Invest in Aalborg

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WELCOME TO

OUR TINY METROPOLIS

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WELCOME TO

OUR TINY METROPOLIS

Invest in Aalborg

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GOOD REASONS

TO INVEST

IN AALBORG

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Location, location, locationAalborg is a tiny metropolis with a global mindset. Situated in North Denmark, Aalborg connects Scandinavia with the Continent. With direct flights to European capitals, a dynamic international port and an extensive network of road and rail connections, you have the world at your doorstep.

Some of the happiest people in EuropeThe people of Aalborg has several times been ranked as the happiest people in Europe. The city has a young and well-educated population of more than 217,000 and is home to Aalborg University with its more than 20,000 students.

Vibrant business communityAalborg offers vast business opportunities and bursts with energy and innovation. New companies expand or relocate their business to Aalborg every week – both from other regions of Denmark and from abroad.

Strong industriesAalborg is characterised by a multitude of SMEs with close ties to global markets. In particular, we have strong industries within IT and Future Tech, sustainable energy, medical and welfare technology, transport and intelligent logistics.

Value for moneySalaries, office rent, operating costs and general costs of living are considerably lower in Aalborg than, for example, in the capital of Denmark. Contact us at Invest in Aalborg and let us help you build your business case.

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45.000STUDENTS

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Aalborg is a leading European business destination whose citizens several times has been ranked as the happiest people in Europe and as those who feel the safest. Home to world-class companies, major R&D facilities, innovative entrepreneurs, a renowned university and university hospi-tal, Aalborg and North Denmark is a dynamic, thriving and business-focused region.

It’s the people and their skills that make the difference. When setting up your business in Aalborg, you gain access to a highly skilled talent pool. The total workforce amounts to 270.000 people within commuting distance. North Danes are characterised by their dedication, flexibility and high-level qualifications. In total, Aalborg has 45,000 students.

Young and growing populationWith its 217,000 citizens, Aalborg ranks as the third largest municipality in Denmark. The city is constantly growing and has a relatively young population not least thanks to its renowned educational institutions. Aalborg University and University College of Northern Denmark, among other insti-tutions, ensure a highly-skilled workforce.

Access to cutting-edge research Aalborg University is one of the most innovative universities in Europe and has more than 20,000 students. The univer-sity cooperates with universities worldwide and is home to both international researchers and students.

In particular, Aalborg University is renowed for its world- class research within IT and Future Tech, sustainable energy, medical and welfare technology, intelligent logistics, etc. In addition, Aalborg University is highly recognised for its close ties with the business community in North Denmark and its problem-based learning methods.

Aalborg University ranks as the very best university for engineering in Europe and as no. four in the world accord-ing to U.S. News & World Report which publishes ‘the Best Global Universities for Engineering’. The highly recognised Massachusetts Institute of Technology also ranks Aalborg as the fourth best engineering education in the world in their report ‘The global state of the art in engineering education’.

44%OF THE WORKFORCE IN AALBORG AGED 25-34 HOLD A BACHELOR’S OR A MASTER’S DEGREE

It’s all about finding the right people

Invest in Aalborg

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1,700 NEW INHABITANTS EVERY EACH YEAR

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217,000 inhabitantsAalborg is the 3rd largest municipality in Denmark. Particularly young people are attracted to the city and our university. As a result, 40 per cent of the inhabitants are under 30 years old. Aalborg is also the capital of North Denmark with a total population of 590,000.

9,300 companies Aalborg is home to more than 9,300 companies covering all industries, and the city welcomes around 1,000 new companies each year. Over four years, a total of 7,000 new jobs have been created - across various industries - the result of ambitious, innovative and global-thinking companies.

Global cityThere are about 12,000 international employees in Aalborg, and 4,800 international students at University College North Denmark and Aalborg University. Both figures are increasing constantly and are expanding Aalborg’s diverse talent pool providing both greater multilingual capabilities and new global opportunities.

Population development in Aalborg

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Aalborg has all the attributes of a successful, international business location that delivers high-quality, yet cost-effec-tive solutions for companies that are looking to expand or relocate. More than anything though, it is our proven track record and the scale of opportunity that set us apart from the rest of the world. At present, more than 26% of all employees in the private sector work in a company with foreign owners.

With an impressive job growth of more than three percent a year, Aalborg creates headlines. IT and Future Tech, sustainable energy, trade, transport, manufacturing and construction are among the fastest growing industries. Aalborg provides the potential of a second tier city and is characterised by a fast decision-making process.

Partnerships foster innovationAalborg is a catalyst for growth in North Denmark. The region has a long tradition for partnerships across com-panies, research institutions and the public sector. Developing clusters of high-growth industries is part of our strategy for continuous economic growth.

