TechBBQ wins DKK 4M Novo Nordisk Foundation grant to build Nordic–Africa & Nordic–India tech corridors
What's the deal? TechBBQDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, the Danish non-profit behind Copenhagen's flagship startup summit, has secured a DKK 4M (~$620K) grant from the Novo Nordisk FoundationDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → to set up a permanent platform connecting Nordic university startups, investors and corporates with tech talent in Africa and India. The three-year grant runs from August 2026 through December 2028.
Why now? The funding turns TechBBQ's earlier pilots into a standing initiative, anchored by two recurring events — the Nordic–Africa Startup Summit and the Nordic–India Startup Summit — held alongside its annual conference at Copenhagen's Bella Center. The goal is to open routes for investment, commercial partnerships and tech collaboration between the regions, with African and Indian founders gaining access to Nordic capital, research institutions and corporate networks.
What it means. The programme focuses on three priorities set by the Novo Nordisk Foundation: life sciences, deep tech and AI, and climate and agricultural technology. It also carries an equitable-access condition — knowledge generated should be shared openly where possible, and resulting innovations made affordable in low- and middle-income countries. "This significant backing will help us connect the Nordic ecosystem with India and Africa in a more structured and sustainable way," CEO Avnit SinghDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → said. The move lands as Europe pushes for closer economic and tech ties with both regions — the Nordics alone drew $7.7B in VC in 2025 and host more than 100 unicorns.
