Clean continues as Denmark’s national cluster for water and environmental technology

Clean has just been re-appointed as Denmark’s national water and environmental technology cluster under the Danish Cluster Programme 2025–2028. This means Clean will continue to lead green innovation in Denmark over the next three years, bringing together companies and knowledge institutions to develop future solutions and accelerate the green transition.

The designation is part of the Danish Cluster Programme initiated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science and the Danish Board of Business Development. The programme aims to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through innovation, knowledge sharing, and strong cross-sector collaboration. Clean is one of 11 national clusters to receive funding under the programme.

“We are thrilled and proud to have been chosen as Denmark’s national cluster again. It is both a validation of our work and a great opportunity to create even more value for our companies and partners.”

– Kim Fredenslund, CEO, Clean

Results from the previous cluster period

Clean has maintained a high level of activity during the 2021–2024 cluster period, with a total of 82 projects completed, including:

• Innovation projects, where companies developed and tested new solutions together with knowledge institutions

• International pilot projects that opened doors to export markets and scalable technologies

• Knowledge bridge projects that brought research into companies before the technologies reached market maturity

One specific example is the 42 knowledge bridge projects funded with DKK 11 million, which created collaborations between companies and researchers on sustainable technology development.

Clean has made a big difference for us as a former start-up company. Through the cluster, we have gained access to knowledge, partners and projects that we could never have taken on ourselves. The fact that Clean now continues as a national cluster means that even more companies can have the same opportunity to develop – both technologically and commercially.

– Thomas Munch-Laursen, Chief Concept Officer, Aguardio & Clean board member.

New funding, new opportunities

The appointment comes with DKK 78.6 million in funding, the majority of which will go directly to companies and collaborative projects. The funds will be used to:

• Strengthen innovation in SMEs

• Promote collaboration with Clean’s 21 partner knowledge institutions

• Launch cross-sector and international initiatives

Clean serves as a link and catalyst in the innovation ecosystem – helping companies find the right partners, access knowledge, and accelerate the development of new technologies, processes, and solutions.

The 21 knowledge institutions we work with are an invaluable part of Clean’s strategy to strengthen water and environmental technology innovation. Each organization brings unique knowledge and expertise, from sustainable technology development to circular economy, which helps drive local and international innovation projects. This collaboration allows us to create a broad platform for knowledge sharing and matchmaking that supports SMEs’ growth and technological development.

– Michael Johansen, Head of Development, Clean

Part of a strong national cluster program

Clean is one of 11 national clusters appointed for the 2025–2028 period. The designation is part of the cluster programme under the Danish Board of Business Development and the Ministry of Higher Education and Science, which aims to improve productivity, innovation, and competitiveness in Danish businesses – particularly SMEs.

The overall goal of the national cluster effort is to ensure strong collaborations between companies and knowledge institutions and to promote the development of new solutions across industries and disciplines.