Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question? We have gathered all the answers to the most frequently asked questions we get about BioInnovation Institute and our three programs.
If you don’t find your answer, you are more than welcome to get in touch with us by email at bioinnovation@novo.dk. You can also find contact info on all BII team members if you click on the link and scroll.
An international hub in Denmark for research-based innovation and entrepreneurship. We help people with a great idea in life science to commercialize research.
We cover the areas of pharma, medtech and biotech.
BII embraces every phase of a life science start-up. Whether the idea of pursuing entrepreneurship has briefly crossed your mind, or you already have a full business plan for your company, there is a place for you at BII.
None, yet. We expect the first companies in BII to receive external funding in 2020.
In Copenhagen Science City, Denmark, see under contact.
BII is a Novo Nordisk Foundation initiative.
Yes, we regularly host events at BII that you are welcome to join.
See under Meet the BII team
Click here and scroll to see if we have any open positions at the moment. See under vacancies.
Yes, do sign up to stay up to date on everything that goes on at BII, including dates for open calls.
On our website, see under Meet the BII team to find contact info for each team member. Reach out.
BII labs have the infrastructure and equipment for basic research and also more advanced technical equipment to suit the needs of the majority of projects. Click here and scroll to see more under facilities.
BII has a network of local and international partners with special facilities and knowledge, in case it is not available at BII. We will guide you to the right partner and set up a framework for the services.
Yes, we have facilities for GMO Class 1 and 2.
Yes, you can do small-scale radioactive work.
The BII laboratories are registered with the Danish Working Environment Authority, and we can help you submit an application for your project.
No, but we have several partners close by that can provide such services. It is possible to do work on animal tissues in BII labs.
Yes, we have set up a mechanical shop in addition to the “wet labs”, where you can prepare e.g. a prototype of your product. We also provide 3D printers and an electronic/wood/metal shop.
Yes, as part of the BII you will get private lab-benches in our open labs according to your needs, and you will also have access to all common lab facilities.
No, everyone including the BII team works in the open office space, but we do have bookable meeting rooms.
You are very welcome to take a guided tour with one of the BII team members. Get in touch with our lab manager Bo.
One of the company founders (or founders to be, if you have not yet established a company).
Unfortunately no. BII operates with a lean team and does not have the capacity to give individual feedback for all the applying projects.
The BII business development team prescreens all incoming applications and select top applicants for further due diligence.
Top applicants will then pitch in front of one of BII’s three Program Advisory Groups – either within therapeutics, health tech or bioindustrials. The Program Advisory Groups consists of VCs and experts. Finally, the group’s recommendations will form the decision of the BII Board of Directors during the establishment phase.
BII is built around a common trust that works in the world’s most successful accelerators and incubators. In addition to this, all participants, including lecturers, mentors and experts, sign a confidentiality agreement.
For any technical issues, please contact atlas_support@bii.dk.
We have open calls biannually for the Venture Lab program and Creation House program.
No. Simultaneous applications for Venture Lab and Creation House are not allowed.
Yes, you can apply again. However, we recommend that you contact BII in advance, to get some guidance on how to optimize you application.
Yes. However, a criterion for joining Creation House is that the company possess the skills needed to execute the company’s business plan. We require you to identify the profiles needed to complete the team.
Yes, but only non-dilutive funding is accepted. Professional investments and certain types of loan will exclude your company from being accepted into the Creation House program. Learn more here.
Yes, the convertible loan is provided for Danish-registered companies only. You do not need to have a company at the time of application, but you must register one if your application is successful. Read more about company eligibility here.
You should have control of the IP that is the basis of your company, e.g. through ownership or license agreements.
Not necessarily. But we do require high level dedication and priority of start-up activities.
Your start-up will be most successful by having a strong physical presence at BII. We require as a minimum that a founder or a management representative of the company is represented at the BII with strong engagement with the program. If needed, BII can help your start-up expand with qualified management based at BII.
In collaboration with the team, BII staff will evaluate on the project’s value inflection points and setup milestones. Each company will get a dedicated BII anchor who will support the team.
In 2021, we can accept 7 companies.
DKK 10 million, paid in tranches linked to scientific and commercial milestones. See the loan terms here.
Yes! But if you yourself want to be present at BII, you need a work permit. If you are not an EU citizen, this might not be possible. Please reach out to our friends at Copenhagen Capacity if you have questions.
The loan can be used for activities such as research, prototypes, patents, salary for staff and other costs associated with the commercialization process.
The loan includes no personal guarantees of repayment from the founders. In case of liquidation (company closure), the unrepaid balance of the loan will be converted into a grant from BII.
Up to 18 months.
A prototype or lead candidate
To bring the project to a stage where it can attract funding (e.g. series A) to support further development and/or growth.
Creation House is eligible for companies within the fields of therapeutics, bioindustrials and health tech. The companies must have strong commercial aspirations.
Yes, but only non-dilutive funding is accepted. Professional investments and certain types of loans may exclude your company from applying. Please be aware of the BII eligibility criteria for company ownership, found here.
Yes, but professional investments and certain types of loans may exclude your company from applying for the Creation House program, if you wish to do so after Venture Lab. We encourage companies to seek non-dilutive funding from e.g. Danish governmental programs or EU programs.
It is mandatory for at least one empowered representative of the start-up (founder/management) to be present at the bootcamp, monthly crunches, and Demo Day. It is highly recommended that the full team is present for key events such as bootcamp, Demo Day and Crunch 8.
Each company will get a dedicated BII anchor, who will follow your progress and support you through the program. You will have monthly anchor meetings.
We accept 5 companies per call.
No, as long as you are willing to establish a Danish company if your application is approved.
Yes! However, if you are not an EU citizen, it might not be possible for you to obtain a work permit. Please reach out to our friends at Copenhagen Capacity if you have questions.
Not at all. You can apply without a company but you need to establish a Danish company if you are accepted into to program.
You will be ready to execute your business plan and apply for the BII Creation House program or other types of funding.
The off-site bootcamp is the official kickoff for the program. The goal is to get you ready for the time at BII and to introduce you to the other teams.
The loan includes no personal guarantees of repayment from the founders. In case of liquidation (company closure), the unrepaid balance of the loan will be converted into a grant from BII.
12 months
The goal is to accelerate the scientific maturity of the innovation in order to attract further funding, develop a solid business plan and entrepreneurial skills for your team.
BII provides a founder-friendly convertible loan of DKK 4M. See the loan terms here.
Companies within the fields of therapeutics, bioindustrials and healthtech. The companies must have strong commercial aspirations and a novel idea. Please be aware of the BII eligibility criteria for company ownership, found here.
Besides the other program participants you will collaborate with world-class coaches, experienced entrepreneurs and subject matter experts and the BII staff.