Design & Innovation at DTU

Design enables the creation of technology for people.
Design overcomes the limitations of singles humans.
Design is concerned with how things ought to be.

At DTU’s Design and Innovation study programme, we empower the next generation of engineers, designers, and innovators to tackle real-world challenges with creativity and technical expertise.

In our program, bold ideas meet practical solutions. We blend cutting-edge research with hands-on learning to shape future leaders in sustainable design, complex product development, user-centered innovation and smart systems design.

Our education program

At the Design & Innovation programme at DTU, we work on developing new ideas and bringing them to life. We create technology - for people.

Our curriculum builds on both design science and design practice to equip you with the tools you need to design winning products and services.

The education is project based so you will have the opportunity to shape your own ideas and bring them to life. In addition, your elective courses allow you to chose from DTUs entire course catalog, also allowing you develop a deep technical expertise in an area of your choice.

You can read more about the study programme and how to apply here:

D&I Bachelor

D&I Master

World class faculty

At DTU's Design and Innovation study programme, our students are guided by a distinguished team of professors who are passionate about all the different aspects of what makes good design.

The combination of cutting-edge research and real-world experience provides the students with the tools to drive innovation across industries.

Our faculty includes award-winning designers, engineers, and thought leaders with extensive backgrounds in product development, sustainable innovation, human-centered design, and technology integration.

They actively collaborate with industry partners, ensuring that the curriculum remains at the forefront of design and engineering practices.

"Good design benefits from biomimicry"

Torben Lenau, DTU Construct Designs innovative solutions with inspiration from nature

"Good design solves real problems for real people"

Michael Deininger, DTU Construct Designs for people

Visit DTU profile

"Good design leaves the world a better place"

Tim C. McAloone, DTU Construct Designs absolutely sustainable products and services

"Good design makes complex products simple"

Niels Henrik Mortensen, DTU Construct Designs modular products and services

"Good design understands what customers want"

Jason Li-Ying, DTU Entrepreneurship Designs for market

"Good design adapts to future uncertainty"

Josef Oehmen, DTU Construct Designs future-proof systems

"Good design is inclusive. Because that is better for everyone"

Dagný Valgeirsdóttir, DTU Entrepreneurship Makes Universal Design the new normal

"Good engineering design is key for successful product innovation"

Tobias Eifler, DTU Construct Designs robust systems

"Good design fulfills needs within the planetary boundaries"

Daniela Pigosso, DTU Construct Design for sustainability

Design and Innovations impact on the opportunities at DTU

At DTU, Design and Innovation students are at the heart of groundbreaking initiatives, driving forward the university's mission to solve real-world challenges through creativity and technology. From day one, students engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with industry leaders, and participate in innovation hubs like DTU Skylab. They develop sustainable products, user-centered solutions, and shape the technological advancements.

A key example is the annual Innovation Week, where high school students get firsthand experience with the Design and Innovation Mindset. Through hands-on workshops and real DTU course materials, the high school students get a glimpse into the world of design, innovation and engineering at DTU. The event not only inspires the next generation but also strengthens the link between DTU and passionate future engineers.

Design and Innovation students are central to DTU’s innovative culture, bridging research and industry with creative problem-solving. Their interdisciplinary approach drives new startups, industry solutions, and DTU’s reputation as a hub for engineering and entrepreneurship.

Green Challenge

In the previous years, a lot of the winners have a background from Design and Innovation.

As a Design and Innovation student you will have the opportunity to participate in the green challenge either with your own project or a project from one of the courses.

Roskilde x DTU

More than 25 % of the projects at Roskilde Festival are made by students from Design and Innovation.

See your ideas become a reality at the largest music festival in Denmark. Test your solution and have fun while getting ECTS points.

DTU Skylab

Students from Design and Innovation are the most frequent users of the workshops.

A lot of the Design and Innovation courses are taught in Skylab. Here you have an unique opportunity to see your ideas come to life and build prototypes in the many workshops.

Meet the students

Being a Design and Innovation student at DTU is about so much more than just academics.

