You only participate on one of these dates:
Saturday, October 26, 2024: Copenhagen, 10 am – 4 pm
Sunday, October 27, 2024: Aarhus, 10 am - 4 pm

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Workshop no. 3 - online session: Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 4 pm - 7 pm

Workshop no. 4 - online session: Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 4 pm - 7 pm

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Incubation Kick-off - meet in person
If you are selected to join the incubation phase, you need to participate in a three-day incubation kick-off held in a central location in Denmark. 
Friday, November 29 - Sunday December 1, 2024

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Ready to Take the Next Step?
Applications are now open (September 1 – October 6, 2024. To apply, visit our website and complete the online form, detailing your experience, motivations, and what you hope to achieve through the program. This is your chance to be part of something bigger—to innovate, collaborate, and create solutions that could change the world.
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Join Deep Green Innovators, and let’s shape the future together.