Katrine Qvortrup has gained substantial attention for, together with Senior Researcher Carsten Dam-Hansen, spearheading a transformative approach to denim dyeing that replaces traditional, environmentally damaging indigo production with a clean, light‑activated process. Using a natural precursor, indican, combined with near‑UV illumination, her method produces indigo directly on textile yarn - eliminating the need for toxic chemicals and drastically reducing water consumption and waste. The project is supported by a prestigious Distinguished Innovator Grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, awarded to Qvortrup and Dam‑Hansen for their collaborative contribution to the technology.
The Open Entrepreneurship Conference is known for bringing together influential researchers, founders, policymakers, and investors to explore how Danish universities can accelerate the commercial impact of frontier science. Qvortrup’s presentation is expected to be one of the conference’s highlights, demonstrating how sustainable chemistry can pave the way for radically cleaner industrial practices - particularly in sectors like textiles, where environmental challenges remain pressing.
Her talk will outline the science behind the light‑driven indigo process, the steps required to scale it for industrial implementation, and emerging opportunities for startup creation and industrial partnerships. As the fashion sector accelerates its search for greener solutions, the technology represents a strong candidate for future commercialization - aligning perfectly with the mission of the conference.
The Open Entrepreneurship Conference 2026 will gather stakeholders from across Denmark’s innovation ecosystem, and Qvortrup’s contribution is expected to underscore how university‑led research can shape more sustainable industries at national and global levels.
See the event here: Årskonference hos Open Entrepreneurship - Altinget
