Innovation

Successful entrepreneur: ”We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for DTU”

DTU spinout Norlase has just received a loan of up to €20 million from the European Investment Bank. The company, that makes lasers to treat eye disease, is evidence that DTU's innovation ecosystem makes a difference.

Norlase CEO Oliver Hvidt (right) held a signing ceremony with The European Investment Bank at DTU, where DTU President Anders Bjarklev also participated. Photo: Davy Denke

Monday 03 March 2025

Sole Bugge Møller

About ten years ago, promising laser technology and three patents from DTU led to the birth of Norlase as a DTU spinout. Today, Norlase employs 60 people and is responsible for pioneering portable lasers to treat a range of eye diseases that can otherwise lead to vision loss and blindness.

Its successful journey from research to established technology company has prompted the European Investment Bank (EIB) to provide a loan of up to €20 million to support Norlase's continued growth. The support is part of the EU's goal to strengthen European companies that develop critical technology and ensure strategic autonomy.

Though Norlase's technology is at a different point now than the original DTU patents, the university has played a significant role in the company's ascent.

“There would be no Norlase today if it weren't for DTU's mindset of pushing technology beyond the ramp and bringing industry and research together,” says Oliver Hvidt, CEO of Norlase.

Norlase was originally part of the DTU project ‘Bridging the Gap’, which aimed to create sustainable spinouts by matching researchers with experienced external entrepreneurs. Over the years, Norlase has had several research collaborations with DTU with grants from the EU and Innovation Fund Denmark, and the company has employed several industrial PhDs from DTU and recruited extensively among the university’s graduates.

“There is much synergy between us and DTU, and looking ahead, we have ambitions to enter new technology areas, where we will also utilize our relationship with DTU as it creates value for both parties. At DTU, there is a mindset that research does not only belong in laboratories but also industry,” says Oliver Hvidt.

Norlase produce portable lasers that can be used to treating eye diseases, such as their latest product called Lynx. Photo: Davy Denke.

The ecosystem is a priority

For the European Investment Bank (EIB), Norlase represents the type of high-tech companies they wish to promote and that the EU is also focused on strengthening even more in the future.

“Norlase’s technology is top of its class and a real example of excellence in European innovation,” says EIB Vice President Ionnis Tsakiris, who took part in a signing ceremony at DTU along with Norlase and DTU President Anders Bjarklev.

DTU's Senior Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Marianne Thellersen, is delighted to see one of the university's spinouts achieve great success.

“This shows how important it is to support innovation and entrepreneurship at DTU. Our research can be translated into practical solutions that can potentially create real societal change. That's why we will continue to prioritize creating an ecosystem where new ideas can flourish and develop,” she says.

Facts

DTU’s innovation ecosystem

At DTU, students and employees receive support in turning inventions and discoveries into enterprising companies and engage in innovative collaborations with the society around us. All because we are driven by the desire to develop new technologies that can help solve the challenges facing the world.

In addition, DTU has a range of stakeholders that support a well-developed innovation ecosystem. Some of these stakeholders are:

  • DTU Skylab - an innovation hub – a meeting place for students, researchers, and external collaborators. DTU Skylab provides various resources and facilities to foster innovation among researchers and students across DTU in collaboration with companies, organizations, and other universities. 

  • DTU Entrepreneurship - a centre where research and education in entrepreneurship are conducted. The centre, in close collaboration with companies and the business community, develops practice-oriented education programs and courses in entrepreneurship. 

  • DTU Science Park - one of Europe's largest and leading communities for deep tech companies. DTU Science Park is internationally recognized and offers growth programs for startups and facilities and services that create optimal conditions for growth.

  • PSV Foundry – was established by DTU more than 20 years ago. Today, DTU’s subsidiary builds connections in the startup ecosystem at DTU and in Europe.

Contact

Marianne Thellersen

Marianne Thellersen Senior Vice President - Innovation and Entrepreneurship Office for Research, Advice and Innovation Mobile: 40 51 44 10