Department of Business Development and Technology

 Department of Business Development and Technology Education Business Factory

Business Factory

– guidance and networking for student entrepreneurs



As a student at Aarhus University in Herning, you can work with innovation and entrepreneurship alongside your studies. Whether you are just curious, are working on a concrete business idea or already run a business, Business Factory offers professional counselling, guidance and networking opportunities. Many businesses have taken their first steps here – and several have grown both large and successful.



What is Business Factory?

Business Factory is Aarhus University’s entrepreneurship hub in Herning. Since 2005, we have helped students develop their ideas, projects and businesses. As a student, you have access to free office facilities, professional counselling and guidance, which means that you can test and refine your ideas, build a network and gain practical experience in running a business while studying.

Everything you need to start a business

At Business Factory, you have access to the university’s specialists as well as a strong network of external experts. You can get help with everything from business, concept and product development to creative idea development, entrepreneurship and applications for funding. Coaching, professional counselling and guidance are available as well as access to professional mentors and experienced entrepreneurs. In short: an inspiring incubator environment in which to grow your business.

How to get started in Business Factory

At Business Factory, we meet you whereever you are on your entreprenurial journey. Some have an emerging idea, others an established business. That is why Business Factory is divided into three different work zones designed to provide you with the right environment and the right professional counselling – whether you are working on your first sketches or ready to scale. All zones are free of charge for students, but to ensure the right match, you must undergo a short screening process with our BF consultant, Jan Kvist Martinsen.


I D E A L A B

In IdeaLab, you can work on your project, exchange knowledge and become part of an innovative environment. The only requirement is that you have an idea with business potential. We will then help you develop your skills and find the right direction.

S T A R T U P L A B

StartupLab is for students who are ready to have a go at managing their own business. You get access to coaching, professional counselling and investor panels in a dynamic community, where you focus on getting your business plan off the ground.

B U S I N E S S L A B

BusinessLab is for the most established entrepreneurs who need a space for running and growing their business. You get a professional office space and the chance to work closely with consultants and advisory boards, providing high-level support as you combine student life with running your business.


The history behind Business Factory
– (perhaps) the oldest entrepreneurship hub in Denmark

Business Factory opened on 1 February 2005 in response to a growing entrepreneurial spirit among students in Herning, who previously lacked a space to develop their ideas. The initiative was inspired by the BDE programme in business development, a similar environment at Halmstad University and a benchmark survey showing that Denmark was lagging behind when it came to university-based entrepreneurship.

With a grant of DKK 5 million from the Danish Enterprise and Construction Authority, Business Factory became one of the first university-run idea workshops in Denmark. Since then, many ideas have taken off from here, but the vision remains the same: to create an environment in which students can try their hand at entrepreneurship and create growth businesses.


From idea to action

At Business Factory, it is the drive that counts. Many students have had a go at starting a business alongside their studies. Some keep it small, while others grow bigger. Here you can meet a selection of businesses that took their first steps at Business Factory – from brand new ideas to businesses that are already well on their way.



Are you ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey? Or are you simply curious to learn more?

Get in touch with Jan Kvist Martinsen by email or phone.
Or drop by the Business Factory on the 1st floor at Birk Centerpark 15, Herning.


Jan Kvist Martinsen

Associate Professor
M
H 8003, Business Factory
P +4593508427

"We can help you with almost anything. And should we not be able to, we’re always happy to draw on our extensive network of experts.  So there’s not reason to hold back.”

- Jan Kvist Martinsen, Business Factory

Revised 09.02.2026
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BTECH