The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has announced the establishment of a new initiative aimed at advancing bioproduction methods as part of efforts to transition away from fossil fuel reliance. The Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition, referred to as BRIGHT, seeks to generate knowledge and practical solutions to enhance bioproduction capabilities.
The initiative will receive a funding grant of up to DKK 1.05 billion (roughly USD $140 million) from the Novo Nordisk Foundation over the next seven years. Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Foundation, noted that BRIGHT will serve as a collaborative platform for academic institutions and industry partners focused on developing bioproduction technologies. The initiative aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen Denmark’s role in the bio-based industry.
BRIGHT will concentrate on three specific areas: sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture.
The objective is to innovate and scale solutions within these sectors, providing alternatives to products and processes that depend on fossil fuels. Researchers at DTU will collaborate with other universities and industry participants, supported by a mission enabler designed to facilitate promising projects and assess their scalability.
DTU has established itself as a prominent center for biotechnology research in Denmark, which positions it well to further develop bioproduction initiatives through BRIGHT. According to Anders Bjarklev, President of DTU, the new initiative will enhance DTU’s capabilities in biotechnology and foster stronger partnerships with external entities, including businesses.
BRIGHT is scheduled to begin operations in 2025.
