The winning startups, selected from 49 submissions, were honored at a ceremony in Axelborgsalen, Copenhagen, each receiving € 6500 (DKK 50,000) and support to further develop their business ideas in food, bio-resources, and circular solutions.

A Showcase of Green Innovation

Organized by Food & Bio Cluster Denmark, in collaboration with Dansk Erhverv, Alliance for Biosolutions, Rockstart, BioInnovation Institute, and Potter Clarkson, the competition highlights the regions leadership in sustainable technology. Previous participants in the Green Leap Challenge have collectively raised over € 200 million (DKK 1.5 billion), demonstrating the competition’s role in accelerating green startups.

The nine finalists pitched their ideas to a jury of experts and a live audience at the “Bio Inspire & Green Leap Awards” event. The winners were chosen based on innovation, scalability, and sustainability impact.

“Every year, we see how innovative green ideas can drive real change, for both the climate and business competitiveness, when they gain access to the right industry-specific networks, necessary support, and proper exposure. With Green Leap Challenge, we aim to give entrepreneurs a small financial boost to fuel their motivation and a platform where their ideas can grow and reach the right stakeholders,”

says Claus Mortensen, Head of Business Development & Internationalisation, Food & Bio Cluster Denmark.

Meet the 2025 Winners

Launch Bioindustries: Turning Yeast Byproducts into Bioplastics
Andrew Chiappetta and Louise Bakke founded Launch Bioindustries, a startup that converts organic yeast byproducts from bio-solutions into PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), a fully biodegradable bioplastic. Their technology offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, addressing the global challenge of plastic waste.

Collaborome: Next-Gen Biopesticides from Soil Bacteria
Developed by a team from the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Biology, Thomas Veje Flintegaard, Tanvi Taparia, and Søren Johannes Sørensen, Collaborome is pioneering biopesticides based on consortia of soil bacteria. Their solution provides a natural, chemical-free alternative to traditional pesticides, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing environmental harm.

Biomimica: Elastic Biofibers Inspired by Spider Silk
Irina Iachina, affiliated with the University of Southern Denmark’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, leads Biomimica, a project developing sustainable elastic fibers inspired by spider silk. These biodegradable, high-performance biofibers have potential applications in textiles, medical devices, and packaging, offering a green alternative to synthetic materials.

The Green Leap Challenge not only spotlights innovative ideas but also connects startups with investors, mentors, and industry partners to help them scale.

“Being named one of the winners of Green Leap Challenge 2025 gives us a huge boost and tons of energy for the many hours we’ll now spend in the lab. It’s a tremendous recognition of the work we’re doing with Collaborome, and we’re excited to build on the momentum this competition has given us,”

said Thomas Veje Flintegaard, Collaborome

With sustainability at the core of their missions, these startups are poised to reshape industries and drive Denmark’s green transition forward.

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At a recent Clusters Meet Regions event, organised by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) on behalf of the European Commission, together with regional Danish partners, the two-day event gathered policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders from all over the EU to explore blueprints.

A Seamless Triple-Helix Innovation Ecosystem

This isn’t just to be a city with startups, it’s a living lab where universities, research institutions, hospitals, and businesses work side by side. This triple-helix model, which tightly integrates academia, industry, and government, has propelled this region to become the second most innovative regions in the EU.

With over 1000 startups and a dense network of over 20 cluster organizations, Copenhagen creates a fertile ground for cooperation. The University of Copenhagen, for example, doesn’t just produce groundbreaking research, it actively bridges the gap between science and entrepreneurship, ensuring that innovations move from lab to market.

Representing the European Commission, Giovanni Emma underlined the unique role clusters play in implementing EU industrial priorities on the ground: 

“Clusters are where scientists and businesses meet. Not in theory, but every single day.” 

said Giovanni Emma

He made clear that Europe’s scale-up challenges: fragmented markets, slow validation, and uneven regulatory capacity, cannot be solved by institutions alone.  

This ecosystem doesn’t just support startups, it accelerates them, providing the infrastructure, networks, and resources needed to scale quickly.

Cross-Border Collaboration: The Key to Scaling Globally

This regions innovation ecosystem thrives on cross-border collaboration, recognizing that no region can drive transformation alone. At the Clusters Meet Regions event, leaders emphasized the need for shared testbeds, interregional alliances, and coordinated regulatory frameworks to help startups scale internationally.

