New opportunities for innovation and sustainability

Since 2020, a host of Danish companies and research environments have worked closely together to strengthen innovation. Through knowledge bridge projects, more than 120 companies have been part of a process that has helped expand knowledge and create sustainable solutions.

The knowledge bridge projects have played a key role in bridging the gap between research and business and have accelerated the development of solutions that can help Danish water and environmental companies increase their innovative power. With support from Clean, over 40 projects have had the opportunity to develop solutions that have the potential to change markets and promote the green transition.

Knowledge Bridge projects conclude with remarkable results

Vertical water management in confined urban spaces

One of the completed projects focused on local rainwater drainage (SUDS) at height. A solution that is particularly suitable for urban areas where space is limited. The solution only takes up space vertically, making it ideal for integration into existing urban structures without major excavation work. In collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, the companies FShore and Pilebyg have tested and evaluated the vertical SUDS solution. The results have increased the understanding of its potential as an effective method for climate adaptation.

Greenlandic rock flour can bind CO2

Another project, also involving the University of Copenhagen, investigated the possibilities of using Greenlandic rock flour (GRF) to improve soil quality while binding CO2. The rock flour has the potential to both increase food production and mitigate climate change. The project has tested different types of rock flour and found that a muddy state gives the best effect on the fields.

Bio-based walls can reuse old industrial buildings

In several cities, large, unused industrial buildings stand empty. One of the solutions to optimize the use of these buildings is bio-based walls that can be installed in existing structures. The company Grobund has worked with DBI (Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology) to test their fire resistance. Initial results show promising prospects for future conversions.

3D printed homes and fire safety

WOHN, a company that 3D prints homes from plastic and wood waste, has worked with Noignis and DBI to test the fire safety of their printed materials. The tests have provided valuable insights that can help WOHN increase the safety of their 3D printed homes.

Better air quality with nudging

The company Birdie has developed a CO2 meter that looks like a bird that “falls over” when CO2 levels in a room become too high. Together with the Danish Technological Institute, Birdie has investigated how their solution can get people to ventilate via nudging. The results show that the solution has reduced the time when air quality was too poor by 5-10%.

We used to use a calendar message to keep track of airing, but that’s gone now because Birdie is a better reminder that we won’t forget again – Dansk Vegetar Forening

Measuring PFAS in water

Startup Watercare Guard has developed a mobile and compact device that can measure PFAS in water in real time. With the help and funding from the Knowledge Bridge project, they have validated their measurement system in collaboration with the University of Southern Denmark, which has strengthened their prototype development.

A stronger collaboration between research and business

The Knowledge Bridge projects have proven to be a crucial step towards strengthening collaboration between research and industry. With a grant of DKK 11 million from the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science, researchers and companies have the opportunity to work more closely together. Michael Johansen, Head of Development at Clean, emphasizes the importance of close collaboration:

When research and industry work closely together, ideas and solutions often emerge that can create value for both parties. The Knowledge Bridge initiative is an excellent example of how we can promote innovation and sustainability – Michael Johansen, Clean

The future looks promising for both companies and researchers working to find solutions to the big challenges. The Knowledge Bridge projects are just a step along the way, but they show how collaboration across sectors can lead to concrete results.