The Innobooster program provides non-dilutive grants to Danish SMEs and entrepreneurial companies to develop innovative, knowledge-based solutions with strong commercial and societal potential. The program co-finances development projects that strengthen competitiveness and contribute to growth in Denmark.
Program Overview
• Purpose: To support innovative, knowledge-based development projects that drive company growth and create value for Danish society.
• Project Scope: Development of new or significantly improved products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Funding Amount: Grants between DKK 200,000 and DKK 5 million.
• Co-financing Requirement: The grant can cover up to 35% of eligible project costs; the remaining costs must be financed by the applicant.
• Project Duration: Up to 24 months.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicant Profile: Danish SMEs and entrepreneurial companies with a valid CVR number.
• SME Definition: Fewer than 250 employees and either:
- Annual turnover ≤ EUR 50 million, or
- Balance sheet total ≤ EUR 43 million.
• Financial Prerequisites: Applicants must meet at least one of the following: - Secured at least DKK 100,000 in risk capital or development grants within the past three years, or
- Achieved at least DKK 250,000 in gross profit in one of the last three annual accounts.
Ineligible Applicants
• Companies under bankruptcy, liquidation, or similar proceedings.
• Companies owned more than 50% by public authorities.
• Companies receiving operating subsidies exceeding 50% of turnover.
• Undertakings classified as “in difficulty” under EU state aid rules (with limited exceptions).
• Companies that have not complied with EU recovery orders for illegal state aid.
Eligible Project Expenses
• Personnel Costs: Salaries for employees and founders working on the project.
• External Knowledge: Collaboration with universities, research institutions, or specialized companies (Danish or international).
• Equipment and Materials: Costs for materials, experimental equipment, rental, and depreciation (minimum DKK 10,000 per invoice excluding VAT).
Ineligible Project Activities
• Market-ready solutions: Projects focused mainly on sales, marketing, or commercialization.
• Incremental improvements: Optimization or documentation of already market-available solutions.
• Operational costs: General business expenses such as rent, administration, or strategy work.
• Commercialization activities: Marketing, investor outreach, content production, or training materials.
Application Periods and Budgets
Applications are submitted to specific funding pools, and the submission date determines the pool.
• Spring 2026 – Pool 2: 26 March – 13 May 2026
• Budget: Approx. DKK 78.9 million
• Applications are assessed after the deadline of the pool.
Additional pools are scheduled throughout 2026, with budgets and timelines defined per period.
Thematic Budget Allocation (Spring 2026)
Funding is distributed across four priority areas:
• Green technology and innovation: 29%
• Life science, health, and welfare technology: 33%
• Critical and digital technologies: 29%
• Defence technology: 9%
Application and Assessment Process
• Submission: Applications must be submitted via the e-grant system in Danish or English.
• Content: Includes company details, innovation description, project plan, market potential, team, risks, and budget.
• Policy: Only one active application per project is allowed.
• Assessment Criteria:
- Quality of the idea
- Potential impact
- Quality of execution
Post-Approval and Project Management
• Grant Acceptance: Projects start after formal acceptance in the e-grant system.
• Disbursement: Funding is paid in arrears based on documented costs.
• Reporting: Quarterly financial reporting and annual auditor statements are required.
• Project Changes: Must be approved in advance by Innovation Fund Denmark.
• Completion: Final report required; last 15% of funding released upon approval.
Innobooster, 2nd pool 2026, is a non-dilutive funding opportunity for Danish SMEs and entrepreneurial companies developing innovative, knowledge-based solutions. With grants from DKK 200,000 to DKK 5 million, the program supports projects with strong commercial potential and value for Danish society. Applicants should ensure they meet the financial and eligibility requirements, align their project with the program’s thematic priorities, and submit a complete application through the e-grant system before the deadline.