Four teams are looking to solve sustainability challenges with inspiration from Danish research

The innovation program, Deep Green Innovators, has kicked off. Four teams with participants of different backgrounds are looking to solve the sustainable challenges within circular economy. Behind the project is three Danish universities and the Danish Industry Foundation

While weekends in December for many are filled with holiday parties and Christmas markets, for a select group, however, the weekend of week 48 marked the beginning of a six-month journey: the launch of the incubation phase of the Deep Green Innovators.

Behind the project is the Danish Industry Foundation, Aarhus University, Copenhagen Business School and Aalborg University. The goal is to find synergy between the industry’s green challenges, talents with a desire to work with entrepreneurship and science.

Based on research results within the green transition, each team will be developing new business concepts. Each team is designed with a mindset to turn their differences into strengths.

Meet two participants in this year’s program, who will collaborate in the same startup team over the next six months.

A Team of Diverse Skills

Gabriel Giraldo and Jette Haarup-Jensen are part of the same team.

He, originally from Colombia, brings to Deep Green Innovators a master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship and Management from Roskilde University. One of Gabriel Giraldo’s new colleagues, Jette Haarup-Jensen, comes from Denmark and brings over twenty years of experience in business development and transformation alongside a master’s in economy from Aarhus University.

For Gabriel Giraldo, entrepreneurship and sustainability are inseparable when aiming to be an innovator.

“We need to merge these two concepts if we want to transform industries.”

Jette Haarup-Jensen hopes to leverage her skills in co-creation alongside her new colleagues:
“I think it is very important to translate knowledge from universities into practical application. Doing it with like-minded people is highly motivating.”

Problems Should Be Solved Together

Both Gabriel Giraldo and Jette Haarup-Jensen hope that the Deep Green Innovators program will be a valuable learning experience.

“I hope to gain more insight into processes related to entrepreneurship and knowledge through co-creation,” Gabriel Giraldo explains, emphasizing his desire to learn from and network with others involved in the program.

For Jette Haarup-Jensen, the world faces many challenges—but she believes they can be addressed collectively.

“Using entrepreneurship and building new companies to tackle sustainability issues is incredibly important,” she says.

She hopes that Deep Green Innovators will bring her together with others who share her vision:

“I hope the program gathers like-minded individuals who, like me, want a sustainable future.”

What Does the Future Hold?

Last weekend marked the official start of the incubation phase for all Deep Green Innovators participants. Over the next six months, the various teams will work on bringing their ideas to life.

Each team is paired with a business developer from Aarhus University, Aalborg University, or Copenhagen Business School to guide them in developing their startup concepts. During this period, each team will also develop prototypes of their products.

Gabriel Giraldo and Jette Haarup-Jensen are already excited about making their mark on the green transition.

“I hope to raise awareness about sustainability for future generations,” Gabriel Giraldo says, and Jette Haarup-Jensen agrees:

“If you are interested in sustainability, I highly recommend Deep Green Innovators. You will meet people who share your mindset. You should absolutely apply.”