For example:

• Health & Life Science: Participants proposed a Europe-wide initiative to educate investors on medtech complexities and create shared clinical infrastructures to speed up validation.
• Green Transition & Energy: Discussions focused on leveraging Denmark’s Energy Island as a demonstration hub for hydrogen and renewable technologies, with cross-border pilots to accelerate deployment.
• AI & Digital Transformation: The need for structured knowledge-sharing and financial incentives to help SMEs adopt digital tools was a major theme.

“Europe has world-class research, but scaling remains too slow. Denmark’s integrated ecosystem shows how collaboration can turn ideas into global businesses.”

as one participant put it

Copenhagen’s ability to foster trusted partnerships, both locally and internationally, has made it a model for how regions can work together to drive innovation. With 13 unicorns born in Denmark since 2000 (including two in just the past weeks), the city proves that collaboration isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the foundation of success.

The programme also featured a dedicated GSA Nordics Spotlight, showcasing prominent Nordic alumni from the Global Startup Awards network. As part of two live recordings of the GSA Stars Podcast: Down the Rabbit Hole, hosted by GSA CEO Kim Balle, participants heard insights from Douglas Stark (Co-founder and Board Member, Voi Technology – GSA Unicorn) and Mia Grosen (Founder and Investor). Their on-stage conversations offered participants a closer look at the journeys of two successful Nordic founders. 

The Øresund Advantage

For startups in the Øresund Region, Copenhagen offers more than just a strong local ecosystem—it provides a gateway to global markets. By combining local support, cross-border partnerships, and a culture of innovation, the city creates an environment where startups don’t just launch, they lead.

You can read more here:

https://www.clustercollaboration.eu/content/denmarks-model-europes-competitiveness

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For the fourth consecutive year, the Nordic PropTech Awards have recognised the most promising and forward-thinking startups and scaleups within the proptech industry. The awards not only highlight groundbreaking solutions but also foster collaboration across the region, strengthening the shared vision of a smarter, more sustainable built environment. The award is given to Nordic-based startups with solutions that contribute to the digital and green transformation across the real estate sector – a transformation that is critically necessary to meet both current and future challenges for people, the built environment, and our planet.

An expert jury of more than 50 industry professionals from across the Nordic region carefully selected the winners from a pool of over 100 competitors. These six companies have demonstrated outstanding innovation in their respective categories: Property Management, Real Estate Fintech, Energy, ConTech, Sustainable & Healthy Buildings, and Mobility & Sustainable Cities.

“The Nordic PropTech Awards are more than just a competition – they are a catalyst for collaboration and progress across the Nordic proptech ecosystem. We are seeing a powerful wave of innovation where startups, investors, and industry leaders join forces to accelerate the digital and green transformation of real estate. The companies we celebrate today are setting the pace for the entire industry,”

said Michael Ambjørn, CEO of PropTech Denmark.

Celebrating the Winners

Below are the visionary companies recognised as winners within their respective tracks:

• Property Management: Smartvatten (Finland)
• Real Estate Fintech: Resights (Denmark)
• Energy: Sunday Power (Norway)
• Sustainable & Healthy Buildings: Treble Technologies (Iceland)
• Contech: Koherent (Finland)
• Mobility & Sustainable Cities: Commu (Finland)

Of these, Resights is from the region, being based in Copenhagen.

“It’s a meaningful recognition of the work we’re doing at Resights – that we’re making an impact on the real estate industry and that our technology is adding real value to the sector,”

states Mikkel Duif, Co-Founder and CTO of Resights

Resights and the other winners now gain exclusive access to industry-leading mentorship, strategic networking opportunities, and exposure to investors and potential partners – key elements for accelerating their growth and impact in the global proptech arena.

Other finalists from the Øresund region where:

• Gismap
• Propstep
• Brikk
• Bintel
• Climaid
• A:gain
• New Loop
• Earth Miles

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1. Pursuing Your Own Game Project

Bobbi A Sand from Game Habitat provided a clear and practical approach to starting a game project:

• Start with an Idea: Every project begins with a unique concept, whether it’s an innovative story, game mechanics, or an engaging experience.
• Build a Team: Collaboration is crucial for success. Key roles like programming and graphic design can be filled internally or by hiring freelancers and consultants.
• Explore Funding Options: Programs such as Nordic Game Arena and Vinnova offer external funding opportunities, while bootstrapping allows creative freedom without external pressure.
• Start When It’s Practical: A useful takeaway was to “start when you need to send your first invoice.” Small, real-world opportunities are often the best starting point.

