Spin-outs from Universities - the Danish story

When it comes to the ability to convert scientific artcles into spinouts and innovation, the picture is quite clear. At the University of Copenhagen, the figure stands at 880 per spinouts, Aarhus University it is at 431, and Technical University of Denmark tops with 98. DTU Biosustain and DTU Healthtech are even at a level that matches Boston's world-leading biotechnology innovation environment in Boston.  

Despite this fantastic achievement, it can be concluded that the potential for increasing the number of biotechnological spinouts is enormous, and if KU and AU caught up with DTU, there could be more than 40 new biotechnology companies that can be created per year. To achieve this there is need to cultivate a culture at our research at our research institutions that both value high research quality and great innovation. Several positive measures have been taken recently. At DTU Skylab students and employees have the opportunity to build prototypes and companies under the guidance of mentors with experience as entrepreneurs. Likewise, KU and AU have established the innovation centers KU Lighthouse and The Kitchen, where it is possible to test the commercial potential of one’s scientific ideas.