As CEO Munk Riis will drive the development of new facilities for innovation and entrepreneurship while strengthening the district’s innovation ecosystem even further. All in accordance with the districts vision-plan presented in September 2025.

Riis comes directly from a position as CEO of Green Building Council Denmark. According to the association chair, her insights into the building sector was a key factor in her appointment.

“With the development of the innovation district, we aim to create a physical infrastructure and ecosystem where inventors, investors, entrepreneurs and citizens will all want to stay a little longer to innovate a bit more. Some of the world’s most valuable companies originate from basic research. As leading European universities and hospitals, we, the academic and clinical institutions in the district, have a special obligation to create value for Denmark – and the rest of Europe,” says David Dreyer, Chair, Innovation District Copenhagen and Rector, University of Copenhagen.

Annemarie Munk Riis

Annemarie Munk Riis’ background combines leadership roles at Innovation Fund Denmark and The City of Copenhagen with strategic positions at The Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs. She also has entrepreneurial experience as co-founder of IRIS group.

Annemarie Munk Riis holds a degree in economics from the University of Copenhagen and a PhD from Copenhagen Business School. She will join Innovation District Copenhagen on 1st June 2026.

“This district has immense potential, and I can’t wait to get started. It has five research-driven organisations as anchor institutions. Combining these with partners from state, municipality, business, capital, foundations, innovation accelerators and research parks the Innovation District Copenhagen partnership really has everything it takes to build an international powerhouse for innovation. I look forward to helping create optimal conditions for bringing together researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and businesses,” says Annemarie Munk Riis.