AAU Proof of Concept
AAU Proof of Concept
Unlock the commercial potential of your research with AAU PoC
The AAU Proof of Concept (AAU PoC) are internal funds at Aalborg University designed to support early-stage research-based innovation projects that need further technological or commercial maturation before external funding, licensing, spin-out or other commercialization paths become realistic.
AAU PoC is an innovation grant distributed internally at Aalborg University. The grant is for projects with clarified rights, clear commercial potential and a concrete plan for reducing key technical and market risks.
Next application deadline is August 26th
If you are interested in applying, please make sure that you have read and meet the requirements. The expected dates for pitching your application are September 7th-9th 2026.
Checklist
- 1
Are you employed as a reseacher at Aalborg University?
AAU PoC is an internal grant at Aalborg University, available only to researchers employed by the university.
- 2
Clarify rights and ownership of your project
Before you can apply, the intellectual property rights for your innovation project must be clarified. This may involve patent screening, rights assignment, software rights, knowledge transfer agreements, or clarification of external co‑ownership or co‑funding.
To do so, please contact the Business Developer at AAU INNOVATE who serves as your department’s point of contact no later than two weeks before the application deadline.
- 3
Prepare the application
Use the application form to describe your problem, solution, technology, applications, market, business model, competitors, value proposition, intellectual property (if available), risks, project plan, milestones, budget, post‑project plan, and team.
- 4
Submitting the application
Your final application must be submitted by your assigned Business Developer. The application must include the completed application form, a signed Declaration of Support, a clarified rights basis, the project budget, period, and milestones.
- 5
Pitching your application
If your application passes the administrative screening, you will be invited to pitch it to the AAU PoC Panel. The format consists of a 15‑minute presentation followed by a 10‑minute Q&A.
- 6
Decision and follow-up
All applications are ranked based on their score. Funding is awarded competitively, and funded projects are required to submit both mid‑term and final reports.
📢 Applications submitted without clarification of rights or prior involvement from a Business Developer at AAU INNOVATE may be rejected administratively.
Application forms
If you are interested in applying, you will find the required documents below.
Reach out to a Business Developer – Find your contact person hereDownload the AAU PoC Application Form hereDownload the template for a Declaration of Support hereAbout AAU Proof of Concept
A research‑based technology or software can hold significant commercial potential even at an early stage. However, it often requires further development before it becomes attractive for investment, sale, or licensing. As a result, investors and private companies are typically hesitant to support early‑stage, research‑driven ventures.
To address this gap, we have established the AAU Proof of Concept (PoC) grant, designed to help bridge the distance between promising research and commercial readiness.