Industry stakeholders meet in clusters and these unique environments foster open innovation, new business opportunities and new business partners not to mention the creation of significant competitive advantages.

For international companies and investors, our clusters provide access to cutting-edge research and business opportunities as well as exceptional connections to local, national and global networks.

Why companies love AalborgWhen companies in Aalborg are asked with which local conditions they are most satisfied, they highlight:

Excellent physical and digital infrastructure

Embracing welfare system

Access to a large and highly skilled talent pool

Access to clusters and networks

Cooperation with research institutions

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Invest in Aalborg

Vibrant business opportunities

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A VIBRANTCITY

INVEST IN

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Sustainable energyAalborg offers a wealth of talent, experience and upcoming future stars within the sustainable energy industry. Large manufacturing companies as well as an ecosystem of subcontrac-tors and consultants for the energy market have given Aalborg a unique expertise in green technologies and solutions.

The world’s largest blade factory as well as a huge test centre for wind turbines make North Denmark a natural base for companies in the wind power industry. Home to one of the world’s largest solar plants, our region is also a dynamic lab for developing new innovative solutions in district heating.

Carbon neutral by 2050Aalborg is paving the way as a sustainable, future-proof city. We are committed to being carbon neutral by 2050, and by 2030 sustainable energy is to supply 60% of our total energy con-sumption. This opens significant opportunities in sustainable energy generation, waste management and energy efficiency.

The engineers of tomorrowAt Aalborg University, world-class researchers develop strong and reliable energy techniques, sustainable energy technologies and energy efficient IT solutions, as well as devising, testing and designing the smart energy system of the future. This is also where the engineers of tomorrow are educated. 800 students are en-rolled in energy-related master programs at Aalborg University.

Energy cluster creates synergyThere is a strong networking tradition between the university, the industry and the local authorities, ensuring a consistently high level of innovation and earning North Denmark a strong position in energy related fields. This tradition is carried on and developed by House of Energy - Energy Cluster Denmark which facilitates cooperation and nurtures joint innovations.

Learn more: www.house-of-energy.dk

Siemens Wind Power

Blades for wind turbines worldwide

are developed, manufactured and

tested at Siemens Wind Power in

Aalborg. It’s the world’s largest blade

factory and is located at the Port of

Aalborg. The Aalborg divison of

Siemens Wind Power is also the

largest private company in Aalborg

with more than 2,400 employees.

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“Aalborg is specifically an advantageous location for us due to the excellent

transportation infrastructure and access to the port of Aalborg. Denmark’s history as a leader

in the renewables sector and our own long history in Aalborg ensures we can rely on a

very strong local base of suppliers, consultants and support organizations as integral parts of

our value chain”.

Ken Kaser, Head of Global Blades at Siemens Windpower in Aalborg

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“It’s a huge benefit for us to have Aalborg University just around

the corner to ensure a steady talent pool with excellent IT skills.

Historically, wireless technology has been a big industry in this area

which also facilitates recruitment. The citizens of Aalborg speak very

good English and are used to collaborate with people from other

cultures and across time zones”.

Rikke Holmgaard, Head of HR at Samsung Aalborg and Samsung Cambridge

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IT and Future TechNorth Denmark and Aalborg is a hub for the development of new, globally renowned products and technologies. We are home to a mulititude of IT companies, many of which are born global. 53% have export to other European countries, 47% to other Nordic countries and 24% to North America.

Our region has a long history of being a hub for world-leading telecommunications technologies, including the invention of the embedded antenna for mobile phones at Aalborg University. Today, our areas of expertise also include smart grid, human computer interaction, health care, transport, logistics, business intelligence, Internet of Things, big data and gamification.

Smart City The city of Aalborg is developing into a Smart City, incorporating a range of applications based on the myriad of data produced by its citizens every day. This work brings together the best minds from both research and industry within the field, ensuring that our city and companies are continually at the forefront of innovation and application of IT and Future Tech.

Samsung Samsung Denmark Research Center in Aalborg develops wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, ANT and Wi-Fi. The latest wireless technologies which go into millions of products worldwide - including mobile phones, wearables and IOT solutions - are developed, tested and customer integrated in Samsung’s R&D department.

Future optimismWith over 4,500 students in the Technology Faculty at Aalborg University, we provide a critical mass of skills and a steady supply of labour flowing into the talent pool. This contributes to a solid basis for future growth and optimism in the IT and Future Tech industry. 89% of our IT companies expect an even better result this year than last year. Cooperation is the key to innovationNorth Denmark is home to the IT cluster, BrainsBusiness, which several times has been awarded the Gold Label for Cluster Excellence by the European Commission. The cluster brings together innovative companies, world-leading researchers, entrepreneurial students and forward-looking public organisations.

BrainsBusiness also serves to promote IT interests, products and services internationally by cooperating with clusters in other parts of the world.

