Innovation districts strengthen the competitiveness of society, and the innovative power of contributing research institutions. Innovation District Copenhagen is situated in the heart of the Danish capital. Its academic anchor institutions include global leaders within fields such as Health, Life Sciences, Quantum technologies, and Artificial Intelligence and its innovation ecosystem is currently home to over 500 start-ups. With high ambitions for the district’s development, the new partnership strives to improve Europe’s resilience and competitiveness by boosting innovation.
”University of Copenhagen ranks as a global academic leader in quantum, health and biomedical sciences. I am confident that strengthening the innovation ecosystem around us will attract even more talent and funding for the benefit of both education and research. This will make us even more attractive as an innovation partner for commercial as well as academic partners”: David Dreyer, Rector, University of Copenhagen
Making innovation a part of everyday life
The Innovation District Copenhagen partnerships will work to develop the innovation ecosystem, drive urban development, attract talent, companies and investors, while shaping a vibrant urban environment where innovation is part of everyday life. The academic partners, University of Copenhagen, Danish Technical University (DTU), University hospital Rigshospitalet, Bispebjerg Hospital and University College Copenhagen (KP) are all leading institutions. Clinical, academic and educational. Danish Technical University is especially strong on innovation, bringing more than a decades’ experience to the table.
“We are delighted to be partners in this new innovation collaboration. A collaboration that makes it possible to utilize and develop technology for the benefit of patients and the entire healthcare system. DTU is entering into the collaboration with an internationally recognized innovation ecosystem - and as the university in Denmark that incubates most new companies," says Christine Nellemann, Provost at DTU.”
Proximity powers innovation
Proximity between people is a powerful catalyst for innovation, enabling both intentional networking and unexpected encounters between diverse skills and perspectives. Innovation District Copenhagen aims to foster these serendipitous interactions by developing cross-sectorial working spaces with publicly accessible ground floors featuring cafés, restaurants, cultural venues, and exhibition spaces.
“What is good for innovation is also good for the citizens. I believe that the ambitions we have for the innovation district will make all of Copenhagen an even more attractive city. To work in and to live in”: David Dreyer, Rector, University of Copenhagen
Inaugural members of The Innovation District Copenhagen-association are:
Innovation District Copenhagen: A strong foundation