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

This post is also available in: Danish

Going from idea to market can be challenging. Especially for startups that produce physical products.

That is why Denmark’s manufacturing cluster MADE, DI Produktion and the Danish Industry Foundation have just launched the acceleratorAn accelerator is an intensive program that provides startups with mentorship, education, resources, and sometimes funding to accelerate their growth. More program Future Manufacturers, which focuses on supporting Danish hardware startups on the road to production.

“Hardware startups often face greater challenges than purely digital startups because there are so many disciplines to deal with, including materials science, mechanics, supply chain, certifications and testing. The process of going from prototype to production and market is hugely complex, and this is where we step in and support the entrepreneurs,” explains Anders Sparre, Senior Consultant at MADE.

Additionally, the goal of Future Manufacturers is to promote more sustainable and local choices among Danish hardware startups.

“Sustainability is in our DNA, and if we can help startups to consider both the green transition and local production opportunities from the start, it will be a foundation they can build their future on,” says Anders Sparre.

Especially in the development and maturation of a new product, where there are many iterations, local production partners are an advantage. Both for the green transition and for a stronger “Production Denmark”. Therefore, Future Manufacturers aims to build bridges between startups and the established industry, Anders Sparre explains.

“If we can ensure that more products are developed and produced in Denmark, we will help strengthen future generations of development and production companies. That is ultimately our ambition.”

Future Manufacturers

• Future Manufacturers is a collaboration between Denmark’s manufacturing cluster MADE, DI Produktion and the Danish Industry Foundation targeting hardware startups.
• Over the next two years, the ambition is to help around 40 companies through three batches of 12-15 startups and scaleups.
• Each course lasts 5-6 months and provides professional knowledge about materials, production methods and design principles, as well as networking, sparring and mentors.
• One criterion is that you develop new physical products that are ready – or almost ready – to be put into production.
• Read more at futuremanufacturers.dk