For the first time, the newly created foundation—InnovationsFonden—now invests in new research and innovation at Danish universities and in Danish companies.
The foundation will be investing DKK 79 million in seven DTU projects.
InnovationsFonden will invest a total of DKK 179 million in 19 projects to support activities in the field of strategic research, technology development and innovation, where the risk profile is too high for companies to make the full investments.
"With its first investments, InnovationsFonden is truly making its presence felt. Now it’s all about ensuring that the ideas take full flight and blazes the trail for specific innovative products and services."
Jens Maaløe, Deputy Chairman of the Board of InnovationsFonden.
The first projects run by InnovationsFonden will be addressing some of the grand societal challenges—among other things—the strain that the growing world population is putting on food production. The foundation will also invest in research projects within IT, health and energy.
These include the development of a new nano-based material aimed at making catalysts in diesel engines far cheaper than today; new digital scanning technologies for improved dental treatment, the development of the future animal feed produced from eco-friendly proteins; and development of the world's smallest mains supply systems.
Titles of the individual DTU projects:
- Better utilization of raw materials for aquaculture can provide huge savings
- How to ensure food on the dinner table in the future
- Thin coating to prevent contamination of food
- Dentists and patients benefit from new 3D scanning technology
- HYPERCOOL—cool Danish design
- TinyPower—the world's smallest off-line power supplies for "Internet of Things"
- Cheaper catalysts to provide cleaner urban air