Copenhagen Health Innovation Week: Building a Life Science Legacy

Denmark’s life science sector accounts for approximately 20% of total national exports, backed by a national strategy through 2030 designed to enhance research capacity, improve framework conditions, and elevate global competitiveness. A major cornerstone of this strategy was the 2025 launch of Innovation District Copenhagen (IDC), a closely connected public–private hub bringing together 40,000 researchers, students, and staff alongside 500 innovative companies. To capture long-term value well before hosting major international gatherings, Copenhagen Legacy Lab partnered with HIMSS, LSX Nordic Congress, and six key stakeholders to establish Copenhagen Health Innovation Week (CHIW). This pre-planned strategy aimed to leverage incoming international event traffic directly into Denmark’s life science ecosystem, creating a structured launchpad for scaling startups and attracting foreign investment.

During 18–22 May 2026, Copenhagen hosted the HIMSS European Health Conference & Exhibition alongside the LSX Nordic Congress, drawing over 2,400 global leaders across health tech, research, policy, and venture capital. CHIW activated this gathering through targeted side events, starting with a 250-person VIP reception at Danish Industry that used targeted introductions and a colour-coded lanyard system to connect international investors directly with Danish startups. The kick-off achieved an extraordinary Net Promoter Score of 87, with 93% of participants securing new connections. On day three, an international delegation of 30 startup and investment representatives toured Innovation District Copenhagen, visiting key innovation landmarks including Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital, the BioInnovation Institute (BII), and the University of Copenhagen’s Innovation Centre Lighthouse to experience Denmark’s collaborative clinical and commercial capabilities first-hand.

“Attracting large conferences is an extremely good opportunity to showcase the Danish life science ecosystem and what we can do, both within innovation, research, in the healthcare industry, and in our amazing startups” – Lea Milling Korsholm, Special Advisor, Invest in Denmark

The strategic efforts behind the event are already generating measurable impact and establishing a foundation for future growth. New foreign investments in Danish life science startups have already been secured, with Health Tech Hub Copenhagen and Invest in Denmark actively tracking total capital raised and clinical study partnerships over a two-year evaluation period. Beyond immediate financial outcomes, the initiative launched a digital network via its LinkedIn page that quickly expanded to over 1,000 followers. As organising partners evaluate transforming Copenhagen Health Innovation Week into an annual platform, this unified approach continues to turn international congress presence into scalable healthcare solutions for patients in Denmark and globally.

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