Lighthouse Launch

Lighthouse Launch is KU Lighthouse’s programme for innovators who are ready to put their ideas and solutions to the test. Designed for early-stage founders, researchers, and student teams across disciplines, the programme helps you test your solution through structured experiments and evidence-based decision making.

Whether your ambition is commercial, social, or somewhere in between, Lighthouse Launch gives you the tools and support to move forward with clarity and confidence.

We will contact you, when we open for applications September 1*

*Applications close: Wednesday, September 30 (23:59).

Why Lighthouse Launch?

Early ideas rarely succeed because they are perfect from the start. They succeed because the people behind them learn faster, ask better questions, and adapt based on evidence.

Lighthouse Launch focuses on building exactly this capability. Instead of guessing or building too early, you will learn how to:

Test your assumptions with real users
Generate insights through systematic experimentation
Make informed decisions about whether to continue, pivot, or stop

By the end of the programme, you will know much more about the problem you are addressing, the people you are building for, and the direction that makes sense for your idea.

How the programme fits into KU innovation pathways

Lighthouse Launch is designed as a follow-on to the KU Innovators programme. If you’ve got an idea but haven’t yet begun to explore its potential, start there.

Lighthouse Launch is for those who already began work on their idea and want to validate it in practice. Participants are expected to arrive with a concrete concept and a willingness to challenge their assumptions through real-world testing.

Who should apply?

Lighthouse Launch is relevant if you:

Have a concrete idea or early-stage initiative you want to validate
Are working solo or as part of a team
Are motivated to test your assumptions rather than rely on intuition
Want a structured, practical way to test demand and feasibility

The programme is open to ideas across disciplines and domains, including commercial startups, social enterprises, and non-profit initiatives.

Eligibility criteria

To participate in Lighthouse Launch, at least one member of the team should meet the following criteria:

Required:

KU Affiliation: Current students and researchers from the University of Copenhagen, or Community Residents of KU Lighthouse (see here)
KU Innovators completion: Ideally completed the KU Innovators programme or can demonstrate equivalent foundational knowledge in innovation and entrepreneurship
Developed concept: A concrete idea or early-stage initiative you are committed to developing
Commitment to process: Willingness to engage in structured validation and adapt based on experimental evidence
Time availability: Capacity to participate in sessions, run experiments between sessions, and engage in peer learning activities

What you will work on

Throughout the programme, you will:

Clarify the problem and the people you aim to serve
Identify and prioritize the assumptions behind your idea
Design and run small validation experiments
Collect insights from real users and stakeholders
Reflect on results and define clear next steps

Sessions combine short inputs, hands-on exercises, peer learning, and guided experimentation between sessions.

Programme dates and time commitment

Lighthouse Launch runs over 7 weeks with in-person sessions primarily in the mornings on Tuesdays and Fridays. Active participation between sessions is essential.

Programme sessions

Tuesday 13 October, 9.30-12 .30 + optional lunch 12.30-13.30
Friday 16 October, 9.30-12.30
Tuesday 20 October, 9.30-12.30
Friday 23 October, 9.30-12.30
Tuesday 27 October, 9.30-12.30
Friday 30 October, 9.30-12.30
Friday 6 November, 9.30-12.30
Friday 13 November, 9.30-12.30
Friday 20 November, 9.30-12.30
Tuesday 24 November, 9.30-12.30
Friday 27 November, 14.00-17.00

Optional office hours and post-programme individual sessions are available.

A quick note on time commitment:
Lighthouse Launch is designed to fit alongside studies or research, but it does require steady engagement. The programme includes approx. 30 hours of in‑person sessions spread across the 7 weeks. In addition, most participants typically spend 4–6 hours per week running validation experiments, talking to users, and analyzing insights between sessions.

When is Lighthouse Launch offered?

Lighthouse Launch runs twice annually:

Spring cohort: April to May
Autumn cohort: October to November

Information sessions:

If you are unsure whether Lighthouse Launch is the right fit, you are encouraged to join an online information session.

Information sessions will be held online on the following days:

Tuesday 1 September– 10:00 to 11:00 (link to join)
Tuesday 15 September – 10:00 to 11:00 (link to join)
Thursday 24 September– 13:00 to 14:00 (link to join)

Apply to Lighthouse Launch

If you have a concrete idea and are ready to test it through real-world experimentation, you are invited to apply to Lighthouse Launch. You can also sign up for an information session to learn more before applying (see above). Applications will be assessed based on adherence to the eligibility criteria. Priority will be afforded to past participants of KU Innovators, commitment of the founder(s) to participate in all sessions, initiatives or businesses started within the last 12 months, and team maturity (as assessed by, for example, team size). Applications will be scored quantitatively*. There is no specified number of seats that need to be granted.

*UCPH Lighthouse is unable to provide individual eligibility assessments both prior to and after the application period has concluded. UCPH Lighthouse also reserves the right to amend the eligibility criteria in the future and without notice.

We will contact you, when we open for applications September 1

Applications close: Wednesday, September 30 (23:59).

UCPH Lighthouse