Bifrost Communications, headed by former DTU employee Jesper Bevensee Jensen, won this year's first prize of DKK 500,000 (EUR 67,000) in the entrepreneurship competition Danish Tech Challenge.
Marketenderiet in Valby was filled to the brim on Thursday, 12 January when, for the third consecutive year, a winner was to be announced from among the six companies that had reached the finals of the Danish Tech Challenge. This year's field was very broad—from robots designed so that even small children can use them to the winners from Bifrost Communications, who have invented a ground-breaking approach to increasing transmission distance and capacity on fibre optic signals and networks, which can potentially save Internet service providers billions of kroner worldwide.
After presentations from all six finalists, HRH Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark took the stage. The Crown Prince was impressed by all the companies that were participating in Danish Tech Challenge.
"I'm proud and pleased to be here today. It's a huge source of inspiration for me to be invited to come and meet all the amazing people who are here today."
Before the Crown Prince, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Brian Mikkelsen was also in the spotlight. His speech centred on the importance of society embracing and valuing entrepreneurship.
"It's so important for all of society that industry creates jobs. This award show means a lot to me because Denmark must be the best country in the world in which to be an entrepreneur, and Danish Tech Challenge contributes towards this today."
"Most of all it feels like having beaten Usain Bolt in a 100 metre sprint at the Olympic Games."
Jesper Bevensee Jensen, Bifrost Communications
Thank you to the family
HRH Crown Prince Frederik opened the sealed envelope that he had received from the independent panel of judges, and announced—amid great applause from the audience—that this year's winner was Bifrost Communications. The entire team behind Bifrost Communications, headed by inventor Jesper Bevensee Jensen, took the stage, and Jesper Bevensee Jensen first and foremost thanked his family for putting up with him when he sometimes got up in the middle of the night because he had had a dream that had given him a solution to one of the problems that life as an entrepreneur has to offer.
When the big cheque for DKK 500,000 and the champagne had been presented, Jesper Bevensee Jensen said:
"I can barely think right now because I'm so happy! The other participants are so strong, so it really is a huge pat on the back that we won. Most of all it feels like having beaten Usain Bolt in a 100 metre sprint at the Olympic Games, I think," said the clearly moved winner of Danish Tech Challenge 2016.
Bifrost Communications
Bifrost Communications has developed a splitter which can amplify and separate fibre optic signals using attractively priced laser technology. The transmission distance becomes four times longer, and eight times more users can use the same fibre connection.
Linkaiders
The Reachi system is a disaster communication system consisting of hard-wearing hand-held devices that transmit data via each other and are operated by Red Cross volunteers in the disaster area.
Saninudge
Saninudge is a sensor module which is attached to existing alcohol dispensers. It helps healthcare workers at hospitals to remember to apply alcohol hand rub and may ultimately help ensure that fewer patients become fatally ill due to infections at Danish hospitals.
Senserna
Senserna is introducing the world's first wireless temperature sensor for microwave ovens. The thermometer is powered by harvested microwave energy and is therefore battery free. Senserna is currently looking into other possible uses of the thermometer.
Shade
A lamp which can give out light in all directions and has many different settings. Beautifully designed by Øivind Slaatto. Will start a long-awaited crowdfunding campaign in February.
Shape Robotics
Has invented the robot Fable, which is intuitive and easy to play with. Can be used by the youngest elementary school pupils and all the way up to students on higher education study programmes. Designed to teach children and adults to program and think creatively.