Novozymes Plans New R&D Center
Novozymes A/S, a Danish company focused on a range of enzyme and microbial solutions for commercial laundries, agriculture, energy-efficient production and more, recently announced its intention to build a new research center near Copenhagen with space for 800 employees. The goal for the facility in Lyngby, Denmark, is to create a global hub for biotech research and business development, according to a news release.
“This is an investment in the future, where the new innovation campus will be a cornerstone for our global research,” said Per Falholt, executive vice president for R&D for Novozymes. “Novozymes is driven by innovation, and this center will help strengthen our growth through developing groundbreaking biotechnology.”
Roughly 14% of Novozymes revenue is invested annually into research that has aided in the development of 100 new products since the company went public 15 years ago, the release said. Used globally, these products facilitate energy-efficient production, the replacement of fossil fuels and other environmentally friendly activities.
The new research center, located roughly nine miles from Copenhagen and four miles from the company’s headquarters in Bagsvaerd, will be built on a one-third acre site in accord with an agreement signed by the company and local authorities in the Lyngby-Taarbaek municipality.
“With the location in Lyngby, in close proximity to Denmark’s Technical University, our ambition is to create a global hub for biotech research,” Falholt said. “Our new campus will be important in creating the ultimate conditions for product development, while simultaneously offering our employees a great workplace.”
The plans for the facility include a learning center for students to enhance their understanding of biology. Students and visitors also will have access to a small movie theater and café, along with the grounds of the site, which will include a park and a nature trail, the release said.
“Novozymes’ project is ambitious and fits perfectly into our goal of developing as a knowledge and university city,” said Sofia Osmani, mayor of Lyngby-Taarbaek. “The new innovation campus will strengthen education research and business in the municipality. And Novozymes also shares our ambition to maintain and develop the area as a green-recreational oasis.”
The new campus is expected to open in 2018 and will be built on 322,000 square feet. An expansion is possible five years later, with additional space to accommodate as many as 2,000-2,500 employees, the release said.