Become a Translational Researcher

SDU’s Translational Researcher Programme empowers ambitious researchers to transform scientific insights into sustainable business ideas. With funding, mentoring, and entrepreneurial training, you will gain the tools to launch your own spin-out project.

What is the Translational Researcher Programme?

Inspired by the Translational Postdoc Programme from Spin-outs Denmark, SDU now offers a unique opportunity for researchers across all disciplines: The Translational Researcher Programme. Open to candidates with a master’s degree, the programme supports the development of entrepreneurial skills and provides the means to drive a spin-out project forward.

Programme highlights

As a Translational Researcher, you will:

Receive a one-year grant covering your salary and SDU overhead
Get DKK 55,000 for travel, materials, and equipment (including overhead)
Participate in mandatory training in business development and entrepreneurship
Receive tailored support from a mentor and a business developer from SDU RIO
Focus exclusively on developing your business idea – teaching and student supervision are not included.

Below, you can read more about the programme structure, assessment criteria, and key deadlines.

The programme follows a two-step selection process designed to identify strong candidates with promising ideas. Here’s how it works:

Expression of Interest submission

Initial assessment by SDU RIO

Pitch invitation for up to 12 candidates

Final selection of up to 6 grantees

Key dates

Deadline: September 24, 2025

Feedback: October 10, 2025

Pitch Days: November 12 or 13, 2025

A Translational Researcher can start no earlier than January 1, 2026, and no later than March 1, 2026.
Applications are evaluated across three key dimensions to ensure both academic quality and entrepreneurial potential:

Research excellence and innovation height

Business potential and implementation feasibility

Candidate’s personal drive and entrepreneurial mindset
To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria and secure institutional support:

Master’s degree holder

Business idea based on SDU-derived research

Scientific advisor from SDU, approved by Head of Department

Signed expression of enterest form by advisor and Head of Department

Purpose
The Translational Researcher Programme is built to spark change. It supports researchers who are ready to take bold steps beyond academia and into entrepreneurship. Whether you are driven by impact, innovation, or independence, the programme helps you: