#Denmark #Novo Nordisk #Biomanufacturing #Kalundborg

Kalundborg's Ambitious Expansion into Biomanufacturing Education

Kalundborg is set to become a leading educational and research hub in biomanufacturing and biosolutions, following the announcement of a substantial expansion plan valued at DKK 320 million. The initiative aims to provide unprecedented collaboration opportunities between educational institutions and industry, ultimately enhancing the region's educational offerings and attracting a larger student population.

The core of this initiative is the establishment of a new campus that will span approximately 11,000 to 12,000 square meters. This state-of-the-art facility will include essential amenities such as pilot plants, laboratories, and creative workspaces designed to support advanced education, research, and development in the field of biotechnology. The objective is ambitious yet clear: to grow the local student body from around 500 to 1,500 by 2030.

Minister of Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund expressed her enthusiasm regarding the initiative, highlighting it as a significant step toward solidifying Kalundborg's status in the biotech and life sciences sectors. She stated, “The collaboration and strong local backing serve as an inspiring model of how education and industry can be effectively connected.”

Collaborative Partnerships Enhance the Initiative

The successful development of this initiative hinges on the collaboration of various key partners, including prestigious educational institutions like University College Absalon, the University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, and numerous industry leaders. Together, they present a united front aimed at making Kalundborg an internationally esteemed hub for biomanufacturing education.

To build and operate the new campus facilities, AP Ejendomme, a subsidiary of AP Pension, will assume a crucial role. Moreover, a considerable commitment of over DKK 320 million has already been pledged towards the project. Notably, the Novo Nordisk Foundation has earmarked DKK 202 million for the development of unique teaching and training environments between 2025 and 2031, encompassing upgrades to laboratories, makerspaces, and educational initiatives fostering partnerships with local industries.

A New Era for Biomanufacturing Education

Daniel Schwartz Bojsen, the Chairperson of the newly founded Campus Kalundborg Association and Director at Absalon Health and Science, commented on the visionary initiative designed to establish an educational symbiosis across institutions. He noted, “Kalundborg's legacy as a hub of industrial collaboration makes it the ideal setting for such a comprehensive educational initiative.” This project is anticipated not only to meet current educational demands but also to prepare students for future careers within the rapidly growing life-science sector.

Bojsen also emphasized the need for an innovative and collaborative leader for the campus, indicating that the search for a new Campus Director will soon begin. This role will be pivotal in realizing the ambitious vision shared by all partners involved.

Pioneering the Future of Education and Industry

This initiative builds upon a rich legacy of effective collaboration that spans five decades, exemplified by the Kalundborg Model which has fostered strong partnerships among public and private sectors. The Mayor of Kalundborg, Martin Damm, affirmed that the collaboration among various stakeholders significantly enhances the innovation landscape while enriching the region’s cultural and educational vitality.

To officially launch the Campus Kalundborg initiative, a press event is scheduled, where partners including Minister Christina Egelund will discuss the project's transformative potential. This gathering aims to provide insights into how this project will integrate educational growth with local industry demands.

With the largest biotech industrial hub in Scandinavia already established, comprising major players like Novo Nordisk and a plethora of specialized subcontractors, this expansion will only strengthen Kalundborg’s position on the global stage. The future looks bright as the initiative promises to invigorate both education and industry in this thriving city.