Deadline: 24-Feb-2026
The Industrial Postdoc Program in Denmark funds collaborative, business-oriented research projects between companies, research institutions, and postdoctoral researchers.
Companies can receive up to DKK 22,000 per month for salary support and DKK 2,500 per month for travel expenses, while research institutions can receive up to DKK 10,000 per month (including overhead). The program supports applied research that strengthens innovation, competitiveness, and knowledge transfer within Denmark.
Program Overview
Program Name: Industrial Postdoc Program
Country: Denmark
Purpose: Support business-oriented research collaboration between companies and research institutions
Target Researcher Level: Postdoctoral (PhD holders within five years of degree completion)
Funding Type: Co-financed applied research project support
Program Objectives
The Industrial Postdoc Program is designed to:
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Promote business-oriented applied research
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Strengthen collaboration between companies and research institutions
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Bridge academic knowledge and practical innovation
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Invest in high-impact research within and beyond priority sectors
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Enhance innovation and competitiveness in Denmark
The program supports research projects across multiple disciplines, including but not limited to:
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Green research and sustainability
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Life sciences
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Digitalisation
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Space technology
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Other relevant scientific and technological areas
Projects are not restricted to thematic areas, allowing broad innovation potential.
What Is an Industrial Postdoc?
An Industrial Postdoc is a postdoctoral researcher who conducts a research project jointly between:
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A company with a geographical presence in Denmark
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A Danish university or research institution
The research must be business-oriented and designed to create value for the participating company while maintaining academic quality and supervision.
This model ensures:
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Knowledge transfer between academia and industry
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Commercial application of research
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Real-world innovation outcomes
Funding Structure
The program provides partial financial support to share research costs between the involved parties.
Support for Companies
Companies can receive:
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Up to DKK 22,000 per month toward the postdoc’s salary
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Up to DKK 2,500 per month for travel expenses related to the postdoc
These funds help offset salary and mobility costs while encouraging private-sector participation.
Support for Research Institutions
Universities or research institutions can receive:
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Up to DKK 10,000 per month (including overhead)
This funding covers project-relevant academic expenses and supervision.
The shared funding structure ensures co-investment and commitment from both industry and academia.
Who Is Eligible?
Company Requirements
Participating companies must:
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Have a geographical department in Denmark
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Possess the financial capacity to co-fund the project
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Have the facilities required to run the research project
Research Institution Requirements
Universities or research institutions must:
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Be able to assign a qualified academic supervisor
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Provide research infrastructure and academic oversight
Postdoctoral Candidate Requirements
The Industrial Postdoc candidate must:
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Hold a PhD degree
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Have obtained the PhD no more than five years prior to the time of application
These criteria ensure early-career researchers gain industry experience while maintaining academic excellence.
Why This Program Matters
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Strengthens Industry–Academia Collaboration
Encourages long-term partnerships between companies and research institutions. -
Supports Applied Research
Focuses on real-world innovation with commercial and societal impact. -
Shares Financial Risk
Public funding reduces financial barriers for companies investing in R&D. -
Builds Talent in Denmark
Provides career development for early-career researchers within industry settings. -
Enhances Competitiveness
Promotes innovation in strategic sectors such as green technology and life sciences.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Identify a Research Challenge
The company defines a business-oriented research problem.
Step 2: Establish Academic Partnership
The company partners with a university or research institution.
Step 3: Recruit or Nominate a Postdoc
Select a qualified candidate who meets the five-year PhD eligibility requirement.
Step 4: Develop a Joint Research Proposal
The proposal should include:
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Clear research objectives
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Business relevance
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Academic supervision plan
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Timeline and milestones
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Budget and cost-sharing details
Step 5: Submit Application
The collaborating parties submit the proposal according to program guidelines.
Step 6: Project Implementation
If approved, the postdoc conducts research jointly across the company and academic institution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Proposing purely academic research without clear business relevance
Selecting a postdoc candidate who exceeds the five-year PhD eligibility limit
Failing to demonstrate company co-investment and infrastructure capacity
Not clearly defining the innovation or commercialization pathway
Weak supervision or unclear academic oversight
Strong proposals clearly integrate scientific excellence with measurable business impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Who can apply for the Industrial Postdoc Program?
Companies with a geographical presence in Denmark, in partnership with a university or research institution. -
How much funding can companies receive?
Up to DKK 22,000 per month for salary support and up to DKK 2,500 per month for travel expenses. -
How much funding can research institutions receive?
Up to DKK 10,000 per month, including overhead. -
Is the program limited to specific research themes?
No. While areas such as green research, life sciences, digitalisation, and space technology are highlighted, projects outside these themes are also eligible. -
What are the eligibility criteria for the postdoc candidate?
The candidate must hold a PhD obtained no more than five years before the time of application. -
Must the company be based in Denmark?
The company must have a geographical department in Denmark with the necessary financial and operational capacity. -
What type of research is supported?
Business-oriented applied research that bridges academic knowledge and practical innovation.
Key Definitions
Industrial Postdoc: A postdoctoral researcher conducting joint applied research between industry and academia
Business-Oriented Research: Research designed to generate commercial, technological, or operational value for a company
Applied Research: Research focused on practical applications and real-world problem-solving
Co-Financing Model: Shared funding responsibility between public support and private/company investment
Conclusion
The Industrial Postdoc Program in Denmark supports high-impact collaboration between companies, research institutions, and early-career researchers.
By combining public funding with private-sector commitment, the program strengthens applied research, drives innovation, and enhances Denmark’s competitiveness across strategic industries.
Organizations that align strong academic excellence with clear business relevance are best positioned to succeed under this collaborative funding model.
For more information, visit Innovation Fund Denmark.