Home - Future Manufacturers

For startups developing new physical products

Future Manufacturers is here to empower Danish hardware startups ready to transform their innovative concepts and prototypes into production. We understand the challenges and complexities involved in transitioning from ideas to full-scale manufacturing.

Our mission is to guide you through the steps on this journey – from choice of materials and product refinement to developing sustainable business models, ensuring quality, managing suppliers, and navigating regulatory compliance. Future Manufacturers will cultivate a unique network of experienced advisors, mentors, and knowledge partners dedicated to help Danish startups realise their visions and move from prototype to a successful full-scale production.

Give wings to your innovative ideas with support from Future Manufacturers, and let’s create manufacturing for the future together.

THE PROJECT’S TOP PRIORITIES

To assist hardware startups and scaleups in developing and manufacturing new physical products.

To aid hardware startups and scaleups in producing as sustainable as possible.

To support hardware startups and scaleups in gaining access to the right knowledge, the appropriate tools, relevant skills, and valuable connections within innovation, production, and supply chain etc.

To explore and promote the opportunities for production in Denmark.

Program

Individual and joint activities

Future Manufacturers consists of three batches, each bringing together 12-15 startups and scaleups. The programs span five to six months, and in each batch, a mix of joint and individual activities are designed to enhance the participating startups’ knowledge of production and all its associated disciplines.

Activities may vary from one batch to another, addressing the specific challenges faced by the startups, both individually and collectively. Below, you will find examples of the activities in Future Manufacturers.

Individual activities (examples)

Based on an assessment meeting we will clarify your current needs and challenges and tailor your individual program from the following:

Match with an advisor providing input on the specific needs and challenges identified
A ‘Springboard’ where a panel of experienced production experts provide insights on production methods, etc.
Connection with a mentor with specific expertise tailored to the startup’s needs
Search for relevant test and production facilities
Opportunity for assistance from other MADE services, including MADE Demonstration Projects and MADE Kickstart Projects
The startup is featured in a case description.

Joint activities (examples)

Kickoff Camp – 25-26 April 2024
Online sessions on a broad range of subjects: sustainable materials, supply chain, robust design, CE marking, IP, and take-back systems etc.
A physical workshop day about quantification of CO2 impact – followed by networking event
A physical workshop about electronics manufacturing – combined with a visit at a Danish electronics manufacturer
Company visit at 3D print company
Networking event
Participation in a joint online community.

In the news

Ny indsats skal hjælpe startups i gang med grøn og lokal produktion

From prototype to production: New accelerator dedicated to hardware startups sees the light of day

Industriiværksættere skal producere mere bæredygtigt

Apply now

We ask you to complete our application form by answering all questions to assess if you and your startup are eligible for this program.

Application deadline

Deadline for Batch 1 was 13 March 2024. We will announce deadline for Batch 2 and Batch 3 on this website. If you are interested in participating but missed the deadline for the first batch, please contact us using the information on the bottom of this page.

Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. You will be notified whether you are accepted into the program on 27 March 2024.

The program will start on 25-26 April 2024 with a joint 24h Kickoff Camp.

If you have any questions regarding the application form or the program in general, feel free to contact us at asparre@made.dk or kbso@di.dk.

To apply for participation in Future Manufacturers, download, fill out and upload the application form through the buttons below. Once you have submitted the application, you will receive a confirmation from the MADE Secretariat.

What we are looking for?

Your startup is currently developing or have already developed a functional prototype
You are willing to commit to the program with your time and focus
You have an ambition to work with sustainability in your business model and/or in the production of your product(s)
You are driven by learning and improving your professional and personal skills and competencies and extending your network
Your startup has a Danish CVR number.

Application requirements and guidelines

You will find requirements etc. in the application form. You may fill out the form in Danish or English.

Confidentiality

The information provided will be kept confidential and not shared with any third party outside the Future Manufacturers recruitment team.

FAQ

Is it free to participate in Future Manufacturers?

Yes, thanks to funding from Industriens Fond there is no charge to participate in Future Manufacturers. Your only costs related to the program will be your own transportation (within Denmark) to our physical events and meetings.

Does participation count towards our de minimis allowance?

No, Future Manufacturers is privately funded so you do not have to worry about your de minimis allowance.

Who from our startup should participate?

The program is targeted at the one(s) responsible for product development and manufacturing, usually your CTO, CPO, Lead Engineer or similar.

Can we participate with more than one person?

In general, we will allow up to two participants per startup. If it makes sense to bring in more people for certain events, then let’s talk about it and find a solution.

Do we have to participate in all activities?

We expect you to dedicate the necessary time to participate actively in the program. However, if a certain event is not at all relevant to you and your product, we do understand if you prioritize other activities. For some events we may impose a no-show fee if notice of absence is not given in due time.

What do you expect from participants?

We expect you to share your experiences and challenges within product development and manufacturing, to be open to receiving feedback, and also to provide constructive feedback to the other participants.

Can we get funding through Future Manufacturers?

Fundraising is not one of our primary purposes. However, we do have good relationships with several investors and investor networks, and if we see an obvious fit, we will be happy to make a connection. We will also invite investors to some of our networking events.

What types of products are relevant in Future Manufacturers?

We welcome a broad range of products: from medical devices, vehicles and furniture to building materials, machines, consumer electronics and more. Our current program is not the optimal fit for products like food, beverages, chemicals and pharma products. We hope to be able to include these in future batches.

Where will the activities take place?

When planning the joint physical activities, we will take the participants’ locations into consideration and try to accommodate as many as possible. We prefer locations near public transportation.

Which language is used in Future Manufacturers?

The primary language in our joint activities is English unless all attendees understand Danish. Written material will also be in English. For individual activities such as mentor meetings and sparring sessions, you decide the language yourselves.

Partners and allies

Project partners

The project is conducted in collaboration between partners with in-depth knowledge of the Danish manufacturing sector and the specific challenges faced by hardware startups and scaleups.

Therefore, the project’s partner consortium consists of MADE Manufacturing Academy of Denmark and DI Produktion in cooperation with Industriens Fond.

Community allies

In addition to the project’s partner consortium, community allies are involved and play a significant role in the Danish production and startup landscape.

The project’s additional actors include GTS institutes, advisory firms, manufacturing companies, business professionals etc. who act as independent advisors and mentors in the program.

Are you interested in joining as either an advisor or mentor in the program? Or would you like to contribute to Future Manufacturers in other ways?

Become a part of the community

Don’t miss out

Reach out

Anders Sparre
Project Manager
asparre@made.dk
+45 2627 2494

Katrine Blaabjerg Sørensen
Project Manager
kbso@di.dk
+45 3377 3837

Søren Jensen
Project Manager
soje@di.dk
+45 5218 5911

Julie Lykke Nedergaard
Communications Manager
jlnedergaard@made.dk
+45 4135 9760

Oliver Wadskjær Andersen
Project Assistant
owadskjaer@made.dk
+45 5189 8751

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