14 January 2026
Innovation District Copenhagen aims to become an international powerhouse for innovation, bringing together researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and businesses to develop more new solutions and companies within areas such as life sciences and quantum technology. A broad coalition of partners is now establishing an association to support the long-term and sustainable development of the district. The association is founded by representatives from the state, municipality, research institutions, the healthcare sector, business, finance, foundations, and innovation stakeholders. Among the founding members is the LEO Foundation.
A Growth Hub for New Businesses Nationwide
With elite research institutions, leading hospitals, a thriving start-up environment, and a central location in one of the world’s most attractive cities, Innovation District Copenhagen has enormous potential to tackle many of society’s challenges – including those related to health, security, and climate. 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”. Morten Bødskov, Minister, Industry, Business and Financial Affairs
When Research Becomes Jobs, Competitiveness, and Health
There is no doubt that research-based companies strengthen job creation and competitiveness, but innovation is not just about money. Innovation is also essential for keeping citizens healthy and for continuously improving society’s infrastructure and welfare services.
“It’s important to make it easier and simpler to turn knowledge into solutions and to create good conditions for close collaboration between researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and businesses. We now have a strong new association, we have allocated free innovation funds for several years, and we have solid recommendations from the Taskforce for Strengthened Knowledge and Technology Transfer to build on. This provides a solid foundation for making Copenhagen one of the world’s leading innovation districts, bringing together talent, ideas, and investment.”
Christina Egelund, Minister, Higher Education and Science
An attractive and creative city quarter
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”. Sisse Marie Welling, Lord Mayor, Copenhagen
A Duty to Create Value for Denmark
Denmark already holds international strongholds in areas such as life sciences and quantum technology, but the potential is greater and can only be realised if we become even better at turning research into business and societal value. The research community will be represented by University College Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, Rigshospitalet, Bispebjerg Hospital, and the University of Copenhagen.
“Some of the world’s most valuable companies originate from basic research. As one of Europe’s leading universities, we have a special obligation to create value for Denmark – and the rest of Europe. It’s a responsibility we have already embraced, for example by intensifying our support for innovative researchers. That’s why we welcome the many new partners.” David Dreyer Lassen, Rector, University of Copenhagen.
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