Today a new Nordic centre for innovation, education and entrepreneurship is launched at DTU in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, Chalmers University of Technology, Grundfos, VELUX Group and other important operators. This is part of Climate-KIC, a European platform for innovation, addressing climate change and the challenges it entails.
The Nordic centre (a Co-Location Centre, CLC) represents a strong partnership of universities, leading businesses and public authorities that will work closely together to develop permanent new climate solutions with a view to creating sustainable growth.
On Friday February 7th the centre is launched at DTU and at the same the director of the centre, Susanne Pedersen, is announced.
Over the last 20 years, Susanne Pedersen has been responsible for projects financed by international organisations. The last 10 years, she has held the position of Director at the engineering, design and consultancy company Ramboll where she has been responsible for energy and environment projects financed by international institutions, including the European Union. Furthermore, she has been advisor to different companies in relation to project investments in Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia.
Innovative solutions
The centre will draw on a strong network of Danish and Nordic climate operators. They will develop new national and regional solutions targeting the consequences of climate change for modern society.
European commissioner for climate action, Connie Hedegaard, will be among the participants at the inauguration of the centre:
"We need to start making the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon society as soon as possible. And we need innovative solutions to build this low-carbon economy. The Climate-KIC, a European platform for innovation, addressing climate change, can help us find these innovative solutions. With Denmark's strong position within clean-tech a new Nordic Centre in Denmark will contribute to development in the field of climate innovation and help create jobs and growth," said Hedegaard.
The Nordic centre will be based on DTU Lyngby Campus. Over time it will be expanded to include leading relevant businesses, public authorities and universities throughout the Nordic region and possibly also the Baltic region. Denmark's first KIC centre is expected to contribute to boosting Danish and Nordic development in the field of climate innovation.
“This is a very important new initiative for Climate-KIC – enlarging our innovation base to include this key region of Europe,” said Mary Ritter, Chief Executive Officer, Climate-KIC.
“We are starting from a very strong base in Denmark and will progressively extend the partnership to build a truly Nordic centre. In this context, I’m delighted that we already have an excellent Swedish partner – Chalmers University of Technology – on board,” says Ritter.