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 – 2-3 April 2025
- 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.
Future Manufacturers’ industrial design and engineering design voucher
Startups participating in Future Manufacturers can apply for a 75,000 DKK voucher to cover consulting services within industrial design and engineering design.
In the news
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Apply now
Future Manufacturers will open for new applications in February 2026.
What we are looking for
- Your startup has 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.
Keep me posted
Sign up for our news mail to get notified once we open the next application round.
FAQ
Resources
At Future Manufacturers, we tailor our program to meet the needs of each participating startup. However, many startups face similar challenges, which is why we have created a toolbox of resources designed to support any emerging hardware startup.
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?
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Reach out
Anders Sparre
Project Manager
asparre@made.dk
+45 2627 2494
Martin Strand
Project Manager
mstr@di.dk
+45 3175 3330
Søren Jensen
Project Manager
soje@di.dk
+45 5218 5911
Julie Lykke Nedergaard
Communications Manager
jlnedergaard@made.dk
+45 4135 9760
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