By Kim Rathcke Jensen, AAU Public Affairs and Communication

It should be easier to turn knowledge into a business, including when a researcher or student develops an idea in a laboratory.

That is why Aalborg University (AAU) is investing DKK 26 million in the opening of INNOVATE LABS, a facility containing wet laboratories designed for work involving liquids, chemicals, cells and biological samples, among other materials. These laboratories are used particularly within chemistry, biology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical development.

The facilities will be among the best in the Nordic region. The first startups and companies are already preparing to move in when INNOVATE LABS opens on 10 November. The first residents joining the new entrepreneurial environment include a professor working to produce milk proteins using microorganisms, students developing simple soil analyses for homeowners, and a startup seeking to create packaging made from fungi.

“Denmark has lacked a place that brings together a strong entrepreneurial environment and laboratory facilities. Now we have one. This puts Aalborg on the Nordic innovation map and strengthens our research and innovation. It also gives researchers and new companies the opportunity to keep their activities in North Denmark. Previously, we have seen new biotechnology companies relocate to Copenhagen,” says Mads Bang, Director of Innovation at Aalborg University.

By 2029, the University will invest more than DKK 300 million in innovation and entrepreneurship. The opening of INNOVATE LABS forms part of this initiative.

The aim is to encourage even more students and researchers to become entrepreneurs. Last year alone, more than 1,200 students received teaching or guidance in innovation and entrepreneurship. In total, students and researchers founded almost 50 startups, while AAU startups raised more than DKK 170 million in external funding.

First residents ready to move in

Until now, researchers and students have had access to shared office spaces and workshops. However, there has been a lack of wet laboratories capable of bringing together the relevant academic disciplines and companies requiring laboratory facilities under the same roof.

“This creates a distinctive innovation environment where researchers, students, entrepreneurs and established companies can meet and collaborate across disciplines. Our extensive research in areas including biology, chemistry and technology creates a clear need for facilities that can help research-based ideas progress beyond the laboratory. The incubator and startup environment will provide new companies with access to laboratories, professional networks, advice and a community of fellow entrepreneurs. We are giving researchers and startups the support they need during the early stages, when a promising idea must be developed, tested and matured into a sustainable business,” says Mads Bang.

When INNOVATE LABS opens, five startups, three student projects and two venture projects will move into the facilities.

One of the new residents is Protein Frontiers, which is working to produce milk proteins using microorganisms so that the proteins can be used commercially as food ingredients. The company was co-founded by Mette Lübeck, Professor at AAU’s Department of Chemistry and Bioscience.

“We will gain access to some fantastic facilities when we move in. But the environment is equally important to us as entrepreneurs. Being able to engage with the entire ecosystem, from established companies to student projects, creates completely new opportunities for collaboration and professional input,” says Mette Lübeck.