Researchers, students and new graduates from the University of Copenhagen set up an average of 290 businesses a year.
The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) produces hundreds of entrepreneurs. In 16 years, the University's researchers, students and graduates have set up more than 4,600 businesses as evidenced in a new registry-based analysis, which the University has conducted in collaboration with IRIS Group. This is equivalent to an annual 290 new start-ups launched out of the University of Copenhagen.
And while entrepreneurial activities in Denmark are generally struggling to reach the level from before the financial crisis, there has been an increase in the number of UCPH-based entrepreneurs since 2009. It is especially new graduates and researchers who are increasingly setting up their own business.
Many jobs created
The new analysis also shows that the entrepreneurs coming from UCPH are particularly good at creating new jobs. The number of employees in their businesses has been rising steadily over several years, while the numbers of a comparable group of businesses are stagnating.
The entrepreneurs from the University often work with consultancy, health or information and communication activities.
Rector: The entrepreneurial mindset is alive and kicking at UCPH
Rector Henrik C. Wegener is delighted that so many of the University's researchers, students and graduates become business founders and bring their skills into play for the benefit of society. He says:
- As a university graduate or a researcher, you have acquired a great deal of expertise and knowledge. It's wonderful that so many people dare take the plunge and create something new out of their skills. The universities' expertise should find its way into society in all manners, and the entrepreneurs are indeed a driving force to that end. Hats off to their courage and the huge effort it takes.
Historian ignited digital teaching
A fishing trip and a meeting with the editor of www.danske-dyr.dk inspired a history student from the University of Copenhagen and a fellow student to create more topical and inspiring teaching material for primary and lower secondary schools.
Together with an IT skilled friend, they founded Clio Online ApS. The updated and interactive material was in great demand, and in just a few years the business had become the supplier of teaching material for all grade classes and most subjects. The founders' network from college was initially used very actively to source expert knowledge for the new teaching materials.
The business (now CLIO) grew rapidly and was sold to Bonnier Publications in 2015. It now employs 172 people.
