NIB funds Danish enzyme technology research

At the Novozymes laboratory in Bagsvaerd. Photo: Novozymes A/S.

NIB and the Danish biotech company Novozymes A/S have signed a ten-year loan agreement of the equivalent of EUR 70 million in DKK to finance research in bio-innovation technology during 2016–2018.

Novozymes’ research and development programme for the period 2016–2018 is intended to expand the company’s existing product portfolio of enzyme and microbe solutions and to tap into new business areas in bio-agriculture, biomass conversion technology, and animal health and nutrition.

Researchers in the bio-agriculture programme are looking to replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides with more sustainable solutions. The biomass conversion R&D programme focuses on the application of enzymes for cellulosic biofuels, while the animal health and nutrition programme uses enzyme technology for more environmentally efficient animal feed products.

A substantial part of Novozymes’ research is carried out at its main R&D facility in Denmark. Further, the company has several research agreements with Danish universities.

“Aside from helping to maintain Novozymes’ position as a global bio-innovation leader, NIB’s loan will support the company’s efforts to contribute new sustainable solutions to the Danish biotech cluster and to improve industrial performance in bio-agriculture and farming”, says Henrik Normann, NIB President & CEO.

Novozymes A/S is a world-leading biotechnology company that produces a wide range of enzymes and microorganisms. The company holds over 7,000 patents and is headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark.

NIB is an international financial institution owned by eight member countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. The Bank finances private and public projects in and outside the member countries. NIB has the highest possible credit rating, AAA/Aaa, with the leading rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.

For further information, please contact
Mr Vidar Omholt, Senior Manager Origination, at +358 10 618 0286,

Ms Lisa-Maria Altenberger, Communications Unit, at +358 10 618 0234,