INTRODUCTION TO THE LOCAL NETWORKS PIN

This network idea is dedicated to local network initiatives primarily starting in the bigger cities in Denmark outside the capital of Copenhagen.

The concept is to build local presence, influence and innovation from a geographical perspective.

The DanBAN local network can emphasize the joy of pure socializing, offering a platform for members who might also share a passion for driving business forward locally.

 

NETWORK TOPICS MAY INCLUDES

  • Culinary Experiences & Wine Tasting Events
  • Social Mixers: Arrange casual social gatherings to encourage networking and relationship building on members interests locally
  • Inviting “outside in” – creating local events and gatherings for people visiting
  • Special information and insights from local initiatives and members
  • A dedicated part of DanBAN newsroom i.e. developing local podcast
  • How to support local businesses and start up environments
  • Local political influence
  • Strengthening local identity
  • Reach out to help local initiatives

DanBAN PIN Århus

Some Facts about Aarhus:

Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, has established itself as a dynamic hub for startups and innovation. Here are key highlights of startup initiatives in Aarhus:

1. Innovation Hubs and Incubators

  • The Kitchen (AU Incubator): Aarhus University’s startup hub offers co-working spaces, mentoring, and funding opportunities for student entrepreneurs and researchers.
  • INCUBA: A leading innovation environment hosting tech startups, offering networking events, office spaces, and connections to investors.
  • Navitas: Focuses on energy, technology, and sustainability startups, fostering collaboration between students, researchers, and companies.
 

2. Co-working Spaces

  • Aarhus is home to vibrant co-working spaces like Dokk1, StartupLab, and Coworking Plus, which provide affordable office facilities, resources, and networking opportunities for startups.
 

3. Access to Funding

  • Aarhus startups can access funding through local and national programs such as:
    • Accelerace: A program offering acceleration services and access to venture capital.
    • Vaekstfonden (Danish Growth Fund): Offers loans, equity investments, and guarantees for promising businesses.
    • Innovation Fund Denmark: Supports innovative projects with grants and loans.
    • Local angel networks as DanBAN are widely recognized
 

4. Tech and Creative Industries

  • Aarhus has a thriving ecosystem in tech, with a focus on fields like artificial intelligence, fintech, and gaming.
  • The city also supports creative startups through initiatives like the Godsbanen cultural production center, which provides facilities for creative entrepreneurs.
 

5. Events and Networking

  • Aarhus hosts numerous startup-focused events, such as:
    • Startup Aarhus: Regular meetups for entrepreneurs to share ideas and build connections.
    • TechBBQ Aarhus Edition: A tech summit showcasing local innovations and fostering networking.
    • SPOT Festival Startups: Focused on music and creative industries, linking startups with industry professionals.
 

6. University Collaboration

  • Aarhus University plays a significant role in fostering entrepreneurship, offering courses, mentorship programs, and direct collaboration between researchers and businesses.
 

7. Sustainability Focus

  • Sustainability and green tech are key pillars of the Aarhus startup ecosystem, with support for ventures in renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.
 

8. International Opportunities

  • Aarhus startups benefit from programs like Startup Denmark, which attracts foreign entrepreneurs, and EU funding programs that support international collaborations.
 

9. Mentorship and Advisory Services

  • Programs such as Erhvervshus Midtjylland provide free business advice, mentoring, and workshops tailored to startups in the region.
 

10. City Support for Innovation

  • Aarhus Municipality actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship through public-private partnerships and initiatives like Aarhus Smart City, promoting tech solutions for urban challenges.
 

This ecosystem makes Aarhus a promising location for startups, offering access to talent, resources, and a supportive community. 

DanBAN PIN Odense

Some Facts about Odense:

Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city with approximately 205,000 inhabitants (as of 2024), is known for its strong robotics industry, innovative spirit, and supportive infrastructure for startups. The city’s blend of advanced technology sectors, cultural initiatives, and academic institutions creates a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurship. Below is an overview of startup initiatives in Odense:

1. Innovation Hubs and Incubators

  • Odense Robotics Startup Hub: A key hub for robotics and automation startups, offering mentoring, funding connections, and access to specialized facilities.
  • Cortex Park: Located near the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), this hub focuses on fostering collaboration between startups, researchers, and established companies.
  • Odense Seed and Venture: Provides early-stage startups with incubation facilities, mentoring, and financial support.

2. Co-working Spaces

  • Coworking Plus Odense: Offers affordable workspaces, networking opportunities, and support for small startups and freelancers.
  • Pakhuset Odense: A creative co-working environment, ideal for entrepreneurs in design, media, and the arts.

3. University Collaboration

  • University of Southern Denmark (SDU): A central player in Odense’s innovation ecosystem, SDU supports startups through:
    • SDU Cortex Lab: Provides research-based startups with mentoring, office space, and technical expertise.
    • A focus on robotics, health tech, and sustainability-related projects.
  • UCL University College: Offers entrepreneurial courses and collaborations for students and startups.

