The Open Discovery Innovation Network (ODIN) was established at Aarhus University in 2020 through cascade funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF). In 2024, NNF awarded over 180 million DKK to expand the programme by establishing a national network, facilitating co-creation of novel research projects between academic and industrial partners from the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, and providing funding for the academic component of these joint initiatives.
In 2026, the Lundbeck Foundation joined ODIN, further expanding both the scientific scope and the financing available to support these high-impact, collaborative projects.
ODIN’s open approach is designed to act as both a substrate and a catalyst for innovation. All ODIN projects are equal partnerships between academia and industry, focused on precompetitive research and grounded in real industrial research needs. Projects are expected to generate the foundational building blocks required for the downstream development of innovative therapeutics and diagnostics, while sharing data and results openly to accelerate progress across the broader research and innovation ecosystem.
Watch the video to the right for a short introduction to what ODIN is and why you should join.
Below, you will find links to the most relevant information on ODIN.
The Open Discovery Innovation Network (ODIN) was established at Aarhus University in 2020 through cascade funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF). In 2024, NNF awarded over 180 million DKK to expand the programme by establishing a national network, facilitating co-creation of novel research projects between academic and industrial partners from the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, and providing funding for the academic component of these joint initiatives.
In 2026, the Lundbeck Foundation joined ODIN, further expanding both the scientific scope and the financing available to support these high-impact, collaborative projects.
ODIN’s open approach is designed to act as both a substrate and a catalyst for innovation. All ODIN projects are equal partnerships between academia and industry, focused on precompetitive research and grounded in real industrial research needs. Projects are expected to generate the foundational building blocks required for the downstream development of innovative therapeutics and diagnostics, while sharing data and results openly to accelerate progress across the broader research and innovation ecosystem.
Want to know more? Watch the video for a short introduction to what ODIN is and why you should join.
Further below, you will find links to the most relevant information.
ABOUT ODIN
We unite bright minds from industry and academia to jointly create need-driven clinical research projects - and pave the way for innovative new treatments and diagnostics. We fund the best project ideas through competitive funding calls. Although companies cannot receive funding, it is free of charge to join.
The platform is sponsored by the Novo Nordisk Foundation with 180 million DKK from 2024-2029.
CONTACT ODIN
You are welcome to contact us if you have questions or comments. Reach out to odin@au.dk or find the Secretariat's direct email addresses under contacts.
Although the platform spans five Danish universities, we're based in Aarhus. Our office is located at Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, Bldg 1535-117.
