Deadline: 03-Mar-2026
The Innovation Fund is inviting grant applications to support green research, technology, and innovation projects that deliver environmental, climate, and biodiversity benefits while promoting sustainable economic growth. With a total budget of at least DKK 100 million, including DKK 30 million for energy systems research, the programme funds projects ranging from DKK 5 million to DKK 30 million.
The Innovation Fund is currently accepting grant applications for projects focused on green research, technology, and innovation that contribute to environmental protection, climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable growth.
The programme supports research-driven solutions that deliver measurable environmental impact while strengthening economic development, employment, and innovation capacity.
What Is the Innovation Fund Green Programme?
The Innovation Fund Green Programme is a strategic funding initiative designed to accelerate the development and deployment of green technologies and research-based innovations.
It supports projects that move research into practical application, contributing to climate mitigation, climate resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable economic growth.
Key Focus Areas
Funded projects must align with one or more of the following priority areas:
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Green research and innovation with clear climate impact
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Climate mitigation and climate resilience solutions
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Protection of nature and biodiversity
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Environmental protection, including aquatic and marine environments
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Sustainable economic growth and job creation
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Research and innovation in energy systems
Projects that address multiple focus areas are strongly encouraged.
Funding Budget and Grant Size
The programme has a total budget of at least DKK 100 million.
Funding details include:
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Dedicated funding for energy systems research: DKK 30 million
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Minimum project funding: DKK 5 million
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Maximum project funding: DKK 30 million
Funding supports research, development, testing, and scaling of green innovations.
Project Duration
Supported projects may run for:
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Minimum duration: 1 year
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Maximum duration: 5 years
This flexible timeframe allows both short-term development projects and longer-term research and innovation initiatives.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is broad and supports cross-sector collaboration.
Eligible participants include:
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Businesses and private sector companies
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Research institutions and universities
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Public institutions and authorities
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Other legal entities in Denmark or abroad
International partners may participate and receive funding, enabling global collaboration on green innovation.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The Innovation Fund supports projects that:
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Develop new or significantly improved green technologies
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Translate research into practical environmental solutions
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Demonstrate measurable climate, biodiversity, or environmental benefits
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Strengthen energy systems through innovative research
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Contribute to sustainable economic growth and employment
Projects should present a clear pathway from research to real-world application.
Why It Matters
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation require scalable, research-based solutions.
By investing in green research and innovation, the Innovation Fund accelerates the transition to a sustainable economy while supporting job creation, competitiveness, and environmental protection.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Identify a research or innovation concept with clear environmental or climate impact.
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Build a consortium with relevant partners from industry, research, or the public sector.
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Define measurable outcomes related to climate, biodiversity, or environmental protection.
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Develop a project plan and budget within the DKK 5–30 million funding range.
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Set a realistic project timeline of 1 to 5 years.
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Submit a grant application aligned with the programme’s focus areas.
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Implement the project if funding is awarded.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting projects without clear environmental or climate impact
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Weak linkage between research activities and practical outcomes
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Overly ambitious timelines or unrealistic budgets
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Limited collaboration between research and implementation partners
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Insufficient focus on scalability or long-term impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total budget for the programme?
The programme has a minimum total budget of DKK 100 million.
Is there dedicated funding for energy systems research?
Yes. DKK 30 million is specifically earmarked for research in energy systems.
How much funding can a single project receive?
Projects can receive between DKK 5 million and DKK 30 million.
How long can projects run?
Projects may run for a duration of 1 to 5 years.
Who can apply for Innovation Fund green grants?
Any legal entity in Denmark or abroad, including businesses, research institutions, and public bodies.
Are international partners allowed?
Yes. International legal entities may participate and receive funding.
What outcomes are expected from funded projects?
Projects are expected to deliver measurable environmental, climate, biodiversity, and economic benefits.
Conclusion
The Innovation Fund Green Research, Technology, and Innovation programme provides substantial funding to advance sustainable solutions for climate, biodiversity, and environmental challenges.
By supporting large-scale, collaborative research and innovation projects, the programme plays a key role in driving green growth, strengthening energy systems, and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future.
For more information, visit Innovation Fund Denmark.
