The Novo Nordisk Foundation has committed up to DKK 5.5 billion to the BioInnovation Institute to expand life science and deep tech innovation activity in Denmark and across Europe over the next decade.

The funding, which runs from 2026 to 2035, will support the BioInnovation Institute’s expansion into new scientific areas and geographies, while increasing the number of start-ups it supports each year. The initiative is positioned as a response to Europe’s ongoing challenge of translating strong academic research into scalable companies, jobs and commercially viable solutions.

The BioInnovation Institute, which is based in Copenhagen’s Innovation District, supports early-stage companies across life science and related technologies. Since its launch in 2018, the organisation has supported more than 130 companies, which have collectively attracted more than DKK 7 billion in external funding.

Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, ceo of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, said: “We are giving BII the opportunity to expand its reach and further strengthen its position as a European powerhouse for innovation. This will prove instrumental in securing that even more science is translated into new companies, jobs and solutions benefitting people and our planet – and ultimately driving the growth and entrepreneurial culture that will benefit European competitiveness.”

According to the Foundation, the new funding framework will allow the BioInnovation Institute to scale its existing programmes while moving into additional areas beyond its traditional life science focus. These include technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum science, alongside continued support for biotech and health-focused start-ups.

The announcement comes amid concerns that Europe, while producing high-quality scientific research, continues to lag behind other regions in converting discoveries into companies capable of competing globally. The Foundation said the expanded role of the BioInnovation Institute is intended to help address this gap by strengthening links between academia, industry and investors.

Venture capital investment into Danish biotech has increased more than fourfold since the BioInnovation Institute was established, according to the organisation. The renewed funding is expected to support further growth, both within Denmark and through partnerships with universities and research institutions elsewhere in Europe.

Jens Nielsen, ceo of the BioInnovation Institute, said: “None of this would be possible without the long-term support from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which provides exceptional conditions for bringing more scientific breakthroughs to the market to address global challenges. We have proven that our innovation platform is successful, but we cannot push the boundaries of innovation alone. Strengthening partnerships will remain a top priority as we continue to develop Denmark’s innovation ecosystem and help ensure Europe’s competitiveness.”

The BioInnovation Institute has previously established partnerships with commercial and philanthropic organisations to support innovation in areas including women’s health, energy transition technologies and neurological disease research. Collaborators have included Ferring, the Gates Foundation, the Villum Foundation and the Lundbeck Foundation.

The Foundation said the new funding is also intended to strengthen the BioInnovation Institute’s attractiveness to international investors and industrial partners, while supporting the creation of new collaborations with academic institutions across Europe.

By expanding its activities and geographic reach, the BioInnovation Institute aims to play a broader role in Europe’s innovation ecosystem, supporting the formation and growth of start-ups addressing challenges in human health, planetary health and societal resilience.