4. Access to Funding

  • Vaekstfonden (Danish Growth Fund): Offers loans, equity investments, and guarantees for promising startups.
  • Odense Investor Summit: Connects startups with local and international investors.
  • Regional funding programs like Innovative Funen provide grants for tech-based projects.
  • DanBAN is active in Odense

5. Robotics and Automation Leadership

  • Odense is widely regarded as the “Robotics Capital of Europe.” It is home to over 130 robotics companies, including global leaders like Universal Robots and Blue Ocean Robotics.
  • The city’s strong robotics cluster drives startups in automation, drones, and artificial intelligence.
  • Odense Robotics Cluster supports businesses with industry insights, networking, and talent recruitment.

6. Sustainability and Green Innovation

  • Odense supports green startups through initiatives like:
    • CLEAN Cluster: A network for clean tech and energy companies.
    • Odense Green Startups Program: Provides mentorship and funding for businesses tackling environmental challenges.

7. Creative and Health Tech Industries

  • The city also fosters growth in creative industries (design, gaming, and media) and health tech, driven by SDU’s research in medical technology and biotech.

8. Events and Networking Opportunities

  • Odense Investor Summit: A platform for startups to pitch their ideas to investors.
  • Odense Robotics Open Lab: Showcases the latest advancements in robotics and provides networking opportunities.
  • Startup Odense Events: Regular meetups and workshops for entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and find collaborators.

9. Support for International Startups

  • Programs like Startup Denmark and Odense Startups attract international entrepreneurs with resources, workspaces, and guidance on navigating Danish business regulations.

10. Municipal and Strategic Support

  • Odense Municipality actively supports innovation with initiatives like:
    • Vision Odense 2024, focusing on robotics, smart city solutions, and cultural development.
    • Public-private partnerships, linking startups with municipal projects in areas like urban planning and sustainability.

DanBAN PIN Aalborg

Some Facts about Aalborg:

Aalborg, located in Northern Jutland, Denmark, is a vibrant city with approximately 225,000 inhabitants (as of 2024). Known for its strong educational institutions, innovative industries, and supportive infrastructure, Aalborg has developed a thriving startup ecosystem. Here’s an overview of the initiatives driving entrepreneurship in the city:

 

1. Innovation Hubs and Incubators

  • Urbantech Hub (Port of Aalborg): Focuses on urban innovation, supporting startups in logistics, smart cities, and sustainable development.
  • Innovative Growth Aalborg (IVA): Offers guidance, facilities, and mentoring to startups, particularly in the tech and creative industries.
  • Kickstart Aalborg: Provides early-stage startups with workspace, coaching, and access to networks.

 

2. Co-working Spaces

  • StartupWorks: A co-working space offering flexible office setups and fostering collaboration between startups.
  • Kuben Business Hub: Tailored for creative entrepreneurs, offering shared spaces and resources.
  • Startup Café Aalborg: A casual space for networking, events, and idea sharing.

 

3. University Collaboration

  • Aalborg University (AAU): A key driver of innovation in the city, AAU offers:
    • AAU Inkubator: A program for students and researchers to develop entrepreneurial ideas.
    • Collaboration opportunities through strong industry-academia links, particularly in engineering, IT, and energy.

 

4. Access to Funding

  • Vaekstfonden (Danish Growth Fund): Supports promising startups in Aalborg through venture capital and loans.
  • Innovative North Denmark: A regional program offering grants and funding for tech startups and innovative projects.
  • Local angel investor networks and crowdfunding platforms further supplement funding options.
  • Especially DanBAN is well known and active

 

5. Tech and Green Innovation Focus

  • Aalborg has a strong emphasis on green tech, driven by its position as a leader in sustainability and energy.
  • The Aalborg Sustainability Festival and similar initiatives promote green entrepreneurship.
  • IT and software development startups thrive in the city, supported by a skilled talent pool from AAU.

 

6. Events and Networking Opportunities

  • Startup Weekend Aalborg: A 54-hour event where aspiring entrepreneurs can pitch ideas, build teams, and create prototypes.
  • Aalborg Tech Festival: Brings together tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and investors for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
  • Creative North: Aimed at creative industries, this event fosters innovation in design, music, and media.

 

7. Support for International Startups

  • Through initiatives like Startup Denmark, Aalborg attracts foreign entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in the city.
  • Programs often provide access to workspaces, legal advice, and integration support for international founders.

 

8. Mentorship and Advisory Services

  • Aalborg Municipality Business Services: Offers free advisory services, workshops, and resources for local startups.
  • Erhvervshus Nordjylland: Supports entrepreneurs with guidance on business planning, funding, and market entry strategies.

 

9. Strong Industry Clusters

  • Aalborg excels in industry-specific clusters, including:
    • ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
    • Energy and Renewables
    • Maritime Industries

 

10. City’s Strategic Support for Innovation

  • Aalborg Municipality actively promotes innovation through initiatives like:
    • Aalborg Smart City Projects, integrating digital solutions into urban planning.
    • Public-private partnerships to stimulate local entrepreneurship and growth.

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