Our students are at the center of a vibrant and diverse community, where they engage in exciting activities that go beyond their studies. Here, just a small handful of the students are presented to give you a glimpse of the diversity of the students.

Whether it’s leading impactful projects, volunteering, or being part of sports teams and student organizations, our students are constantly exploring new opportunities, making connections, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

"Good design makes people have fun"

Hanna Runs the student design and innovation projects at Roskilde Festival

"Build a spaghetti tower they said, it will be fun, they said"

Julie Plans D&I events with our study council and D&I professors

"Good beer, good times"

Alexander Serves the meanest signature drink in the Diamond

“This is the closest i get to Formula 1 in Denmark”

Sidsel Builds electrical formula student race cars with Vermilion Racing

"Running after a ball has never been more fun"

Anja Trains to take down the opponent on the DTU Exile Rugby team

“Letting the creativity loose is the way forward”

Filip Builds cool prototypes for his course projects

Design and innovation startup success stories

At DTU’s Design and Innovation study programme, ideas don’t just stay in the classroom - they grow into impactful startups that shape industries and improve lives. The exciting ventures launched by our students and alumni prove the potential that lies in combining creativity with engineering.

Through hands-on projects, collaboration with industry experts, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, our students have turned innovative ideas into thriving businesses.

These success stories reflect what’s possible when passion meets opportunity - whether in sustainable design, cutting-edge technology, or user-centered solutions.

Discover how classroom projects have evolved into real-world solutions and explore the impact of the Design and Innovation alumni.

Drinksaver

At DrinkSaver, we prioritize universal design and creating products that anyone would want to use without any stigmatization. We have completely redesigned the traditional lid, creating a discreet, non-visible, spill-proof add-on that maintains the same drinking experience to create a more relaxed and carefree atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Laila Sofie Midjord (CEO and Co-founder) - Design and Innovation 2023
Casper Nørland (Co-founder) - Design and Innovation 2023

Teton

We develop cutting-edge deep learning and computer vision products to empower caregivers to do more with less. At Teton, we're revolutionizing the nursing experience.

Our mission is to reignite nurses' passion for the art of patient care without the stress of being overworked or understaffed, the uncertainty of unpreparedness, or the burden of tedious administrative work.

Mikkel Wad Thorsen (CEO and Co-founder) - Design and Innovation 2019
Esben Thorius (CTO and Co-founder) - Human centered AI 2020.

Dropbucket

DropBucket comes from a long-desired need to reduce the environmental impact of the event industry. Litter is a common sight at events and a problem that affects not only the environment but also the well-being of guests. Since traditional solutions didn't solve the problem, we decided to rethink the possibilities and designed the DropBucket bins to meet today's challenges.

Heiða Gunnarsdóttir Nolsøe (Founding partner) - Design and Innovation 2016
Marie Stampe Berggreen (Founding partner) - Design and innovation 2018

Mash Makes

We are an Indo-Danish company that creates real climate solutions for industries that are hard to clean up. We do this with innovative technology that turns global waste, like agricultural residues, into useful and sustainable products. Our aim is to roll out these solutions on a large scale, cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and boosting biodiversity, with the ultimate goal of making a significant, gigaton-level impact on the planet.

Jakob Bejbro Andersen (CEO and Co-founder) - Design and innovation 2008.

Levitate

We believe that active living should be a choice - not a matter of wealth or policy. We make running blades, everyday prosthetic feet, sockets and add-ons more attainable so those who want to play, exercise or compete have the freedom to do so.

Lasse Werner Madsen (CEO and founder) - Engineering management 2015
Jacob Bolton (Head of innovation) - Design and innovation 2021

Design and innovation alumni in the industry

Our Design and Innovation alumni are shaping the future in industries around the globe. With a strong foundation in creative problem-solving, technical expertise, and user-centered design, they tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change.

Their diverse career paths highlight the versatility of the Design and Innovation program, from product development and entrepreneurship to research and leadership roles. Through their achievements, they continue to inspire current students and the broader DTU community.