Aarhus Investor Summit 2025: the Nominees for Startup of the Year Have been Announced

When Aarhus Investor Summit kicks off on October 9 at Aarhus City Hall, the 2025 Startup of the Year will be crowned as part of the INCUBA Award. The award celebrates companies that, with high ambitions, strong results, and significant effort, help drive the East Jutland ecosystem forward.

This year, the nominated startups span a wide range—from life science, biotech, and cleantech to AI, SaaS, and digital platforms. A common thread is that, each in their own way, they stand out for innovation and growth potential.

The winners will be selected by an independent jury and announced in front of more than 200 investors, founders, and partners gathered at Aarhus Investor Summit. In addition to the recognition, the Startup of the Year will receive a travel grant of DKK 35,000 for international inspiration and networking.

Startup of the Year 2025 – Nominated Candidates

Azpire Capital: Aarhus-based fintech combining academic research and machine learning to enable responsible investments in cryptocurrency.

Betterhands: A reimagined recruitment agency that uses digital marketing to find technical candidates for industrial companies.

Cacto Health: Developing a medical device for early detection of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors using AI and sensor technology.

Cernel: AI-driven platform that optimizes product data and SEO, reducing time spent by up to 80% for e-commerce companies.

Cystotech: Spinout from Skejby that, in record time, has obtained CE approval for an AI-based instrument for the treatment of bladder cancer.

Decameal: Transforms invasive crabs into sustainable protein and raw materials. A project born at Aarhus University, now with a pilot plant.

Formalize: Compliance software with a strong growth trajectory and a prominent market position. Backed by investors and patents.

Kanpla: SaaS platform for canteens, already used at over 4,000 locations in 10 countries and backed by a DKK 60 million Series A.

Kripthonite: Built on 15 years of AU research and developing a new cancer therapy. Has raised its first pre-seed investment.

Landfolk: A platform for renting privately owned vacation homes with a focus on quality, aesthetics, and authentic experiences.

MedicQuant: Point-of-care technology that measures drug concentrations in under 10 minutes. Has raised DKK 12 million.

Norfalk: Biotech startup developing sustainable biosurfactants as an alternative to fossil-based ingredients in cosmetics and cleaning products.

Roccai: AI platform that guides users through complex decisions, from e-commerce to education choices and fertility treatments.

Understory: The serial entrepreneurs behind Truestory have launched an AI-driven booking and marketing platform backed by a €12 million Series A.

VRpilot: VR-based training systems for both civil aviation and fighter pilot training. Increasingly relevant to the defense industry.

Watopi Hospital: Develops decentralized wastewater solutions using ceramic membranes that reduce emissions and ease the burden on sewer systems.

Source: https://incuba.dk/community/news/2025/her-er-de-nominerede-til-incuba-prisen-2025/