Novo Nordisk Foundation funds new BRIGHT Institute to boost biosolutions in Denmark

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has awarded €134.1 million (DKK 1.05 billion) to establish the Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). This initiative aims to advance biosolutions that can replace fossil-based materials and energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable economy.

BRIGHT will serve as a hub for developing efficient bioproduction technologies, focusing on three primary areas: sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture. These biosolutions are designed to provide scalable, bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived products, supporting global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“BRIGHT will be a gathering point for academic and industrial partners working together to harness the power of bioproduction,” commented Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. “It will help us develop scalable solutions that can significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and expand Denmark's position within bio-based industry.”

The grant will be distributed over the next seven years, with BRIGHT’s activities scheduled to begin in 2025. The institute will leverage DTU’s expertise in biotechnology and build upon the work of the existing Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability. As BRIGHT’s operations expand, some activities from the Center for Biosustainability will transition to the new institute.

BRIGHT will also introduce a “mission enabler” mechanism to identify and support promising projects and evaluate their scalability. Researchers at DTU will collaborate with other Danish and international institutions, as well as industry partners, to drive innovation and commercialization in biosolutions.

“BRIGHT will further strengthen DTU's position in fundamental biotechnology and enable even better collaboration across the university and with external partners, particularly companies,” said Anders Bjarklev, President of DTU. “At the same time, we will have an even better foundation for educating the highly specialized engineers necessary to drive the bioeconomy forward.”

DTU’s existing biotechnology programs, such as the Center for Biosustainability, have already contributed technologies for microbial cell factories — a core component of bio-based production. BRIGHT aims to take these competencies further by focusing on scalable solutions and fostering stronger ties with industry to accelerate commercialization.

The new initiative underscores Denmark’s commitment to sustainable innovation and positions the country as a leader in the green transition. By harnessing bioproduction, BRIGHT aims to reduce reliance on fossil-based materials and processes, supporting a more sustainable future.