Learn more: www.brainsbusiness.dk

Invest in Aalborg

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new companies every year1000

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Strong startup community Aalborg bursts with innovation and offers a thriving startup com-munity. About 1,000 companies decide to establish a presence in Aalborg every year - from local startups and born-globals to Danish and international companies deciding to relocate their headquarter or key divisions to the city.

Aalborg’s startup community fosters and strengthens a general you-can-do-it spirit. There are several shared offices which are designated to startup companies, and an increasing number of networks for entrepreneurs. Our very own Startup Café Aalborg is one obvious meeting place for passionated entrepreneurs.

Top 5 most popular startup industries40% of all entrepreneurs in Aalborg are between 20 and 29 years old. 60% of them hold either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree. Slightly more men than women follow their dream of setting up their own business.

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Knowledge-based services

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Cleaning and other operational services

Tunnel Vision Games

The five founders of Tunnel Vision

Games met while studying Medialogy

at Aalborg University. They develop

computer games for game enthu-

siasts around the world. Their initial

game “See You On The Other Side”

won an award for “Most Innovative

Game” at the international Casual

Connect Conference in Amsterdam.

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“I believe the chances of success for us entrepreneurs have

never been higher. We see an increasing number of shared

office possibilities, we experience a general hype about startups, and Aalborg University as well as the city of Aalborg support startups. Such matters make it easy to get

started and get through the initial, paramount phases”.

Philip Nymann, CEO and Co-founder of Tunnel Vision Games in Aalborg

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A 20-MINUTECITY

INVEST IN

AalborgPort

AalborgUniversity

Aalborg UniversityHospital

AalborgAirport

Citycentre

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Location means the world to business. And Aalborg has the world in its reach. With its extensive road and rail network, its international port and airport, Aalborg has one of the best transportation infra-structures in Northern Europe.

From the city centre it will take you 20 minutes at most to reach Aalborg Airport to the North, the Port of Aalborg to the East and Aalborg University and the new Aalborg University Hospital to the South-East. That’s why we say Aalborg is a 20-minute city.

Direct flights to European capitalsOur international airport ensures fast connections to the rest of the world. With 1,5 million passengers a year, Aalborg Airport is the third largest airport in Denmark. The airport offers free parking and lots of daily flights.

Aalborg is close to the Scandinavian cities of Oslo and Gothenburg, a 35-minute flight from Copenhagen (34 daily connections), and an hour’s flight from Amsterdam (8 daily connections).

Logistic hubOur international port is a hub for all types of freight and all kinds of transport by ship, truck and rail. The Port of Aalborg is connected to the Rotterdam-Gothenburg feeder route and has weekly connections to Rotterdam as well as Hamburg.

The Port of Aalborg handles around 17,500 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) a year and is based just 5 kilometers from the highway. The container terminal at the port has the capacity to handle 100,000 containers annually.

Nearly 100 companies have already established themselves in the attractive area around the port for easy access to the quays.

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The impressive Utzon Center is a vibrant cultural centre in Aaborg. Designed by the famous Danish architect Jørn Utzon, who was born and bred in

Aalborg, the Utzon Center is a venue where art, architecture and design coexist with exhibitions, education, conferences and culinary experiences.

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A feeling for design and usability, innovative think-ing and a great deal of determination characterise the world-renowned architects, researchers, product and service inventors who have taken their baby steps right here in Aalborg.

One of the world’s most famous architects and the father of the Sydney Opera House, Jorn Utzon, grew up in Aalborg. His unique sense of space, sound and beauty have inspired architects worldwide. His son, Kim Utzon, also an architect, still resides in Aalborg.

Aalborg University and IT companies in North Denmark have contributed to leading IT products and services. The embed-ded antenna for mobile phones was, for example, invented by Gert Froelund, Professor at Aalborg University.

“Made in Aalborg” has worldwide reach. From technical devices and services to chocolate. From functional and fashionable sportswear to patented parts and solutions that subcontracters sell worldwide to some of the largest consumer brands.

To mention but a few

AALBORG

MADE IN

Siemens wind turbine blades | Samsung bluetooth solutions | Aalborg Portland cement | Alfa Laval boilers | VELA chairs | ASETEK cooling systems |DESMI pumping systems | ASETEK cooling systems | BLIP tracking systems | Newline sportswear | Aalborg Chocolate | GomSpace nanosatellites

Invest in Aalborg

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Aalborg is a young and vibrant city which offers a multitude of cultural and gastronomic experiences as well as great shopping opportunities and room for an active lifestyle.

Summer or winter, Aalborg is always buzzing. Take a stroll along the Limfjord and enjoy the atmosphere in Europe’s happiest city. Explore the diverse street art across the city made by renowned international street artists. The skyline of Aalborg includes architectual gems like the Utzon Centre, the House of Music and the transformed power plant, Nordkraft.

