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Extra Guidance for Applying

This guidance complements the official Innovation Fund Denmark (IFD) material. Always consult the current call text and templates.

Internal SDU qualification process before the application deadline

SDU must sign a declaration of support to applications from SDU. To ensure a consistently high quality of applications under the InnoExplorer programme, SDU has implemented an internal process with the following actions and deadlines:

  • Internal SDU deadline (usually up to 4 weeks before the final deadline): By this date you must submit an Expression of Interest to SDU RIO. If your project is accepted, an appointed business developer from SDU RIO will guide and support you in the application process.
  • Declaration of support: Your business developer will assist and guide you in the development of the application and will only get a signature from Head of Commercialisation (declaration of support) after critical review at the end of the preparation period. You will secure signature from your Head of Unit, while your appointed business developer will secure it from SDU.
  • Internal SDU pitch: After the submission of the application, you must prepare a slide deck according to the InnoExplorer guidelines and pitch it before business developers from SDU RIO. This will be coordinated by your appointed business developer. This pitch will provide valuable feedback before you pitch in front of the InnoExplorer board.

This guide consolidates SDU’s practical guidance for InnoExplorer applicants and selected learnings gathered from prior application rounds. Please consider these points carefully when preparing your application.

  • InnoExplorer supports projects that can mature research-based results toward commercialisation with a credible path to forming a spin-out after the project. Applications must articulate not only scientific merit but also market need, value proposition, and a feasible route to company creation (team, funding, and execution).
    • Spin-out potential: Demonstrate a realistic path to a new company after InnoExplorer (ownership, team, early financing, and runway).
    • Project maturity: Be beyond research: have core data and initial proof-of-concept; clearly define the product/solution and the early adopter segment. For life science in particular, many applications are rejected for being too immature (still at research stage rather than innovation stage). The needed maturity level is that you have identified the lead molecule and are ready to mature the lead towards the final product.
    • Initial use case: Focus on a specific, well-defined application area that shows concrete business value.
    • Market validation: Provide evidence of need (user feedback, partner interest, letters, or willingness to pay).
    • Differentiation: Position your solution versus existing alternatives and explain why it is new/better.
    • Regulatory awareness (where relevant): Outline regulatory pathway and implications for plan, budget, and timelines (especially medtech/pharma).
    • Team & competencies: Include or plan for market-oriented profiles; clarify missing competencies and how they will be onboarded.
    • Start early and ensure all required documents are complete and consistent.
    • Write the application in a word document in order to ensure collaboration with your appointed business developer.
    • Prepare the e-grant application form, project budget, SDU declaration of support, and a concise slide deck for the panel if requested by IFD.
    • Ensure all questions and assessment criteria from IFD are explicitly addressed in both the application and the slide deck.
    • Secure necessary signatures (e.g., Head of Department where required) and align with SDU RIO on internal validation and support letters.
    1. Structure WPs so the project logic is transparent and time-bound (activities, milestones, and success criteria).
    2. Each WP must clearly advance commercial readiness (e.g., technical validation, user testing, IP strategy, regulatory steps, team/partnering).
    3. Balance technical WPs with business-oriented WPs (market validation, customer discovery, business model, reimbursement/regulatory).
    4. External costs (consultancy, conferences, testing) must be specific and justified in relation to spin-out readiness.
    • Missing formalities: unsigned budgets, missing appendices, or inconsistencies lead to desk rejections.
    • Vague WPs that read like research tasks rather than innovation/commercialisation milestones.
    • Insufficient data or test results supporting feasibility.
    • Assuming reviewer background knowledge instead of explaining key concepts and evidence.
    • Spreading across too many applications/markets; focus on one primary use case first.
    • Project description: Idea/solution overview; core data; what is novel and why it matters.
    • Project plan: Activities & milestones during InnoExplorer; expected post-project steps.
    • Commercialisation strategy: End-product vision; route to market; early business model; IP plan (if relevant).
    • Business potential: Market size & access; demand evidence; competitor landscape; value proposition.
    • Team: Current team and experience; gaps and how you will fill them (advisors/hires/partners).
    • Purpose & spin-out: Have we shown a credible route to a new company (team, initial financing, runway)?
    • Project maturity: Do we have core data/PoC? Is the product/solution and user clearly defined?
    • Use case & market: Do we present a specific use case and evidence of need (feedback, partners, LoIs, willingness to pay)?
    • Differentiation: Is it clear how we differ from alternatives and why that matters?
    • WPs & plan: Are WPs clear, time-bound, and tied to commercial outcomes?
    • Tech plan: Is there a realistic step-by-step plan to reach a viable product within the grant period?
    • AI/sensitive tech: Have we addressed reliability, safety, and infrastructure where relevant?
    • Formalities & budget: Are signatures in place and costs explained (esp. travel/external services)?
  • This merged guidance incorporates SDU recommendations and selected learnings adapted from “Tips for InnoExplorer applicants from DTU (Aug 2022)”.

 

Last Updated 04.02.2026