1924
The Novo Nordisk Foundation was established on 1 June 1924
Infectious diseases, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease are a threat to global public health.
We must solve the climate crisis and develop tomorrow’s food production so that we can feed a growing world population in a sustainable way.
A robust life science ecosystem is a prerequisite for scientific breakthroughs and for developing new technologies that can help to solve major societal challenges.
100 years have passed since our founders created what is now the Novo Nordisk Foundation. We are sure they would find today’s world a much better place than the one they lived in.
As we mark our centennial, the Novo Nordisk Foundation reaffirms its commitment to being a catalyst for better human and planetary health. We are mindful of the responsibilities that come with being a resourceful organisation. We pledge to be transparent about our work, involve our stakeholders in shaping our strategies, and address the concerns that some may have with the science and technologies that we support. Only this way can we earn the trust of our stakeholders and make a meaningful impact together.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation awards grants based on applications in open competition and supports a wide range of areas within health, sustainability and life science.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation is an independent Danish enterprise foundation. Characterised as a non-profit organisation, it supports philanthropic purposes using funds deriving from its ownership of and investment in companies and other financial assets.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation was established on 1 June 1924
In 2023, the Foundation awarded a total of DKK 9.1 billion in grants for new projects and initiatives.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s investment activities are carried out by the Foundation’s fully owned subsidiary Novo Holdings. The purpose of Novo Holdings is to be a supportive owner of the Novo Group companies and to generate long-term returns on the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Read more at novoholdings.dk.