The Industrial PhD Programme, part of the Industrial Researcher initiative by Innovation Fund Denmark, offers a groundbreaking opportunity for master’s graduates to pursue doctoral-level research while being professionally employed in the private sector. Through structured partnerships between Danish companies and accredited universities, this program uniquely integrates academic inquiry with real-world application.
The Industrial PhD Programme in Denmark merges academia and industry to train next-generation researchers. Master’s graduates work full-time in companies while pursuing a PhD through a university, gaining experience, salary, and impactful training. This initiative empowers researchers to develop innovations with commercial value while advancing academic knowledge.
Why Choose the Industrial PhD Programme?
The Industrial PhD programme offers a dynamic alternative to traditional doctoral studies, combining academic rigor with industry relevance.
Real-World Relevance
PhD candidates work on practical challenges identified by the company while grounding their work in academic methodology. This ensures the research contributes both to industrial progress and scientific advancement.
Employment and Financial Stability
Participants are employed full-time by the host company, securing financial stability. The government co-funds the salary, reducing company costs while ensuring long-term research commitment.
Structured Funding Support
The programme ensures adequate financial support across the board:
- Company: Receives up to DKK 17,000/month in salary subsidy
- University: Receives DKK 360,000 for administrative, supervisory, and infrastructure support
- PhD Student: Receives DKK 100,000 for travel, conferences, and international research exchange
Dual Mentorship and Career Readiness
Students are guided by both academic and industry supervisors, giving them interdisciplinary perspectives and hands-on project experience. This dual mentorship enhances their ability to transition into leadership roles in research and innovation.
Programme Structure and Components
Integrated Collaboration
The programme is co-developed and co-executed by the university and company. The PhD student benefits from exposure to two distinct knowledge environments, encouraging broader thinking and problem-solving.
Mandatory Coursework
All participants must complete a 5 ECTS Industrial PhD Course, covering innovation management, commercialization pathways, entrepreneurship, and project collaboration strategies.
Monitoring and Quality Assurance
Both institutions submit annual progress reports to ensure project alignment, candidate development, and budget compliance. A final report is required upon completion.
Priority Research Areas
Projects are welcome from all disciplines, but applications aligning with Denmark’s strategic innovation priorities receive preference:
- Green and Sustainable Technologies: Climate resilience, renewable energy, sustainable materials
- Digital Technologies: Artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, smart manufacturing
- Health and Life Sciences: Biomedical engineering, digital health, clinical diagnostics, pharma
Proposals that bridge academia and industry in these fields are considered highly competitive.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree equivalent to 120 ECTS credits
- Demonstrate strong academic performance (typically honors or distinction)
- Secure a Danish company to host the industrial component
- Partner with a university department willing to supervise the PhD
International applicants are welcome, provided they meet the degree and residency requirements.
Application Process
I Step: Identify Partners
Find a company with a research idea or challenge aligned with your academic goals. Also, contact a university faculty member for supervision.
II Step: Develop Research Proposal
Work collaboratively to design a proposal detailing research objectives, innovation potential, deliverables, budget, and project timeline.
III Step: Submit Application
Complete the online application through Innovation Fund Denmark’s portal. Include:
- Project description
- Candidate’s CV
- Commitment letters from the company and university
- Financial plan and Gantt chart
IV Step: Evaluation
Applications are reviewed by an expert panel for scientific quality, innovation, feasibility, and alignment with programme goals. Results are usually announced in 2–3 months.
Benefits to Stakeholders
I. For Companies
- Access to motivated researchers and fresh talent
- Government co-funding reduces R&D cost
- Strengthens academia–industry collaborations and innovation output
II. For Universities
- Enhances applied research and industry engagement
- Increases publication and commercialization opportunities
- Attracts funding and industry visibility
III. For PhD Students
- Employment security during PhD
- Immersive industrial experience
- Improved employability and exposure to innovation ecosystems
Final Thoughts
The Industrial PhD Programme in Denmark stands out as a progressive model for doctoral education. By embedding scholars in both industry and academia, it prepares them to solve real-world problems with scientific precision and entrepreneurial mindset.
Whether you’re an aspiring researcher, a forward-thinking company, or an academic supervisor, this programme offers a powerful platform for impact and innovation.
Key Features at a Glance
Feature | Details |
Program Name | Industrial PhD Programme |
Host Country | Denmark (collaboration between private-sector companies and universities) |
Funded By | Innovation Fund Denmark |
Duration | 3 years (36 months) |
Study Mode | Full-time, industry-university joint engagement |
Eligibility | Master’s degree (120 ECTS); academic excellence; project feasibility and industrial relevance |
Financial Support | DKK 17,000/month salary subsidy to company, DKK 100,000 travel grant, DKK 360,000 for university engagement |
Fields of Study | All research areas; priority sectors include green technologies, life sciences, and digital transformation |
Deadline | Rolling; next call expected July/August – we will update soon |
Official Website |
Next Update Review: Suggested every 6 months for cycle changes, updated guidelines, or new priority sectors.
FAQs
It’s a government-funded PhD program allowing candidates to work full-time in a company while pursuing doctoral research through a Danish university.
Master’s degree holders with 120 ECTS credits and a strong academic background can apply with a company-university collaboration in place.
The program offers a DKK 17,000/month salary subsidy, DKK 100,000 for travel, and DKK 360,000 in university funding.
Yes, international applicants can receive full support if accepted into a company-university partnership in Denmark.
Key focus areas include green energy, life sciences, digital technology, AI, and sustainable innovation.
Yes, students are full-time employees of the company and receive a monthly salary supported by government subsidies.
The programme duration is 36 months (3 years), including coursework, research, and final thesis submission.
The application runs on a rolling basis, but the next call is expected around July or August. Keep checking the official portal.
You must partner with a Danish private-sector company willing to co-develop and support a research project with academic supervision.
You need a project proposal, CV, budget plan, company and university commitment letters, and a detailed Gantt chart.