2. Working as a Contractor

Kuba Cupisz from Work with Kuba shared practical advice on freelancing and consulting for those seeking flexible opportunities in the gaming industry:

• Define the Offering: Clearly identify and communicate the services you provide, such as development, design, or project coordination.
• Find Clients: Personal networks, including friends, family, and industry peers, are often the best places to start. Word-of-mouth referrals can open doors to new projects.
• Set Fair Rates: Pricing should reflect both skills and the value delivered. Setting fair but competitive rates ensures sustainable growth as a consultant.
• Stay Flexible: Contract work allows for part-time or full-time flexibility, making it an excellent option for those balancing other projects.

The session ended with attendees getting an opportunity to network and share their experiences. Conversations touched on challenges like recent layoffs, the realities of pricing freelance work, and balancing competitive rates with sustainable income. Attendees also discussed managing client expectations, navigating the uncertainty of freelancing, and scaling their work while pursuing personal projects. The open dialogue created a sense of camaraderie, highlighting both the struggles and opportunities within the gaming industry. It was a valuable space for exchanging ideas, exploring collaborations, and building meaningful connections.

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Key Takeaways from the Workshop

1. Delivering Value to Customers: Thomas emphasized the importance of consistently delivering value to customers rather than focusing solely on innovation. He explained that scaling companies need to align their entire organization to prioritize customer success and satisfaction.

2. Building Systems for Growth: A standout analogy used by Thomas was the “Lego system.” He encouraged founders to build modular, adaptable systems that allow their businesses to grow without breaking under the pressure of new demands. Like Lego blocks, these systems should be easy to modify and expand.

3. Transitioning from a One-Man Show: One of the most critical shifts discussed was moving from a “one-man show” to a team-oriented approach. Founders need to trust their team members and delegate responsibilities. Thomas introduced the “80% rule” the idea that a task doesn’t need to be perfect to be effective, as long as it gets the job done. This mindset allows leaders to focus on strategic goals instead of being caught up in day-to-day operations.

4. The Importance of Focus and Saying No: Thomas highlighted how startups often try to chase every opportunity, which can lead to diluted efforts. He encouraged founders to say “no” to distractions, whether it’s a client who doesn’t align with their vision or a project that doesn’t contribute to long-term growth. Prioritization was key to scaling efficiently.

5. Proactive Sales Strategies: In the early stages, startups often rely on a small group of loyal customers. While this works initially, Thomas explained that scaling requires proactive sales strategies and dedicated salespeople. Businesses must expand their customer base to reduce dependency on a few key clients and ensure consistent revenue.

6. Rethinking Funding: Bootstrapping can work for startups, but scaling often demands sustainable funding. Thomas discussed strategies for finding the right financial support, emphasizing the need to balance funding with maintaining control over the company’s vision.

7. Handling Difficult Customers: One particularly memorable point was the concept of “killing customers” not literally, but by raising prices or setting boundaries with clients who drain resources. Thomas emphasized that not all customers are worth keeping, especially if they hinder a company’s ability to grow.

8. Avoiding the Firefighter Mindset: Many founders fall into the trap of constantly putting out fires instead of building systems to prevent problems. Thomas explained that this reactive approach can stifle growth. Instead, founders should focus on creating proactive solutions that allow their businesses to run smoothly.

9. Leadership Evolution: Scaling requires a shift from being a “comfy cat” to a decisive, growth-oriented leader. Thomas pushed participants to step out of their comfort zones and take ownership of their role as leaders who inspire and guide their teams toward ambitious goals.

The session was a wake-up call for many, offering both clarity and motivation to embrace the challenges of scaling up.

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The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion titled “Scaleup Malmö,” moderated by Jonas Axelsson, a former CEO and now an associate at Rosholm Dell. The panel featured four accomplished speakers who shared their experiences and insights. Martin Lidgard, CEO and Founder of Web Manuals, offered his perspective on scaling a tech company. Mikael Westerling, Chief Sales Officer and Co-Founder of GRID esports, brought a unique viewpoint from the growing world of esports. Anna Borg, Partner at Manyone and former CEO of Topp, spoke about her experience in design and leadership. Finally, Charlotta Tönsgård, CEO at Migränhjälpen and a five-time startup founder, added valuable insights on entrepreneurship and building multiple businesses.

One of the main topics discussed was how startups in cities like Malmö can scale globally. The panelists emphasized the importance of having a global mindset from the start. They shared how even startups from smaller cities can compete on the global stage by leveraging technology, building strong networks, and being strategic about market expansion. They stressed that thinking beyond local markets is essential for sustainable growth and success.

Another key topic was hiring strategies for scaling companies. The panelists explained that attracting top talent is not just about offering high salaries. Instead, startups need to focus on creating a strong company culture that resonates with employees. Clear communication of the company’s mission, investing in employee development, and offering a healthy work-life balance were some of the strategies highlighted. These elements not only attract skilled professionals but also help in retaining them as the company grows.

