Grand Solutions

Innovation Fund Denmark defines innovation as the process of turning new knowledge into solutions that can be used in practice. This means that projects must lead to concrete results – not just new insights.

The Foundation therefore emphasises that all projects have a clear plan for how the results will be put to use, and that relevant users or recipients play a significant role in the project.

The success rate varies from year to year and between individual calls, depending, among other things, on the available funds and the total number of applications.

Innovation Fund Denmark expects a success rate of 15-30% in phase 1, depending on the number of expressions of interest.

Innovation Fund Denmark expects a success rate of 30-50% among applicants who are invited to phase 2 and receive an offer to enter into an investment agreement there.

The investment framework and the themes are in most cases politically decided and are typically finalised in connection with the Finance Act.

Within the framework, Innovation Fund Denmark decides how the funds are distributed. The themes may change from year to year, but often resemble previous calls.

Innovation Fund Denmark places great emphasis on projects not stopping when the Foundation’s investment ends. We want projects to create value for Denmark. This is most easily ensured by having the project’s recipient or recipients as an integrated part of the project. For more information, see the answer to the question “What is innovation?”.

There is no single right way to organise a project, but it must fit the task.

Grand Solutions projects have a steering committee that sets the direction, and a project manager responsible for day-to-day operations. It is important that the steering committee can make decisions, and that the project manager has experience leading collaborations.

It is also an advantage if the administration is handled by a partner with experience managing finances and projects.

See more in the guidelines for Grand Solutions phase 2.

Is it correct that you get a rejection quickly after submitting your application?

Yes, in phase 1 you can expect to receive a response after 10 weeks if your project has been rejected.

This makes it possible to move on quickly with a better application or a new project.

If you move on to phase 2, you must submit a detailed application. Here you can expect an overall time horizon of 9 months from submitting the expression of interest in phase 1 until you receive a response to the final application.

We have previously had an application rejected. Can we apply again, or do you get quarantined from the Grand Solutions programme?

It is always possible to apply for Grand Solutions again, and there is no quarantine.

It is completely normal to improve a project and submit it again. It is also possible to apply with a new idea.

Is it an advantage if a university or a company is the lead applicant?

No. It does not matter who the lead applicant is. It is the project as a whole that is assessed.

The most important thing is that the right competencies are in place and that there is a clear recipient of the results.

Must the lead applicant and the project manager be the same person?

No, the lead applicant and the project manager do not have to be the same person. The most important thing is that the project manager has the experience, qualifications and time for the specific project.

How do I insert references in the application?

In phase 1, you can insert references in the application form itself.

In phase 2, it is possible to insert references in Appendix A.

Is it necessary to include letters of recommendation with the application?

In general, letters of recommendation are not included in the assessment, so it is not necessary to include one.

It is the content of the application itself that is assessed.

I have submitted the application form via e-grant, but have not received a PDF file with the full application. Have you registered my submission?

When you have submitted your application, a PDF is automatically generated. This may take a little time – especially close to the deadline.

When it is ready, you can find it in e-grant and view your submitted application. You can also have it sent to you by e-mail.

You can edit the application until the deadline, but remember to submit it again if you make changes.

You can find a guide to e-grant on the website of the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

Technical questions about e-grant

Phone: 33 92 91 90 (phone hours are 9-12)

E-mail: support.e-grant@fi.dk

No, your application is assessed based on the written material you have submitted.

It is important that projects relate as well as possible to the specific call.

At the same time, the Foundation has its three overall assessment criteria: the quality of the idea, impact and quality of execution, which apply regardless of the call.

In both phase 1 and phase 2, there is a set of sub-criteria, which can be found in the guidelines for phase 1 and phase 2 of Grand Solutions. Note that the sub-criteria for the two phases are not the same.

Industrial research is about creating new knowledge.

Experimental development is about using existing knowledge to develop or improve solutions.

If an organisation operates on market terms, the same overall rules apply as for companies.

The specific rates depend on the project and are set out in the guidelines.

Yes, Innovation Fund Denmark can invest in projects where money will go to foreign partners.

The most important thing is that the project’s results benefit Denmark. International knowledge plays an important role here, and it is essential that the project’s ability to create growth and employment in Denmark is argued for.

SSH is an abbreviation of “Social Sciences and the Humanities” (in Danish often called HUM/SAMF) and includes a wide range of disciplines, for example economics, politics, law, psychology, history, linguistics, media studies, education, philosophy, sociology, ethnography and many more.

Danmarks Innovationsfond places great emphasis on Grand Solutions projects focusing on solutions for which there is a real need – and that can be implemented.

SSH disciplines can often help clarify how a given technology, idea or solution will affect the individual, an organisation or society in general, and provide input on how any barriers can be overcome.

It can therefore be an advantage to integrate humanities and social science research and innovation from the beginning.