Navitas sold to AAA United - A strategic milestone for Aarhus University and INCUBA
For INCUBA, the sale is a strategic effort to support growth and innovation in Aarhus. Jacob Doktor Mogensen, CEO of INCUBA, elaborates:
‘The sale of Navitas is part of our strategy to create the best possible framework for the knowledge and research emanating from Aarhus University. It's about translating ideas and research into new companies and jobs that strengthen Aarhus as a leading city for innovation and entrepreneurship.’
A natural step in INCUBA's development
Since the establishment of Denmark's first science park on 11 September 1986, INCUBA has adapted to the development of the ecosystem of companies, knowledge and Aarhus University. The first temporary framework consisted of pavilions of 2,500 square metres at Gustav Wieds Vej, strategically located close to the University Park, and by the end of 1999, the foundation was already laid for a science park at the new Skejby Hospital and an IT science park at Katrinebjerg, as the university's IT activities were to gather there. The concrete was barely dry in the INCUBA buildings at Katrinebjerg before the next project was launched: 10,000 square metres of science park in the Navitas building at the harbour, co-located with Aarhus School of Engineering and the Aarhus School of Engineering. INCUBA has had a science park there since 2014.
‘Although the Navitas building will be handed over to a new owner in 2031, INCUBA Navitas will continue to be the leading entrepreneurial hub for energy and cleantech in Aarhus in the coming years. Through the close collaboration with the companies at Navitas, we ensure that we maintain the framework for innovation, sustainable solutions and growth in one of the most important sectors of the future, which we have worked to build, look after and nurture since 2014,’ says Jacob Mogensen and adds:
‘As part of our natural development, we have just inaugurated 22,0000 new square metres for innovation at Katrinebjerg. This state-of-the-art building is dedicated to supporting Aarhus' ambition to become a globally leading centre for entrepreneurship, technology and the transformation of research into jobs.’
Community activities continue at Navitas
Although the Navitas building has been sold, INCUBA will continue to offer a strong community for companies and employees on site until the handover in 2031.
Camilla Dalsgaard Larsen, Director of Community, Communications & Acceleration, says:
‘INCUBA is not just about physical space - it's also about community. We continue to create activities and offers that strengthen our community at Navitas. From events like Gin & Tech and professional networking to social events like communal brunches and the Thursday bar INCUBAR. We ensure that the synergies between the companies continue and that there is a vibrant and inspiring environment for years to come.’
Buyer ensures long rental period
The property company AAA United is now taking over ownership of AU's and INCUBA's shares. CEO Anders Krogh looks forward to a good collaboration with both co-owner and tenants in Navitas.
‘We're delighted to have the opportunity to co-own a distinctive building in a fantastic location in Aarhus - a city we love. Throughout the process, we have had a good dialogue with Aarhus University and INCUBA, who both continue as tenants, and we look forward to a similarly good collaboration with Aarhus School of Engineering,’ he says.
A big step for Aarhus
With the sale of the Navitas building and the expansion at Katrinebjerg, Aarhus University and INCUBA are taking a crucial step in the development of Aarhus as a leading innovation and tech hub. The goal is to create the best possible conditions for companies, research and entrepreneurship - and thereby contribute to growth and employment in the city.
For further information, please contact:
Jacob Doktor Mogensen, Managing Director, INCUBA, E-mail: jm@incuba.dk, Phone: +45 6171 8162
