Turn Your Research into Impact

SHAPE Ideas programme

A support programme for researcheres and their collaborators who are committed to creating societal impact.

What is ‘the SHAPE Ideas’ Programme?

The incubator is designed for researchers in the Social sciences, Humanities and Arts for People and the Environment and the Economy (SHAPE) who want to transform ideas, rooted in their research, into meaningful action.

SHAPE research brings unique perspectives on how people live, think, and act, insights that are essential for solving today’s challenges. But too often, these ideas remain within academia.

This programme provides the space, guidance, and network to help you explore how your idea can grow into something bigger.

Apply for the programme Here

Learn More About ‘the SHAPE Ideas’ Programme

Programme Overview

Why Join ‘The SHAPE Ideas’ Programme?

Do you want to explore your innovative potential with roots in your research?

Do you want hands-on support to move your idea beyond research?

Would you like to connect with other like-minded researchers?

You might be working on a new method, tool, partnership, or service that has the potential to create real-world change either locally or globally.

This is where the SHAPE Ideas Programme can help. It’s designed for those who want to create societal impact
and explore socially responsible innovation or entrepreneurship.

Our focus is on turning research-based ideas into products, services, or initiatives that deliver measurable and scalable impact, whether enabled by research evidence, practice, lived experience, technologies, or expertise.

Furthermore, this programme can enhance your ability to seek funding for large-scale public/private innovation grants.

Who can join ‘the SHAPE Ideas’ Programme?

Researchers at Danish universities (including PhD students and staff)

Multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary teams (up to three people)

Collaborators from outside universities, as long as one team member is a Danish university researcher or staff member

We especially encourage applications that address societal or environmental challenges, and from researchers in the social sciences, humanities, and arts.

We are committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from women and minority groups.

Questions? Contact SDU by Nicoline Løvenskjold Guldsing nigul@sdu.dk, RUC by Anne Strøh astroeh@ruc.dk, or ITU by Thomas Hørdam thoho@itu.dk.

The Programme 2026

The programme takes a focused approach. A small cohort of researchers will attend five half-day sessions across February, March & April, culminating in an afternoon/evening event and finale. All participants receive a diploma, and the best case will receive an award.

In the description of the programme, you will notice the use of terms often associated with innovation and business development. We use this language because it is widely recognised in funding applications and across innovation environments.

However, this does not mean that participation in the programme requires you to follow a traditional business or commercial pathway. The terminology is simply a shared framework for discussing how research-based ideas can move into practice and create impact. Our focus remains on helping you explore the pathways that make the most sense for your idea.

The programme is designed in collaboration with CAMBRIDGE ENTERPRISE.

Preview session

- This 3-hour workshop introduces researchers to storytelling and emotional branding as strategic tools for communication and brand development.
- The workshop explores how narrative structures and emotional drivers influence perception and decision-making.
- Participants will gain analytical and practical tools to create clear, human-centered brand narratives applicable to innovation and research-based entrepreneurship contexts.
PRESENTER: Jackie Luzy
DATE&TIME: Thursday, March 26th, from 13:00-16:00
LOCATION: In-person session, ITU, Rued Langgaards Vej 7, 2300 København
Registration:Through this form

Core Programme Sessions

SESSION 1
- Discover how SHAPE ideas move from research to action through talks and real examples
- Learn key principles, tips, and approaches for developing impact-driven SHAPE initiatives
- Start articulating early ideas and questions that can be developed further in the programme
PRESENTER: David Budtz
DATE&TIME: Thursday, June 4, from 12:00-16:00
LOCATION: In-person session, ITU, Rued Langgaards Vej 7, 2300 København
SESSION 2
- Explore who your idea can benefit and why it matters
- Shape a clear value proposition rooted in your idea
- Get introduced to tools that help turn ideas into action, such as the business model canvas
Takeaway: Draft your Value Proposition and first version of a Business Model
DATE&TIME: Wednesday, August 19, from 13:00-15:00
LOCATION: Online
SESSION 3
- Learn how to investigate the context and market around your idea
- Explore simple research techniques for gathering insights and evidence of your market
- Identify the first groups or communities that your idea might benefit most
Takeaway: Map out your first key audience or community (Beachhead Market)
DATE&TIME: Wednesday, August 26, from 13:00-15:00
LOCATION: Online
SESSEION 4
- Dedicated time for deeper reflection, research, and planning
- One-to-one sessions with your university business developer and SHAPE case innovation partner
Takeaway: Strengthen your value proposition and expand your understanding of possible pathways for impact, through your Business Model and Market research
DATE: Week 36
SESSION 5
- Go deeper into research market techniques
- Identify people, organisations, and networks relevant to your idea
- Learn how to approach and engage with new contacts responsibly
Takeaway: Create a list of target organisations and individuals, begin reaching out, and start sharing your idea. Draft a short “invite wish list” for the finale event
DATE&TIME: Thursday, September 10, from 13:00-15:00
LOCATION: Online
SESSION 6
- Learn how to craft a compelling story around your idea
- Explore ways of communicating your project clearly to different audiences
Takeaway: Finalize your team name and project description
DATE&TIME: Thursday, September 17, from 13:00-16:00
LOCATION: In-person session, in Copenhagen
Session 7
- Celebrate the cohort’s progress by sharing your ideas with fellow entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners, and make new connections for your project’s future.
DATE&TIME: Thursday, September 24, from 14:00-17:00
LOCATION: In-person session, in Copenhagen

The Programme Team

Key Information

Submit an Expression of Interest Application.
Places on the programme are limited, and there is an expectation that you will actively participate and work with your programme peers. Sessions will be held primarily online, but some require physical attendance. At least one team member should be present for each session and the final workshop.
We’re glad to hear from researchers at any stage who are developing a societal impact innovation project and want to access support, even if the programme isn’t the right fit for you now. We offer a wide range of support for researchers interested in an Impact Pathway strategy.
DOWNLOAD: Expression of Interest (EoI) Application Template
Apply by sending your EoI Application to shape@ruc.dk
Deadline for application submission:
21st of May. However, we encourage early submission, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and places are limited.
Please feel free to contact your university Innovation Partner by email:
ITU
SDU
RUC