Startup colors wood without paint and wins the Danish Tech Challenge 2026

After five months of intensive acceleration, the Danish Tech Challenge 2025 culminated in a thrilling finale at Hempel’s headquarters in Lyngby. Six startups pitched their businesses—and Ecoblaq took home the victory and the grand prize of 500,000 DKK.

“We’re completely overwhelmed. I didn’t see this coming at all—the level was so high that it was impossible to predict who would win,” says a surprised co-founder of Ecoblaq, Mikala Poulsen.

The company has developed a technology that can color wood without using traditional paint. Instead, the molecules in the wood’s surface are altered, making it possible to achieve color entirely without plastic or toxic substances. The solution could have a major impact on an industry where paint currently contributes significantly to microplastic pollution.

At the same time, the technology can make the production of, for example, wooden furniture more efficient and sustainable. According to the company, there are both environmental and structural challenges associated with the use of paint in the industry.

“There are two things that make paint a problem for the industry: the amount of microplastics and the barrier it creates for a circular economy. Companies won’t survive if they can’t organize their production so that wood can be reused. We simply don’t have enough wood, and at the same time, we have to leave some of the trees standing,” says Mikala Poulsen.

For the winner, Ecoblaq, the victory isn’t just about the honor, but also about gaining the necessary leeway to make the right decisions in the next phase.

“Now we’re standing here with 500,000 kr., and that gives us plenty of time for discussions with investors, so we don’t have to rush anything through, and we can ensure that it’s handled in a smart and sensible way that moves us forward into the future in a smart way,” says the other co-founder of Ecoblaq, Eskil Hardt.