1. Entrepreneurship Education

Integrating Entrepreneurship into Academic Programs

Denmark’s universities are committed to integrating entrepreneurship into their educational offerings. Programs are designed to equip students with the skills needed to transform innovative ideas into viable business ventures. Notable programs include:

• MSc in Technology Entrepreneurship at DTU

  This program combines rigorous academic learning with hands-on experience, enabling students to engage in entrepreneurial projects while pursuing their degree.

• MSc in Business Administration and Bioentrepreneurship at Copenhagen Business School (CBS)

  This program emphasizes the intersection of business and biotechnology, encouraging students to develop business models that can lead to successful startups.

Specialized Courses and Workshops

Institutions, such as VIA University College, offer specialized courses like Deep Dive into Entrepreneurship. These courses focus on practical exercises, business theories, and reflective practices to help students cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. Such comprehensive educational approaches ensure that students are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of starting a business.

2. Incubators and Startup Hubs

Dedicated Support for Student Entrepreneurs

Many Danish universities host incubators and startup hubs that provide essential resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. Some prominent examples include:

• ITU NextGen at the IT University of Copenhagen

  This innovation hub offers mentoring, workshops, and resources for students to develop their startup ideas in a collaborative environment.

• Collaborative Initiatives

  The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and CBS collaborate on initiatives designed to merge technical knowledge with business acumen, supporting interdisciplinary projects that could lead to innovative startups.

These incubators not only offer practical support but also foster a culture of collaboration among students from diverse disciplines.

3. Access to Funding

Funding Opportunities to Fuel Startup Growth

Funding is a critical component in the journey of a startup. Denmark presents a wealth of financial resources for international student entrepreneurs:

• Micro-grant Schemes: Initiatives like Mikrolegat provide up to 50,000 DKK for early-stage student entrepreneurs, enabling them to secure initial funding for their business ideas.
• National and EU Programs: The InnoBooster and Innofounder programs are designed to support innovative and research-driven projects, offering financial aid as well as mentorship opportunities. These programs are crucial for budding entrepreneurs who need financial backing to launch their ventures.
• Danish Growth Fund and Innovation Fund Denmark: These institutions offer grant-based and loan-based financing options tailored to startups, ensuring that students have access to the necessary capital to grow their businesses.

4. Networking and Mentorship

Building Entrepreneurial Networks

Networking is vital for entrepreneurial success, and Denmark excels in fostering connections among student entrepreneurs:

• Collaboration Opportunities: Universities facilitate connections between students, faculty, and industry professionals. This access to mentorship and real-world advice allows students to learn from experienced business leaders and refine their ideas.
• Co-Working Spaces: Many education institutions promote co-working environments where students can collaborate, share ideas, and form partnerships. These interactions often lead to fruitful collaborations that can result in successful business ventures.

5. Government-Driven Initiatives

Supporting Entrepreneurship at a National Level

The Danish government plays an integral role in supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem:

• Startup Denmark Scheme: This initiative simplifies the process for non-EU entrepreneurs to establish businesses in Denmark. Graduates from Danish universities benefit from special establishment schemes that reduce the financial barriers to starting a business.
• Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship: This foundation coordinates national efforts to integrate entrepreneurship into the education system at all levels, ensuring that innovation and business training are prioritized.

By creating a supportive legal and regulatory environment, the Danish government fosters a climate conducive to entrepreneurial success.

Take the Next Step with Study in Denmark

Explore how you can leverage the entrepreneurial resources available to you as an international student in Denmark.