VELUX Group enters partnership with new global startup programme
A new Danish innovation and acceleration programme for the world’s most promising, new and innovative technology companies, Urbantech, strengthens the development of tech-based solutions for sustainable building and urban development.
Both Danish and international tech startups are invited to apply to be part of the new programme. Applications can already now be submitted through the programme’s website.
The ambition of the partnership between COWI, EWII, VKR Holding, The Danish Industry Foundation and Realdania, over the next three years, is to cultivate and encourage new ideas and solutions in the field of technological innovation of the towns and cities of the future. Urbantech is the umbrella designation for the programme’s focus on digital solutions that can make the building process more efficient, buildings and energy systems more flexible, public spaces more multifunctional and towns more aware of CO2 savings. All these measures will be coupled with the Danish tradition of putting users and residents at the centre, with the overall focus on quality of life, indoors and outdoors.
We are busy raising innovation work in VELUX to a new level — and in that context, partnerships and alliances with small startups play an important role; partly because they will give us faster access to new technologies and innovative solutions, and partly because they will bring us as close as possible to current trends in the building industry. It is also important for us to become even better at working in a business environment that is in a constant and relentless process of rapid change
Danish positions of strength and global innovation
The objective of Urbantech is to link Danish positions of strength in the fields of architecture, design and urban development with international expertise, technological innovation and business development. More specifically, the programme will select a group of Danish and international startups and support their growth through an intense and customised process of accelerated development. The programme will establish a network of some 100 mentors and investors around this group and include programme partners in the research to identify potential pilot projects. The participants from VELUX are Senior Vice President Tina Mayn, Products, Vice President Martin Pors, VELUX Innovation, Vice President Christian Wagner, Global Technology, Product & Process Technology and architect Lone Feifer, Sustainable Living in Buildings.
The expectation is that, after this phase, the participating startups will be able to scale their business further and thereby help promote the development of the sustainable cities of tomorrow, both globally and in Denmark.
About the VELUX Group
For more than 80 years, the VELUX Group has created better living environments for people around the world; making the most of daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate, for work and learning, for play and pleasure. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in more than 36 countries and around 11,000 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by non-profit, charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and family. In 2022, the VELUX Group had total revenue of EUR 2.99 billion, VKR Holding had total revenue of EUR 4.29 billion, and THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS donated EUR 181 million in charitable grants.
For more information about VELUX Group, visit velux.com.