Proof of Concept grant to explore innovative research
Postdoc Søren Blikdal Hansen has been awarded an innovation grant from the University of Copenhagen’s Proof of Concept Fund, providing time and resources to further develop an analysis method originating from his PhD project and to explore its potential for future commercialisation.
An alternative next step
The Proof of Concept grant supports early-stage projects that aim to translate academic research into impact. For Søren Blikdal Hansen, who defended his PhD thesis in September 2025, the application process itself marked a shift from traditional academic work, involving a short written proposal and a pitch to a panel at UCPH Lighthouse, University of Copenhagen’s innovation center.
“Instead of focusing on narrow technical details and a small group of academic peers, it was exciting to step back and consider the bigger picture — particularly how research can create value beyond the university,” Søren explains.
Fast track initiative
The small-scale, fast track initiative offers a hybrid path between academia and industry, allowing Søren to work on a self-defined project while gaining insight into how research-based knowledge and results may eventually be transformed into viable products and services, independent of external or internal research funding.
“My greatest motivation in all my work is to leave a mark and help push things in the right direction. This applies to the knowledge and results I have created through my PhD work. With the Proof of Concept grant, I have the opportunity to explore whether innovation can create an even greater impact and sense of fulfilment.” Søren ends.
Proof of Concept
The Proof of Concept TO-GO project will start in February and run for 3 months during which Søren will focus on developing a more precise and efficient implementation of a software module for epigenetic analysis.
“It is my hope that Søren’s grant will inspire other researchers at Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics and Globe Institute to pursue this grant to create more impact from their research and new ideas.” says Morten Limborg, Deputy Head of Department for Innovation at Globe Institute.
Read more about the Proof of Concept Fund here.
Contact:
Postdoc Søren Blikdal Hansen
Associate Professor Morten Tønsberg Limborg