As of February 1, 2026, the inaugural cohort of the NovoNordisk Foundation and UC Investments-funded California-Denmark Innovator Fellowship was successfully underway. After months of planning, the six PhDs and Postdoctoral scholars landed in each other’s countries to begin the immersive experience of understanding the research-to-startup enterprise in food, health and green technologies.
The fellowship was designed to build a durable bridge of talent between the California and Danish innovation ecosystems, accelerating technological progress toward improved public health and a sustainable green transition.
Three UC Davis-affiliated fellows have begun their Danish placements:
Ian Nielsen started his engagement at the Danish Technical University (DTU) in mid-January, joining the lab of Dr. Peter Jensen. His research explores the valorization of spent yeast waste streams from brewing. In April, he will transition to DTU Skylab to explore how DTU’s technologies are successfully launched into companies.
Tana Jo Almand began her work at Aarhus University’s ANIVET Modeling Lab under Dr. Mogens Krugh. Her project investigates the use of blood biomarkers and metabolites collected during a cow’s dry period to predict fresh cow disease, exploring the development of surveillance and intervention tools. In April, she will move to Copenhagen’s BioInnovation Institute (BII) to gain exposure to the commercialization of planetary health technologies.
Lik Xian Lim has started his appointment at the University of Copenhagen’s Sensory & Consumer Science unit with Dr. Wender Bredie. His work expands on his postdoctoral research at UC Davis, where he investigates sensory perception of alternative proteins. In May, he will transition to the BioInnovation Institute (BII) to explore the commercialization potential of sweet proteins.
IIFH is excited to welcome three talented fellows from Danish universities, who arrived at UC Davis in February to begin their U.S. engagement as part of the program:
During their time at UC Davis, the fellows are engaging with the Siegel Lab to deepen their understanding of protein design mechanisms. They are also receiving mentorship from IIFH and IIFH-affiliated investment firm, The March Group (TMG). Together, they are working on a publication exploring the challenges and opportunities surrounding investment in food, human health, and planetary health technologies.
Beyond lab-based research, fellows are participating in a robust suite of co-curricular programming and learning designed to provide meaningful, real-world exposure to innovation and venture development. This includes weekly gatherings with like-minded PhDs and postdoctoral scholars through the Translator’s Circle, as well as attendance at leading industry conferences such as the Sustainable Food Summit, Future Food-Tech, SynBioBeta, and more. They are also engaging with the UC Investments Office’s dynamic network of startup founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders, gaining firsthand insight into how breakthrough science moves from the lab to market and scales toward impact in food and health
The California–Denmark Innovator Fellowship marks an exciting step in strengthening collaboration between California and Denmark. By immersing emerging scientific leaders in both research and commercialization ecosystems, the program is helping shape a new generation of innovators ready to advance solutions for human and planetary health.
Learn more about our fellows on our alumni page
