Strategic research and innovation centres

The applications are also assessed in two phases. In both phases, the applications are first screened for formal requirements, and applications that do not meet the requirements are rejected without further assessment.

The eligible applications are then assessed by Innovation Fund Denmark’s Defence Expert Panel, potentially with input from external experts.

After Phase 1, applicants will either receive an invitation to Phase 2 or a rejection. In Phase 2, the Defence Expert Panel recommends to the Board of Innovation Fund Denmark which centres should be offered investment. The Board of Innovation Fund Denmark makes the final decision.

The applications are assessed on the quality of the idea, impact and quality of execution. This means that, among other things, emphasis is placed on the centre’s academic direction, the potential to develop concrete solutions and the consortium’s ability to organise and deliver the effort.

Phase 1: Applicants are expected to receive a response to the Phase 1 application in mid-August 2026.

Phase 2: Invited applicants are expected to receive a response to the Phase 2 application in mid-December 2026

The process between Phase 1 and Phase 2 is flexible and dialogue-based. The centre’s activities and structure may be adjusted between Phase 1 and Phase 2 based on the expert committee’s evaluation of the Phase 1 application and the committee’s recommendations. In addition, state aid frameworks, aid intensities and eligible costs are discussed and determined in connection with Phase 2 in dialogue with the applicants invited to proceed.

The guidelines for Phase 2 are not yet available, but will specify the concrete terms for budget, financing, disbursement, investment agreement, governance and follow-up.