The panel also discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on startups. They explored how AI is helping companies streamline operations, boost productivity, and uncover new opportunities. However, they also stressed the need for startups to approach AI thoughtfully, ensuring its use aligns with ethical practices and long-term goals. The message was clear: AI can be a powerful tool, but only when used with intention and responsibility.

What set this event apart was its practical focus. The speakers shared actionable advice based on real-world experiences, making the discussions highly relevant and relatable. It wasn’t just about theories or trends, it was about solving the everyday challenges startups face. The variety of industries represented by the panelists further enriched the discussions, ensuring there was something for everyone in the audience.

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What Are Local LLMs?

The event introduced Local LLMs as a tool to bring AI capabilities directly into businesses without relying on cloud services. These models allow organizations to keep sensitive data secure while using AI to improve their processes and decision making. This approach is especially useful for industries like finance, healthcare, and technology.

The session was led by Salim and Anders, experienced professionals who explained how companies can use Local LLMs to solve problems and grow their business.

A Live Demo: Bitcoin Predictions

One of the highlights of the event was a live demo showing how Local LLMs work in practice. Using a GitHub repository, they demonstrated how to get the current Bitcoin value and predict trends for the next week. This example showed how AI can help with financial forecasting and other practical uses.

Using AI in Software Development

The event also explained how Local LLMs can be used in the software development process. Businesses can add these tools to their systems to improve efficiency and stay competitive, all while ensuring their data stays private and secure.

Why This Matters

The “AI in Anger” event showed how Local LLMs are opening new possibilities for businesses. These models make it easier for organizations to use AI without worrying about breaking privacy or security rules. With tools like the GitHub documentation, companies can start exploring how to use these technologies in their own work.

This event highlighted how AI is becoming more accessible and useful for organizations of all sizes. Local LLMs are not just for experiments, they are real tools that can help solve problems and make businesses more efficient.

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The event commenced with a warm welcome and drinks, followed by insightful startup stories from two pioneering founders: Randi Wahlsten of Matr Foods and Gerit Tolborg of Chromologics. Both founders are working at the forefront of food innovation. Matr Foods, led by CEO Randi Wahlsten, is transforming the food system by developing circular solutions focused on local resources, aiming to produce healthy and sustainable products through fermentation. Currently, Matr Foods said they are scaling their output to 3,500 tons annually, and also that they are actively seeking €37 million in investment to support a planned multi-European expansion.

Gerit Tolborg’s Chromologics, another standout startup, is addressing the demand for natural food colorants. Chromologics has raised € 12.6 million to date and is preparing for its Series A funding round, targeting an additional € 10-15 million to fuel further growth. The company produces natural pigments through a sustainable fungal fermentation process, catering to kosher, halal, and vegan markets, which aligns with the global trend toward clean and inclusive food options.

A fireside chat followed these inspiring startup stories, focusing on the challenges and strategies of making a startup fundable. Moderated by Mikael Wraae Valsted, Head of DI Bio, the session featured Sara Sande, Partner at EIFO, and Bodil Sidén, General Partner at Kost Capital. The discussion delved into how sustainable innovation attracts investors and how aligning a startup’s mission with measurable impact can elevate its appeal in the funding landscape.

The event concluded with an open networking session, where attendees mingled over drinks and snacks, engaging with the speakers and other professionals in the foodtech space. The event offered a compelling view into Copenhagen’s emerging foodtech ecosystem, underscoring Denmark’s supportive environment for startups and its potential to become a significant hub for sustainable food innovation.

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Grow Invest, organized by Mindpark, was held in Helsingborg and Elingor again, as previous years. The event is a collaborative gathering focused on sharing knowledge between investors and building long-term relationships.

This years events focused on three topics: AI and challenges, Upcoming trends in sustainability and Investing in startups during precarious times.

You can read more about the event and agenda here: www.growinvest.se

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Studies show that Danish women buy an average of 11 kg of clothing each year, 80 percent of which goes unworn. Additionally, 30% of the clothing hanging in the closets are unworn. In an effort to tackle this issue and increase circularity in wardrobes, the start-up developed a unique approach to fashion whereby clothing can be considered as currency via Sharedrobes App as well as at actual marketplaces. The App assists users in directly optimizing and swapping their clothing. Additionally, it enables consumers to discover and shop from sustainability-conscious brands.

Sharedrobes recently took the initiative to spread the Swapping Labs concept during SS23 Copenhagen Fashion Week. The approach was also employed at Roskilde Festival, which became a huge success this year.

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