Call for Early-Stage Companies in Green Digital Infrastructure and Energy Technologies

The global data center industry is growing at unprecedented rates, driven by the rising demand for cloud computing, AI, digital services, and high-performance computing. As digital infrastructure becomes a foundation for economic and societal functions, data centers are scaling up in both size, complexity, and capacity.

However, this growth brings significant challenges:

• Escalating energy consumption and the need for integration into strained power grids.
• Increasing pressure to decarbonize and reduce environmental impact.
• The urgent requirement for resource efficiency, including water, land, and materials.
• Increased demands for resilience and flexibility in the face of volatile energy markets.

At the same time, these challenges create immense opportunities for innovation and disruption. The transition to net-zero digital infrastructure requires new technologies, business models, and cross-sector solutions — from intelligent cooling and circular design to energy storage, sector coupling, and flexible operations.

This evolving landscape opens doors for early-stage and agile companies to become critical enablers of the next generation of sustainable infrastructure. By developing bold, scalable solutions at the intersection of data, energy, and climate, new ventures can gain access to global markets and become strategic partners in the digital transition.

Focus Areas for Innovation

We are seeking solutions within the following thematic areas:

1. Next-Generation Data Center Technologies

• AI-enabled infrastructure and workload optimization
• Efficient cooling and power management systems
• Low-carbon construction and circular materials
• Grid-interactive and energy-flexible architectures

2. Sector Coupling Technologies and Business Models

• Integration of power, heat, cooling, and transport systems
• Data center heat reuse and urban heat network connectivity
• Power-to-X solutions leveraging waste heat or excess capacity
• Digital platforms and control systems enabling flexibility and interaction

3. Backup Power and Renewable Energy Storage

• Short- and long-duration energy storage (batteries, hydrogen, etc.)
• Fuel cell and microgrid integration technologies
• Demand response and real-time energy optimization tools
• Innovative financing models for storage deployment and flexibility markets

Benefits for Selected Start-Ups

Up to 10 companies will be selected to join the Net Zero Start-Up Hub starting in October 2025. Benefits include:

• 6-month tailored incubation program, with mentoring, peer exchange, and expert support from leaders in the digital infrastructure and energy sectors,  following the principles of the successful DTU Skylab concept.
• Pilot and demonstration opportunities in collaboration with industry partners, utilities, and the local ecosystem.
• Visibility and credibility through inclusion in a high-profile European innovation hub backed by major global companies.
• Access to workspace and facilities at the Net Zero Innovation Hub in Fredericia, Denmark.
• A dedicated one-year Advisory Board assigned to each company, composed of senior technology and business leaders. This board will support product development, commercialization strategy, and investor readiness.

Additionally, at the Pitch Event on 24 September 2025 in Fredericia, three outstanding teams will receive direct financial awards:

• 1st Prize: EUR 10,000
• 2nd Prize: EUR 7,000
• 3rd Prize: EUR 5,000

Eligibility Criteria

We welcome applications from:

• Start-ups and early-stage companies (from pre-seed to initial sales phase)
• University spinouts and entrepreneurial teams with working prototypes or first production line
• Companies located in Europe or able to participate physically in the Hub’s activities
• Teams committed to climate impact, innovation, and international scaling

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their materials no later than August 31, 2025. Applications should include:

• Company overview and problem addressed
• Description of the technology or solution
• Business model and competitive advantage
• Team background and growth ambitions
• Interest in piloting and collaborating within the Fredericia ecosystem