The association is founded by representatives from the state, municipality, research institutions, the healthcare sector, business, finance, foundations, and innovation stakeholders.

In September, the government, the City of Copenhagen, and the University of Copenhagen entered into a political agreement on the district. The agreement sets the direction for the physical and organisational development of the innovation district. To realise this vision, a broad coalition of partners is now forming the Innovation District Copenhagen association. Here, members will lay the foundation for attracting capital and talent and create the best possible conditions for researchers, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

“International competition is fierce. That’s why it’s crucial that research is translated into innovation and new businesses. Our groundbreaking innovation district will help make that happen. With this joint initiative from a very broad partnership, we are creating a strong foundation that moves Copenhagen closer to becoming a centre for new ideas and solutions. It’s a big step towards unlocking the potential for thousands of new jobs and multi-billion investments,” says Morten Bødskov, Minister, Industry, Business and Financial Affairs.

“An attractive place to spend time”

As the district develops, new buildings will be constructed, existing ones preserved, and urban spaces and connections created to make it an attractive place to spend time. When the urban environment is appealing, it’s simply more likely that people with great ideas will bump into each other and become creative together.

“I hope we create a vibrant urban environment with a mix of new and old buildings that respect the area’s DNA, attractive green spaces, and good connections that better link the city for pedestrians and cyclists. Urban development, together with other initiatives, should help create an appealing innovation district that can attract some of the world’s best companies and researchers and, among other things, lead to collaboration with our own healthcare services. I look forward to following the work ahead,” says Sisse Marie Welling, Lord Mayor, Copenhagen.

The research community will be represented by University College Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, Rigshospitalet, Bispebjerg Hospital, and the University of Copenhagen.

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Founding Members of the Innovation District Copenhagen Association

The broad coalition of founders will ensure coordination across sectors and organisations, creating the best possible conditions for innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Members include:

  • BioInnovation Institute (BII)
  • Bispebjerg Hospital
  • City of Copenhagen
  • Danish Building and Property Agency
  • Danish Industry Foundation
  • Danish Technical University (DTU)
  • LEO Foundation
  • Lundbeck Foundation
  • Ministry for Higher Education and Science
  • Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs
  • Novo Nordisk A/S
  • Novo Nordisk Foundation
  • Symbion
  • The Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO)
  • University College Copenhagen (Københavns Professionshøjskole)
  • University Hospital Rigshospitalet
  • University of Copenhagen
About Innovation District Copenhagen
  • 2 square kilometres
  • 5 research institutions
  • 5 start-up communities
  • 10 incubator and accelerator programmes
  • 500 innovative start-up companies
  • 40,000+ researchers, students, and employees