Denmark Most Innovative Companies (Updated 2024)

Denmark has cemented its status as a top innovator, climbing to the 9th position in the Global Innovation Index 2023.

Known for its leadership in sustainable technology and green energy, Denmark continues to shape global innovation trends. This year’s ranking highlights the nation’s strong infrastructure and forward-thinking strategies that keep it ahead in the global race.

Explore the key companies driving Denmark’s innovation boom in 2023, and see how they’re setting new global standards in technology and sustainability.

Curious about which foreign companies led in patent filings in Denmark in 2024? 

Insights & Analysis:-

    1. Diverse Innovation Landscape: From pharmaceuticals (Lundbeck, Fertin Pharma) to consumer electronics (Bang & Olufsen) and toys (LEGO), Denmark’s innovation spans a wide array of industries, showcasing a culture of creativity that isn’t confined to any single sector.
    2. Biotech and MedTech Powerhouses: With a surge in patent filings from companies like Coloplast, Glycom, Genmab and Novozymes, Denmark is doubling down on biotechnology and medical devices, reinforcing its position as a leader in advanced healthcare solutions.
    3. Wind Energy Leadership: Denmark’s dominance in wind energy is clear, with Vestas Wind Systems, ENABL and Power Curve at the forefront, solidifying the country’s commitment to renewable energy.
    4. Emerging Players in Clean Tech: Emerging companies like Blue World Technologies, Biograil and Steeper Energy are gaining traction in clean energy and biotechnology, signaling growth and future leadership in these high-potential sectors.
    5. Niche Sector Innovation: Patent activity in specialized fields like marine lubrication (Hans Jensen Lubricators) and eyewear (Lindberg Optic) highlights Denmark’s focus on advancing technology even in niche markets. 

Insights and Key Findings (Top 10 Patent Filers in Denmark)

    1. Diverse Innovation Landscape: Denmark’s top 10 companies showcase a well-balanced mix of sectors, from wind energy and medical devices to chemical engineering and consumer products. This variety highlights the country’s robust cross-sector innovation, where no single industry dominates.
    2. LEGO’s Innovation Legacy: With 158 patents, LEGO proves that even in traditional industries like toys, innovation is key. Their focus on patenting underscores a commitment to staying ahead in the global toy market through continuous product and educational advancements.
    3. Sustainable Building Innovation: VKR Holding’s 151 patents in windows and roof solutions reflect a growing focus on energy-efficient, sustainable construction technologies, aligning with the global shift towards greener building practices.

Insights and Key Findings (Top 50 Patent Filers in Denmark)

    1. Industry-Wide Innovation: Denmark’s top 50 patent filers represent a broad spectrum of industries, from wind energy and chemical engineering to pharmaceuticals, industrial automation, and consumer products. This diverse range highlights the country’s widespread innovation across high-tech sectors.
    2. Maritime and Shipping Innovations: Denmark’s maritime legacy remains strong, with companies like Maersk and Hans Jensen Lubricators leading in patent filings. This underscores the nation’s ongoing commitment to maritime technology and its global leadership in the industry.
    3. Impact of Niche Sectors: Specialized companies like Hans Jensen Lubricators (marine lubrication), Foss Analytical (analytical instruments) and NKT Photonics (photonics technology) are actively filing patents, demonstrating that even niche sectors in Denmark are dedicated to protecting and advancing their technological innovations.
    1. Rise in Patent Filings by New Players: A surge in patent activity from companies founded after 2000, particularly in biotechnology, clean energy and robotics, signals a thriving startup scene in Denmark, aligned with global tech trends.
    2. Legacy Companies Leading in Innovation: Centuries-old firms like Danfoss, Lundbeck and GN Hearing continue to innovate, proving that Denmark’s established companies can adapt and compete through continuous innovation.
    3. Diverse Patent Activity Across the Board: Denmark’s top 10 patent filers include both seasoned firms and new players, showcasing an innovation ecosystem that fosters growth for both long-standing companies and emerging startups.
    4. Balanced Innovation Across Company Ages: The top 50 patent filers include both mature companies and recent startups, reflecting Denmark’s ability to support both sustained growth and rapid development, essential for a dynamic and competitive economy.

Which Universities and colleges have filed the most patents in Denmark in 2023?

While Denmark’s leading companies drive industrial innovation, the country’s top universities and research institutions are the backbone of groundbreaking discoveries, fueling the future of technology and healthcare. Scroll down to explore the top patent filing universities in Denmark.

RankAcademiaFound YearPatent Count
1University Of Copenhagen147949
2Danish Technological Institute190622
3Aalborg University197419
4Rigshospitalet175718
5Statens Serum190216
6Aarhus University192812
7Danmarks Tekniske University182911
8Herlev Hospital19768

Insights and Key Findings:

    1. Striking Sector Distribution: Higher Education and R&D sectors lead the charge in innovation, with notable contributions from Healthcare. However, universities outshine healthcare institutions, hinting at a concentrated innovation effort within academic and research institutes.
    1. University Powerhouses in Patent Filings: Denmark’s top patent filers are predominantly from the Higher Education sector, with the University of Copenhagen (49 patents) and Aalborg University (19 patents) leading the pack. This highlights the country’s strong focus on research and innovation within its oldest universities.
    1. Healthcare Institutions as Innovators: Rigshospitalet (18 patents) and Herlev Hospital (8 patents) stand out as innovators, showing that Danish hospitals are actively contributing to advancements in medical devices and healthcare technologies, crucial for public health progress.
    1. Legacy Institutions Leading Innovation: Denmark’s oldest institutions, like the University of Copenhagen (founded in 1479) and Rigshospitalet (founded in 1757), are at the forefront of patent activity, underscoring how a rich historical legacy can foster a thriving research culture.

Need to know anything else? We got you covered!


Fill the form to get the details:

Fill the form to get the details:

Our comprehensive report provides an in-depth look into the patent portfolio. The report includes a breakdown of the patent portfolio across various technologies, listing the patent along with brief summaries of each patent's technology.