Apply for innovation funding: AU Launch opens for new applications
Do you have a research-based idea or technology with the potential to become a startup? A new application round for AU Launch is now open, giving startup and spinout projects based on academic work from Aarhus University the opportunity to apply for up to DKK 400,000.
The application deadline is 23 October 2026.
AU Launch is designed to help projects take the next steps from research and ideas towards the market. Funding can be used for activities such as developing and testing prototypes, exploring customer needs, accessing specialist equipment and testing facilities, or carrying out technical and regulatory assessments.
The aim is to help projects demonstrate their commercial potential and reduce some of the risks that may stand in the way of future funding and investment.
From the laboratory towards the market
PlasmoGlass, which received DKK 150,000 from AU Launch earlier this year, is one example of how the funding can be used.
The project is led by, among others, postdoc Xavier Baami González and Professor Duncan S. Sutherland from iNANO at Aarhus University. Using nanotechnology, they have developed a self-regulating window that lets sunlight in while keeping heat out. The technology therefore has the potential to reduce the need for energy-intensive cooling in buildings.
But there is still a considerable journey from a promising technology in the laboratory to a product that can succeed in the market.
PlasmoGlass is using part of its AU Launch funding to access testing facilities at the Danish Technological Institute, where the team is working to scale up the technology.
“So far, everything has taken place in the laboratory. Now we are trying to move closer to the market,” says Xavier Baami González.
PlasmoGlass is also in dialogue with a number of glass manufacturers as the team continues to develop the technology.
“It is a really good way to support and help young researchers like me,” says Xavier Baami González about AU Launch.
Funding to demonstrate commercial potential
AU Launch is open to startup and spinout projects based on academic work from Aarhus University. This includes both established companies and early-stage projects that have not yet established a company.
The academic foundation may, for example, come from research, PhD projects, Master’s or Bachelor’s projects, or technologies and patents developed at Aarhus University.
Projects can apply for up to DKK 400,000, and the funding must be used for specific activities that can help demonstrate the project’s commercial potential. Applicants must be affiliated with Kitchen, Aarhus University, or have an active patent process at Aarhus University.
The application deadline is 23 October 2026.
Facts about AU Launch
- AU Launch is aimed at startup and spinout projects based on academic work from Aarhus University.
- Projects can apply for up to DKK 400,000.
- Funding can be used for activities including prototype development, user and market research, testing facilities, specialist equipment and external specialist expertise.
- The aim is to demonstrate the commercial potential of projects and reduce the risk for future funders and investors.
- AU Launch administers funding from the Danish Research Reserve, BioInnovation Institute (BII) and the Salling Foundations.
- Application deadline: 23 October 2026.
- Read more about the application criteria and apply here
- Read the story about PlasmoGlass and Xavier Baami González here