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The past year in INCUBA: 2024 in the sign of growth and innovation

2024 has been a year characterised by growth, change and new milestones for INCUBA. We have continued to work hard to create an optimal environment for startups and scaleups that build the companies of the future and this has resulted in several great stories and results across our three hubs.

The year began with a special honour when INCUBA Next was awarded ‘Property Project of the Year’ at the AAREN Awards. The new extension at Katrinebjerg has already become a centre for IT, tech and cybersecurity and plays an important role in supporting Aarhus as a leading city for innovation and entrepreneurship. In November, we marked this with a grand opening party for the 22,000 square metres, welcoming 500 guests to a day filled with festivities, delicious food and music from the popular rock band Turboweekend.

During the year, INCUBA has welcomed several innovative and forward-thinking startups in different verticals, including Cernel, Teitur Trophics, MultiBiopsy, Zeta Diagnostics, Coana, Kanda, Bios Invest, CrowdStrike, Vis Commodities and many more. At the same time, we have launched new concepts such as StartupLabBuild and shared labs in INCUBA Skejby, offering a flexible growth environment and laboratory facilities for research-driven companies.

  • 2.-0 LCA CONSULTANTS ApS
  • Arcane Energy ApS
  • ASEA ApS
  • B2 Renewables ApS
  • Badger Meter Denmark filial af Badger Meter Europa Gmbh.
  • BETTER COLLECTIVE A/S
  • Bios Invest ApS
  • Callis ApS
  • Cernel ApS
  • ClearContract ApS
  • Coana ApS
  • Cognitech A/S
  • CrowdStrike
  • Dacia Management Consulting ApS
  • Databricks UK Limited
  • GameScorekeeper ApS
  • Greenvolt Power Danmark ApS
  • HEKTECH A/S
  • Hounisen Laboratorieudstyr A/S
  • KANDA ApS
  • Lex Futura ApS
  • MultiBiopsy ApS
  • Never Another ApS
  • Nordic Reach ApS
  • Nspire ApS
  • PhoneStamp ApS
  • Re-Claim ApS
  • Rocket Talent Acquisition
  • RUSHFILES A/S
  • SCALGO DEVELOPMENT ApS
  • Securiot ApS
  • Security Tech Space
  • Smart CSRD ApS
  • STG (Denmark) ApS
  • STMicroelectronics A/S
  • Team Driver ApS
  • Teitur Trophics ApS
  • Toplica Software Solutions ApS
  • TRUCKPLANNER A/S
  • Unbelievable ApS
  • Vis Commodities ApS
  • Zeta Diagnostics ApS
  • Ægte EDB K/S

A year of growth

Startups and scaleups in INCUBA experienced significant growth and stability in 2024 after a few challenging years, which was evident in this year's IMPACT analysis. A strong example was the cleantech company Battman Energy, which began its journey in INCUBA StartupLab in 2023 and quickly positioned itself as a leading player in energy storage.

Battman Energy CEO Daniel Kappelgaard describes INCUBA as a crucial framework for the company's growth: ‘Since joining INCUBA, we have achieved significant results, including securing our first investments and expanding our team. INCUBA has given us the optimal conditions to realise our vision of supporting a greener Denmark through large battery storage facilities.’

Battman Energy was also honoured with the INCUBA Startup of the Year award for its pioneering efforts in the cleantech sector. The jury highlighted the company's innovative solutions, high ambitions and scaling potential as reasons for their success. Jan Snogdal, partner at DLA Piper and jury member, said: ‘Battman Energy represents the best in cleantech. They combine innovation and sustainability in a way that inspires and creates value for both the region and the industry.’

The award was presented during the largest Aarhus Investor Summit to date, where 200 participants from investor circles such as business angels, VCs and family offices met startups seeking capital. Battman Energy participated alongside three other finalists and is an example of how INCUBA serves as a springboard for companies looking to grow and create sustainable change.

Christian Vinther was also honoured as Investor of the Year for his active role in supporting startups through capital, knowledge and networks. He was recognised for his ability to spot potential and for the way he helps startups develop from idea to viable business.

‘Christian Vinther has not only invested financially, but also through his dedicated sparring and commitment to helping companies realise their ambitions. His contribution to the ecosystem is invaluable,’ said the jury at the award ceremony.

Aarhus' startup ecosystem was further strengthened when startup Cernel announced an investment from prominent tech profiles in November after its participation and pitch at the Aarhus Investor Summit. Read more here.

New management team and future plans

The year also brought changes to INCUBA. After nine years as CEO, Mai Louise Agerskov announced her resignation, and later Jacob Doktor Mogensen was introduced as the new CEO. His vision for INCUBA marks the beginning of a new chapter in our development.

Peter Kjær, Chairman of the Board of INCUBA, said about the appointment of Jacob: ‘We have had a very good recruitment process where we received many qualified applications. After interviews, personal profile tests and case questions, the hiring committee agreed that Jacob Doktor Mogensen was the strongest candidate. ‘By choosing Jacob, we are signalling that we prioritise community activities and profile-building work. We look forward to seeing Jacob further develop INCUBA in the coming years.’

An important milestone was reached in December when INCUBA and Aarhus University announced the sale of the Navitas building to AAA United with transfer in 2031. The sale is part of Aarhus University's long-term campus plan and INCUBA's strategy to support growth and innovation. With the sale, we can strengthen our focus on creating a framework that translates ideas and research into the companies of the future.

Welcome, 2025!

As part of our commitment to creating value for our community, in 2024 we organised 139 events with 3,371 participants across Skejby, Navitas and Katrinebjerg. Space for networking, learning and growth has been created through formats such as Founders Clubs, Gin & Tech, Aarhus Investor Summit and professional workshops, while we've also created cross-community ties at social events such as this year's DHL relay, Thursday bar and communal breakfasts. INCUBA's buildings have also hosted activities such as Coding Pirates, yoga and wine tasting.

Already looking ahead to 2025, we're excited to share the first part of our annual calendar, which provides an overview of the many events we have planned for the coming year. Mark your calendars for your favourite events and join us in shaping next year's entrepreneurial and innovation environment.

Thank you to all the startups, companies, investors, partners and employees who helped make 2024 an unforgettable year. We look forward to another exciting year in INCUBA with ambitions to set new standards for innovation and growth in Aarhus and Denmark.

Best regards from everyone at INCUBA.