Shopping and cultureThe city has a network of pedestrian areas lined with all sorts of specialty shops and large department stores to suit any need or interest in every price range. With more than 400 different places to shop and eat, Aalborg offers a vast choice.

Aalborg has a number of cinemas, theatres, festivals, the art museum “Kunsten” and several cultural centres and music venues where national and international artists often play concerts.

Sport, nature and lifestyleOnly a two minute walk from the busy streets downtown, Aalborg’s Waterfront provides an urban relief with a breathtaking view. The waterfront is a very active area with its promenades, gardens, piers and sports fields.

In Aalborg, football is synonymous with AaB who play in the Danish super league. Aalborg also has public swimming pools, a large number of fitness clubs and different sport clubs for playing tennis, football, handball etc. Running is a popular sport in Aalborg and every year, a number of run-ning events are held in the city.

Aalborg is surrounded by water and is close to the white, sandy beaches of the North Sea coast, the forest of Rold and the beautiful Rebild Hills. This allows for many different sporting activities such as rowing and kayaking, mountain biking, running and long walks in spectacular countryside.

Aalborg has been chosen as no. eight recommended place to visit by the New York Times which publishes ‘52 places to go’. Aalborg thereby beats cities like New York, Lyon, Los Angeles, Marseille and Hong Kong.

IN AALBORG

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL

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An incredible 718,000 visitors from Aalborg, North Denmark, other regions of Denmark, as well as from abroad, came to enjoy the Tall Ships Race.

Aalborg Waterfront was the scene of an intense and beautiful event which brought people of all ages together.

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DAY

KASER’S

KEN

American Ken Kaser is Head of Global Blades at Siemens Wind Power in Aalborg. He has lived in Aalborg with his Venezuelan wife and daughter aged 17 for two years.

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In the morning, I usually enjoy a quiet breakfast with my wife and daughter. The Danish lifestyle is very family centered. We have an apartment right in the center of Aalborg and enjoy the city life. I usually go to work by bus no. 11 - it’s easy and time-saving.

I have a busy schedule and two days are seldom alike. I normally start my day in the office answering my e-mails. As Director of Global Blades at Siemens Wind Power, my role is very people focused, so I spend most of my time in internal and external meetings. In Aalborg we have both our strategic and operational teams so I address a wide variety of topics every day. Our team is quite global here now – we have brought people from all over the world to Aalborg with success.

My family and I like living in Aalborg. It’s like a tiny metroplis without the hassle - all you need within short distance and a busy cultural scene. Living close to the wa-terfront, we often take walks along the Limfjord and enjoy the fresh air and numerous parks nearby.

As newcomers to Aalborg we’ve explored many of the city’s restaurants. Aalborg offers a wide choice of restaurants, fine dining and cafés. There are also our “comfort” foods, including Starbucks and the Mexican cuisine of which we are par-ticularly fond.

MORNING

AFTERNOON

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EVENING

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Home is where the heart is. To ensure a smooth transition from your present home to Aalborg, we have established International House North Denmark. We can assist you with both formal paper work and by introducing you to a large network of the Danish and international citizens already living in Aalborg.

With around 12,000 international employees and 4,800 international students, the international community in Aalborg is growing. In total, 250 different nationalities live in Aalborg.

HousingIn Aalborg you will find housing and neighbourhoods that appeal to all needs and tastes - from brand new city apart-ments at Aalborg’s Waterfront to detached houses, terraced houses and public housing.

Work-life balanceThe OECD has found Denmark to have the best work-life balance among developed countries. Our average working week is 37 hours and most Danes enjoy a high degree of flexibility at work - often being able to choose when they start their working day and having the flexibility of working from home.

Schools for allEnsuring a good education for all is paramount, and Aalborg offers many educational opportunities for children and young people. Aalborg has 50 municipal primary and lower secondary schools as well as several private schools. International education is available at both primary and secondary level.

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Invest in Aalborg

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Invest in Aalborg is a partnership between the Port of Aalborg, NOVI Research Park, Aalborg University and the City of Aalborg. It is the partnership in an increasingly globalised city that will ensure you a single point of contact and easy access to prime locations, world-class research, local business know-how and the local authorities. Let us help you build your business case. Our services are driven entirely by your needs and are independent and free of charge.

www.investinaalborg.dk.

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CATHARINA

CONTACT

Catharina Vinter Engqvist is the Director at Invest in Aalborg and your single point of contact to the City of Aalborg.

With her strong, international business background and her extensive network, she is ready to help you 24/7 to build your business case.

cve@aalborg.dk+45 2520 0128

Invest in AalborgBoulevarden 139000 AalborgDenmark

Invest in Aalborg