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Novo Nordisk Foundation grants DKK 5.5 billion to elevate innovation in Denmark and Europe
Prnewswire· 2026-01-15 08:30
Funding and Support - The Novo Nordisk Foundation has allocated up to DKK 5.5 billion (EUR 736 million) to the BioInnovation Institute (BII) to expand its activities and support more entrepreneurs and start-ups from 2026 to 2035 [1] - BII has already created and developed over 130 companies and attracted more than DKK 7 billion in external funding, aiming to enhance Denmark's innovation engine and European competitiveness [3][10] Strategic Focus - BII plans to significantly increase the number of start-ups supported each year, with a focus on life science and biotech, while also venturing into new fields such as AI and quantum technologies [4] - The funding will enable BII to strengthen its position as a European innovation powerhouse, translating scientific breakthroughs into new companies and solutions [5][8] Partnerships and Collaborations - BII has established partnerships with major organizations, including Ferring and the Gates Foundation, to advance women's health innovation and support early-stage start-ups in Power-to-X technologies and brain disease treatment [9] - The renewed support from the Novo Nordisk Foundation will enhance BII's ability to collaborate with academic institutions and form new partnerships with industry and foundations [10] Innovation Ecosystem - Since BII's establishment in 2018, venture capital investments in Danish biotech have increased more than fourfold, indicating a successful platform for innovation [6] - BII serves as a hub for connecting Denmark's life science ecosystem with leading innovation districts across Europe, leveraging its strong national platform for broader European expansion [7]