Independent Danish enterprise foundation Novo Nordisk Foundation announced on Thursday that it has awarded nearly DKK10.1bn (EUR1.35bn) in 2024 to support approximately 1,800 projects focused on health, sustainability and technological advancements. This milestone coincides with the Foundation's 100th anniversary and marks the first time annual philanthropic grants exceeded DKK1bn.

Initiatives included the first Novo Nordisk Foundation Global Science Summit, gathering 150 experts to discuss health and sustainability challenges. A global partnership with the Gates Foundation and Wellcome was established to address critical health issues. Denmark's first AI supercomputer, Gefion, powered by NVIDIA, was launched to support research in healthcare, quantum computing and the green transition.

Expansion in East Africa included a new Nairobi office and the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals in Kenya, strengthening training in cardiometabolic diseases. Regenerative medicine became a strategic focus, emphasizing stem-cell-based therapies.

More than DKK2.8bn (EUR375m) was awarded through open competition grants, including funding for six Challenge Programme projects, 41 researchers under the Research Leader Programme and the Ancient Environmental Genomics Initiative for Sustainability. CARB-X received funding to combat drug-resistant infections, while the BRIGHT initiative at the Technical University of Denmark secured DKK1bn (GBP134m) to advance biosolutions.

Mental health funding included DKK150m (EUR20.1m) for "Best for Us," a project supporting children and adolescents, co-funded by the Obel Family Foundation. Campus Kalundborg received DKK202m (EUR27.1m) to enhance biomanufacturing education.

A long-term commitment of up to DKK10bn (EUR1.35bn) was made to transform Danish land for biodiversity and modern agricultural practices, with the first grant supporting a rewilding project along the Kongeåen River.

(EUR1=GBP0.83)