BioInnovation Institute Receives €736M From Novo Nordisk Foundation For Innovation Growth

The funding will allow BII to expand into new strategic areas and regions, support more entrepreneurs and startups, and further strengthen innovation across Denmark and Europe.

The BioInnovation Institute (BII) drives world-class innovation through its programs Venture Lab, Bio Studio, and BII Quantum Lab supporting life science and deep tech startups with expertise, networks, infrastructure, and funding up to €3 million per project.

From 2026 to 2035, BII will leverage new funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation to address Europe’s innovation gap: although Europe produces top-tier science, it lags in translating discoveries into impactful innovations that create jobs, fuel economic growth, and tackle societal challenges.

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BII’s proven platform has helped launch over 130 companies attracting more than €938 million (DKK 7 billion) in external funding.

The institute now aims to scale Denmark’s innovation ecosystem to strengthen European competitiveness, expanding support to more startups annually and exploring emerging fields such as AI and quantum technologies.

“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," says Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Jens Nielsen CEO of BII, emphasized that the long-term support from the Novo Nordisk Foundation is crucial, providing the resources and conditions needed to turn scientific breakthroughs into solutions for 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.”

BII’s platform has attracted major commercial and philanthropic partners including joint initiatives with Ferring and the Gates Foundation to advance women’s health and collaborations with the Villum and Lundbeck Foundations supporting early-stage startups in Power-to-X technologies and brain disease treatments.

The new funding will strengthen BII as a destination for investors, enhance collaboration with academic institutions across Denmark and Europe, and support the formation of new industry and foundation partnerships all vital for sustaining a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

About BioInnovation Institute (BII)

BioInnovation Institute (BII) supports life science researchers and entrepreneurs with 3,500 square meter of advanced labs and offices, business acceleration, funding, mentoring, and networks. From early ideas to full business plans, BII helps transform concepts into thriving startups, bringing research to market and fostering innovation at every stage.