Two Innovation-District-located start-up accellerators merge
An un-beatable launchpad for startups could be the result of this merger. The two Innovation District Copenhagen-located incubator- and accelerator programmes BioInnovation Institute (BII) and Accelerace are merging in order to create an even stronger launchpad for university based start-ups.
Combining expertise in life science and tech
Since 2017 BioInnovation Institute has built a reputation as one of Europes strongest early-stage incubators for life science and deep-tech start-ups. Accelerace was founded in 2008 to support university based start-ups, especially in tech, and has won “Best accelerator in the Nordics”, several times. Accelerace will become an integrated part of BII’s organisation and through this merger, the two aim to strengthen the Danish innovation ecosystem by supporting even more university-based startups not only within biotech and life sciences, but also in tech, AI, and quantum technology.
At BII, we have continuously expanded our focus from life sciences to also include areas such as biosolutions and quantum technology. By now combining BII’s innovation platform with Accelerace’s long experience with tech startups, we want to create a central hub for innovation that will offer great opportunities to build a leading entrepreneurial environment in Europe for the benefit of the entire ecosystem”: Jens Nielsen, CEO, BII.
Two organisations – one shared goal
The Danish innovation ecosystem has developed significantly in recent years, but the European Commission’s recent Draghi report clearly highlights that Europe, despite strong research, is not sufficiently skilled at turning science into commercial successes. This challenge is also central to the decision to merge BII and Accelerace, explains Accelerace’s leader.
In light of global developments and competition, the need for support for startups emerging from universities has grown enormously. Together with BII, we can create an unprecedented resource platform for university-based startups and ensure that more promising ideas are transformed into companies that can create growth, jobs, and solutions for the benefit of society”: Peter Torstensen, CEO of Accelerace.
A sign of excellence
Accelerace is currently backed by Færchfonden, EIFO, and Symbion, who are proud of what Accelerace has become with their support.
That BII has identified Accelerace as a company worth merging with truly shows how far we have come with our mission to accelerate and invest in Nordic tech startups. The goal has always been to create the best conditions for early-stage startups in Denmark, and here Accelerace has played a major role. Now the ambitions are taken to the next level, and Accelerace can even better realize what has always been the owners’ vision – namely to make a significant impact on the startup ecosystem”: Jørgen Vilhelm Løvenørn Bardenfleth, Chairman of the Board, Accelerace.
By combining BII’s innovation platform with Accelerace’s long experience with tech startups, we want to create a central hub for innovation that will offer great opportunities to build a leading entrepreneurial environment in Europe for the benefit of the entire ecosystem”: Jens Nielsen,CEO, BII.