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

The global data center industry is expanding at unprecedented speed, fueled by rising demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital services, and high-performance computing. As digital infrastructure becomes a critical foundation for modern economies and societies, the need for climate-aligned innovation is accelerating.

As part of the establishment of the Net Zero Start-Up Hub, early-stage companies, entrepreneurs, and university spin outs are invited to apply for inclusion in this high-impact ecosystem. Projects may focus on:

• Decarbonizing data centers and digital infrastructure
• Enabling sector coupling across electricity, heating, mobility, and industry
• Scaling storage and back-up solutions for renewable energy

Selected companies will gain access to tailored support, strategic partnerships, and opportunities to pilot and scale breakthrough technologies in one of Europe’s most ambitious energy and infrastructure regions.

“The rapidly evolving data center 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.”
Alberto Ravagni, CEO, Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers

“This is a unique opportunity to bring innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability together. The Danish data center industry is ready to support the next generation of climate tech pioneers to support the growing data center ecosystem.”
Henrik Hansen, CEO, Danish Data Center Industry

“Fredericia is proud to be home to this new innovation platform. Our city is already a frontrunner in green energy and infrastructure, and with the Net Zero Start-Up Hub, we’re strengthening our position as a launchpad for the next generation of sustainable technologies. We welcome entrepreneurs and innovators to join this new dynamic ecosystem.”

Kristian Bendix Drejer, Director, Business Fredericia 

Read more and access the application form here.

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

For more information please contact 

Henrik Hansen 

CEO, Danish Data Center Industry

Hh@datacenterindustrien.dk

+45 4013 4474

Christine Kjær Jacobsen

Communication & PR, Net Zero Innovation Hub

chja@netzerodatacenters.com

+45 2975 2932

About the Hub

The Net Zero Start-Up Hub is a flagship initiative of the Net Zero Innovation Hub for data centers and the Danish Data Center Industry, headquartered in Fredericia, Denmark. It is developed in partnership with a unique group of global technology leaders and energy system pioneers — including Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, Vertiv, Danfoss, and Data4.

Situated in Denmark’s Triangle Region — a European hotspot for green energy and digital infrastructure — the Hub offers access to top-tier networks, advanced infrastructure, and one of Europe’s most ambitious decarbonization roadmaps.

This is your opportunity to shape the next generation of sustainable digital infrastructure.
Join the movement. Apply by August 31, 2025.