On the deep sea of innovation

Working with academia to bring bold ideas to life

The world’s top universities and academic institutions often find themselves at the very edge of technological innovation – from quantum computing to generative AI. We’re there with them.

To stay on top of every significant emerging tech advancement within the field of life sciences requires both deep curiosity and the will to continuously learn.

In areas like data science, AI, and ML, experts from Novo Nordisk are working closely with academic institutions from all over the world to explore the possibilities and pitfalls presented by emerging tech. Two essential questions shape this collaboration: What are the most interesting emerging technologies being researched right now? And how can they be applied to help people living with serious chronic diseases?

Shifting the perspective

Historically, large corporations, including Novo Nordisk, have had a mainly internal focus with regards to discovering innovative solutions. Relying on existing capabilities and their own employees to innovate. That can take you far, but only so far.

Fortunately, that approach has changed dramatically. Today, the life science industry and academic institutions are working more closely than ever in pushing the boundaries of how emerging tech – in areas such as Blockchain and Internet of Things or cloud computing and Large Language Models – can be applied to real-world problems.

Over the years, Novo Nordisk has significantly expanded our academic partnerships globally – and continuing to do so, remains a top priority for the company.

The partnerships benefit both Novo Nordisk and the academic institutions. Digital experts and scientists from Novo Nordisk are able to support the institutions with developing digital technology – in areas such as neural networks and federated learning – from an early-stage to groundbreaking idea. For Novo Nordisk employees, the partnerships provide an opportunity to be exposed to cutting-edge research from the top-tier academic institution and experience a learning journey characterized by continuous development and rewarding challenges.

Exploring radical hypotheses is made possible through partnerships with academic institutions. Here, future foresight, long-term opportunity mapping, and emerging technologies converge to shape bold ideas at the cutting edge of technological progress – as exemplified in our partnership with MIT or the pioneering work of our colleagues, such as Tonia.

If you're interested in working with us through an academic partnership, or perhaps you want to work at Novo Nordisk alongside our emerging tech profiles, then get in touch with us.