GUDP

What is GUDP?

The Green Development and Demonstration Program (GUDP) is Denmark’s national grant scheme for innovation in the food, agriculture, and aquaculture sectors. It supports projects that drive both green and economic sustainability—ensuring that climate and environmental goals go hand in hand with business development, competitiveness, and job creation.

GUDP is administered by the Danish Agricultural Agency under the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and governed by an independent expert board. Since its launch in 2010, GUDP has supported over 600 projects that contribute to Denmark’s green transition.

What types of projects are funded?

GUDP funds development and demonstration projects, as well as networking and applied research initiatives. Supported projects must contribute to one or more of the program’s strategic goals:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving climate resilience
• Protecting water quality, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems
• Advancing sustainable food production, including novel proteins and food ingredients
• Improving resource efficiency, reducing food waste, and enabling circular practices
• Enhancing animal welfare, food safety, and human health
• Creating economic growth and commercial impact for Danish companies

All projects must demonstrate potential for real-world application and market impact, and should involve relevant actors across the value chain—from primary production to processing, marketing, and distribution.

Who can apply?

GUDP is open to a wide range of applicants, including private companies and registered entrepreneurs, industry organisations and self-governing institutions, public and private research institutions, technological service institutes (GTS). All applicants must be registered in the Danish Central Business Register (CVR). Projects involving cross-sector collaboration and value chain integration are strongly encouraged.

How much funding is available?

Funding depends on the project type. Development & Demonstration Projects can get grants of DKK 0.25–15 million for up to 4 years. Network Projects can apply for grants of DKK 0.25–2 million for up to 2 years, covering up to 50% of eligible costs.

GUDP typically supports projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–8, where technologies are moving from development into demonstration and market readiness.

What are the funding priorities in 2025?

The GUDP Board has identified climate and water quality as priority areas in 2025:

1. Climate: Projects must contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The overall goal is to achieve a collective annual reduction of at least 300,000 tons CO₂-eq. from GUDP-supported projects.

2. Water environment (nitrogen): Projects should aim to reduce nitrogen emissions to the environment, with a collective target of at least 800 tons of nitrogen annually.

Other focus areas include biodiversity, animal welfare, future food proteins, and the commercialisation of sustainable technologies.

What is the application process?

Applications consist of several forms including a main application, budget, business plan, and partner details. Guidance materials and templates are available at www.gudp.dk.

GUDP offers optional pre-application feedback. Applicants can submit a 1-page project idea and receive advice from the GUDP secretariat.

What are the evaluation criteria?

Projects submitted to GUDP are evaluated based on their overall potential to deliver both green and economic impact. From a green impact perspective, evaluators look for contributions to climate mitigation or adaptation, improved resource efficiency, reduced emissions, and the protection of nature and biodiversity. Economically, projects should demonstrate the ability to generate financial returns for participants, show strong market potential and scalability, and contribute to Danish competitiveness and job creation. In terms of project quality, the assessment focuses on the relevance and novelty of the idea, the scientific and technical robustness of the approach, the expected progression in Technology Readiness Level (TRL), and a realistic understanding of risks and cost-effectiveness. Finally, the strength of the project team and its partnerships is also key—applicants should show clear leadership, strong technical competencies, and a collaborative setup that includes relevant actors across the value chain.

Projects must demonstrate a credible path to implementation within Denmark and show potential for long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Want to apply or learn more?

If your project advances green innovation in Denmark’s food or bio-based sectors, GUDP can provide valuable support. Visit www.gudp.dk to read the latest strategy and action plan or contact us for guidance.