Any startup or spinout project based on academia from Aarhus University can apply for the AU Launch grant.

We accept applications from both incorporated companies and early stage startup projects that have not yet founded a company.

The applicant must be enrolled at Kitchen or have an active patent process with Aarhus University.

The purpose of this program is to:

• demonstrate the commercial potential of a certain technology/concept.
• de-risk further investments in a startup case from investors or grant providers.

We have four application tiers with increasing requirements and evaluation criteria:

• DKK 1 – 50,000
• DKK 50,001 – 100,000
• DKK 100,001 – 200,000
• DKK 200,001 - 400,000

You can see the requirements and evaluation criteria for the different tiers in the boxes below.

Please note that there is a cap of DKK 500.000 in total for two consecutive rounds of AU Launch. Please consider this if you received AU Launch in the last round.

You can use the grant for any specific, documented activity that meets the purpose of AU Launch, for example:

• User surveys, customer preference analysis, conceptual trials etc.
• Raw materials or components for lab work or prototype development.
• Patent screening or other assessment from law firm.
• External evaluation or analysis that reduces the risk of a certain technology, e.g. toxicological assessment, regulatory analysis, veterinary report or product adaptation survey.
• Rent of lab space or workshop facilities (at AU or externally) for proof-of-technology work.
• Access to specialist equipment (at AU or externally).
• Consultants and specialist ressources (at AU or externally) for a specific task, e.g. lab technician, machinery operator, UX designer, software developer, market analysis expert etc.

Ultimately, it is up to the evaluator panel to decide if an activity cost falls under the purpose. But generally don’t count on being awarded AU Launch for further academic research or for development of market-ready products. Also, you cannot apply for own salary for members of the applying team.

Two application rounds are expected in 2026: one in the spring and one in the autumn.

The next application round opens on March 1, 2026.

• Deadline for applications is April 14, 2026.

First, read the FAQ below the boxes. This will answer most questions regarding the grant.

When you are ready to apply, download the application template and follow the steps in the boxes below.

AU Launch administers funds from The Research Reserve Funds, BII, The Salling Foundations and Vissing Fonden.

The grant notification letter contains information about the main provider of your grant.

An applying startup must be based on knowledge / technology developed or refined in academic work conducted at Aarhus University. This includes e.g. bachelor’s projects, master’s theses or other ECTS-based courses, PhD dissertations or other research projects, but can also include AU-owned patents.

A personal affiliation from the team (as student or employee at AU) is not a requirement, however it will most often be the case.

Kitchen have business developers supporting startup/spinout cases at Aarhus University. In order to simplify the application process for the applicants, the business developers will both assist in the application process and be asked to give a statement in front of the panel of evaluators.

To enroll at Kitchen, you sign up for Founders' Entry - Kitchen's welcome event that takes place on the first Monday every month.

You can read more about the process and sign up for Founder's Entry here

If you are a researcher at Aarhus University, you need to book an initial meeting with one of our business developers first.

Find the business developer dedicated to your department here