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If you have an egg and I have an egg and we swap
- We both have an egg.
If I have an idea and you have an idea and we swap
- We both have two ideas.
Chinese proverb
The best innovation house in Denmark
Innovatorium is the best innovation house in Denmark in terms of network, synergy, innovation and growth. Good business ideas do not get better growth conditions than here in the innovation incubator of the Herning-Ikast area, where the entrepreneurial spirit is nourished by the proximity with researchers, students, business promoters and entrepreneurial companies. To sum it up in one sentence; Innovatorium is the optimal environment for sharing of knowledge and growth - for large and especially for small businesses.
Sweden 2000
A study trip to Sweden can lead to much. For the former rector of Institute of Business and Technology in Herning, Aage Erhardtsen, a trip to Högskolan Halmstad led to a vision of creating an innovative entrepreneurial environment in Herning. The idea was to create a research and development environment where venture capital, corporate advisory and mentors live under the same roof.
Local support
Ikast Municipality, Herning Municipality and Herning & the Trade Council of Ikast-Brande were immediately interested in the idea of creating an entrepreneurial environment focusing on innovation in the local area. The idea was so appealing that the Director of the Trade Council, Torben Henriksen, successfully managed to obtain financial support from several local businesses.
Stage I, 2002
The groundbreaking ceremony for BIRC Estate (Birk Innovation & Research Centre, which was the first name) was initiated in January 2002 and the building was ready to welcome the first tenants at the end of the year.
The first stage was designed by the top architects Plus Office A / S, and consists of 5200 m2.
In 2005 there was a need for expanding. It had become necessary to rent meeting rooms and outdoor pavilions as offices. This marked the beginning of the second stage.
Stage II, 2007
The second stage was designed in the same spirit as the first stage but this time by a local architect firm called arkitec as. The extension contains 4,600 m2, and was ready in March 2007.
At the same time the name was changed to Innovatorium A / S, seeing that it sends a more clear message about what the house contains and can offer.
Today Innovatorium hosts approx. 60 companies, a dynamic cocktail of entrepreneurs, business operators, research and training, consultants, knowledge centres and development centres.
Innovatorium’s vision
Innovatorium wants to be known as the best innovation house in Denmark which create the optimal environment for innovative new entrepreneurs with growth potential and inspire existing internal and external companies to grow and thus contribute to the winner companies of tomorrow.
Innovatorium wants to be known as a unique innovation environment where innovative entrepreneurs, researchers, students, business promoters, and companies strengthen a mutual development through sharing of knowledge and networking.