The Green Accelerator from the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) supports Danish SMEs and export alliances in scaling their green technologies across international markets. It provides grants covering consultancy, feasibility studies, ESG assessments, market research, and related costs to strengthen green export capacity. The programme targets mature, export-oriented companies offering market-ready sustainable solutions that contribute to climate adaptation, circular economy, and emissions reduction. Applicants receive strong pre-application guidance and undergo a structured two-stage evaluation to ensure quality and alignment with programme goals. Funding is reimbursed after project completion, based on audited expenses, with clear reporting requirements throughout implementation.
Export and Investment Fund of Denmark – Green Accelerator programme
Abstract
The Green Accelerator is a funding initiative by the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) designed to support Danish companies in scaling their green export projects. The programme offers financial assistance to both individual enterprises and export alliances aiming to promote the sale of proven clean technologies to international markets.
The funding is provided in the form of an export grant that can cover the costs of consulting, advisory services, and expert assistance, such as:
assistance with feasibility studies;
market research;
legal advice;
ESG compliance analysis;
awareness raising campaigns targeting decision-makers;
advice on filing for patents;
marketing campaigns and events.
The costs of project management, accounting and travel can also be subsidised and, to a lesser extent, the purchase of hardware.
The programme is available for exporting Danish SMEs or export alliances comprising at least two Danish enterprises (including at least one SME). The financial support per project can be between DKK 300,000 and DKK 5 million (approximately between EUR 40,000 and EUR 670,000). The programme operates with three calls per year, typically selecting around 10 applicants per round. Beneficiaries must prove that they provide “green solutions,” such as:
Solutions that help adaptation to climate change;
Solutions that promote the transition to a circular economy;
Solutions that increase the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems;
Solutions that reduce greenhouse gases and the use of fossil fuels;
Solutions that increase energy and resource efficiency;
Solutions that address food and water scarcity.
A single company is eligible for reimbursement of 70% of its costs. In the case of a consortium or alliance of companies, the reimbursement rate increases to 80%, leaving a 20% own contribution. The reimbursement is provided only after the project has been completed, and it is based on the certificate issued by the company’s own auditor confirming the incurred expenses acts as proof of the expenses.
The support comes with reporting requirements:
Mid-Term Report: To be submitted no later than six months after disbursement, outlining the main results achieved during the initial phase of the project.
Completion Report: A comprehensive summary of the project's outcomes, submitted at the end of the implementation period.
Auditor’s Report: A verification report by a recognised auditor, confirming that the funds were properly used and accounted for, submitted at project completion.
Performance Indicator Report: Submitted at the end of the project, detailing progress against predefined performance metrics.
Export Success Report: Due within 12 months following project completion, providing evidence of export-related achievements.
Debriefing: An optional meeting—initiated by EIFO—up to 18 months after project completion, to review results in detail.
The EIFO Green Accelerator Grant was established in 2020 and came into effect in 2021, in response to the challenges faced by Danish SMEs during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs mandated the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) to implement this instrument with an initial budget of DKK 85 million. The programme aligns with Denmark’s national emphasis on the green transition and sustainability, prioritising export-ready green solutions. EIFO must ensure that its activities complement rather than compete with the private financial market, particularly for loans. The programme seeks to not only encourage the uptake of green solutions, but also wants to support Danish companies in a sector where the country has developed ample expertise and can succeed on the global arena.
Targeted Support for Mature, Export-Oriented SMEs: A key design feature of the EIFO Green Accelerator is its focus on mature SMEs with a minimum turnover of DKK 10 million, at least DKK 5 million in export revenue, and market-ready (TRL 9) green solutions. This focus ensures that supported projects are well-positioned to achieve export outcomes within the programme’s 12-month duration. Early-stage companies are excluded due to their higher risk profile and lack of market readiness.
Structured Two-Stage Screening Process: Applications undergo a two-stage evaluation, beginning with an internal eligibility and reputational review by EIFO, followed by a technical assessment by an external engineering consultancy. This layered approach helps maintain project quality and alignment with the programme’s objectives.
Clear Scope and Focus on Market Expansion: The programme is designed to support commercialisation and international growth, rather than R&D or prototyping. Eligible activities include advisory services, feasibility studies, ESG compliance, hardware purchases, and travel costs. The exclusion of early-stage and ‘born global’ companies limits the pool of applicants but ensures alignment with the fund’s goal of scaling proven solutions
Streamlined Application and Reporting Process: Despite challenges in attracting sufficient applicants, the application system via the NIRA portal is considered efficient. The process is viewed positively for its clarity and simplicity, striking a balance between minimising administrative burden and maintaining robust due diligence. Projects are required to submit technical and financial documentation, including midterm and final reports and an export success report 12 months post-completion.
Anticipated Impact and Future Evaluation: While the programme is still in its early stages, a formal evaluation is planned for 2026. However, stakeholders acknowledge that the long timelines required for export growth make it difficult to measure impact definitively in the short term.
Hands-on pre-application support: EIFO provides direct guidance to applicants before submission, helping SMEs assess eligibility and prepare strong proposals. This proactive support reduces wasted effort for both applicants and evaluators, improving overall programme efficiency.
Straightforward and focused design: The programme’s clear emphasis on export-ready green solutions—rather than emerging technologies—ensures that selected projects are well-positioned to generate tangible economic and environmental outcomes. This simplicity in design contributes significantly to its positive reception among stakeholders.
Integration within a broader policy ecosystem: While the Green Accelerator is a self-contained programme, many applicants benefit from earlier-stage support through complementary schemes such as the Innovation Fund’s Innobooster. Denmark’s broader policy framework for supporting export-ready companies enhances the programme’s effectiveness and explains the high level of project preparedness.
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