Startup Area

The Digital Tech Summit Startup Area brings together a diverse mix of innovative minds, driven entrepreneurs, and industry leaders at a dynamic Startup Area hosted by the Danish universities.

Whether you are looking to showcase an idea, explore new ventures, or connect with fast-growing teams, the Startup Community is the place for you, creating a space for innovation and collaboration. 

Activities

Meet the universities and their startups: Visit booths hosted by university startup hubs and discover how students and researchers turn their tech ideas into real businesses.

Panel discussions and talks: Attend captivating talks and panel discussions providing inspiration and practical advice to fuel your startup ambitions.

The Bright Idea 2026 Award: Attend the award ceremony hosted by the Otto Mønsted Foundation at the end of Day 1, celebrating top innovators and awarding over DKK 500,000 to this year's winners and finalists.

Why Attend as a Startup?

Pitch your idea
Take the opportunity to present your startup, technology, and commercial vision from the stage. When registering your startup, simply indicate if you wish to pitch, and our team will get in touch if your profile is a match for the lineup.

Get direct access to the industry
Participating in the summit puts you in the room with thousands of decision-makers, corporate buyers, and active investors. It is an ideal opportunity to pitch your solution, build brand awareness, and connect directly with potential clients and funders.

Join the startup community
Network and share experiences with fellow founders, university spinouts, and early-stage entrepreneurs. Exchange practical insights on scaling, discuss common challenges, and build valuable connections within the startup ecosystem.

Startup Program 2026

The program is updated continuously.

Wednesday, November 4

Nov 4, 2026
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
 
 
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
 
 
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
 
Thomas Riisgaard - CEO - DIREC
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
 
Moderator: Mikkel Sørensen - CEO - DTU SkyFactory
Erik Balck Sørensen - CIO - EIFO
Lene Oddershede - CSO - Novo Nordisk Fonden
Marianne Thellersen - Koncerndirektør for Innovation og Entrepeneurship - DTU
Lone Ryg Olsen - Erhvervsdirektør - Aarhus Universitet
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
 
Aleksandra Zaniewska - Head of AI Lab - BII
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
 
Moderator: Kasper Malling Kjer Nørtov - Specialkonsulent - Spin-Outs Denmark
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
 
Tekin Esen - Forretningsudvikler - Århus Universitet, Kitchen
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM
 
 
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
 
Nynne Budtz Christiansen - Udviklings - og driftleder - DTU Entrepenuership
Jens Friholm NIelsen - Senior Innovation Officer - DTU SkyLab
Dr. Neta Kela - Chief Consultant, Business Development - Københavns Universitet
Agyro (Iro) Nikiforou - Associate Professor - DTU Entrepeurship
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
 
 
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
 
 
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
 
Nis Alstrup - Chairman of the board - Otto Mønsteds Fond

Thursday, November 5

Nov 5, 2026
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
 
 
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
 
Martin Skjold Lind Grøntved - Innovation & Collaboration Manager - IT Universitetet
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
 
Pieter Palmers - Senior Venture Development Manager - IMEC
David Groom - Managing Partner and Director - DeepTech Labs
John Bell - CEO - High Tech XL
Pol Hortal - Managing Director - Zubi Labs Impact
Ulrik Lie Ulvness - Venture Builder - Kongsberg Innovasjon
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Marcelina Dutkiewicz - CEO and Founder - EffencientyTactics
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
 
 
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
 
 
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
 
Asger Riis Rasmussen - Innovationskonsulent - DTU
2:50 PM - 3:30 PM
 
 
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
 
 
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
 
 

Contact information

Susanne Rydahl

Mail: susry@dtu.dk
Phone: +45 20697947