Clean
Clean is a non-profit Danish cluster organization that connects 300+ member companies, utilities, universities, and public bodies around water and environmental technology innovation. It runs funding programs, innovation challenges, and international delegations financed by memberships, Danish government grants, and EU programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersSønderborg, Denmark
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Clean does
Clean (legal name: Clean – Danmarks Vand- og Miljøklynge, DBA: Clean – Denmark's Water and Environmental Cluster) is a non-profit cluster organization headquartered in Sønderborg, Denmark, founded in 2014 and operating with 51-100 staff. Clean binds Danish SMEs, water utilities, GTS institutes, universities, and public-sector bodies around market-driven green innovation in water and environmental technology, serving as Denmark's designated national cluster for the sector. The organization connects more than 300 member companies operating in an addressable universe of 839 water and environmental technology firms responsible for 71,000+ full-time jobs and DKK 165.2 billion in sector turnover (DKK 119 billion within member companies).
Clean's product surface is a portfolio of programs, projects, and funding instruments rather than a unified technology platform. Core offerings include the Lighthouse for Water national innovation initiative (DKK 41.2 million total funding, with DKK 26.7 million to Clean), the ReCircWater Interreg South Baltic stormwater project, the Capture North and Øresund CCUS consortia for carbon capture, the BlueGreen Innovation Challenge, Innovation Camp Nairobi (I4WASH 2026), the IWA Glasgow exhibition program, the Tech Tour Water Tech investor platform, and grant-track programs such as Knowledge Bridge Express (up to DKK 200,000 per project) and PFAS innovation funding (up to DKK 100,000 per company). Underlying infrastructure is a non-proprietary cluster-management platform backed by dedicated in-house Data & BI and AI/BI personnel and supported by Cluster Management Excellence Gold Label certification.
The business model is membership-based with a heavy grant-overlay. Recurring revenue comes from membership fees paid by 300+ member companies, with publicly undisclosed pricing. The dominant revenue stream is project funding secured from the Danish Board of Business Development (Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelse), the Danish Energy Agency, and EU programs including Interreg, Horizon Europe, the European Social Fund, the Digital Europe Programme, and Erasmus+. Event participation fees vary: Innovation Camp Nairobi is priced at DKK 10,000, IWA Glasgow exhibitor packages at DKK 25,000 (with a DKK 35,000 grant available), and the BlueGreen Innovation Challenge is free of charge. Geographic reach spans Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Germany, Canada, USA, China, South Korea, Kenya, and Colombia through delegation programs, EU-funded consortia, and bilateral partnerships with organizations such as Innovation Centre Denmark, the Danish Export Association, and the International Cleantech Network.
Clean firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Clean
- Legal name
- Clean
- Website
- https://cleancluster.dk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Clean is a non-profit Danish cluster organization that connects 300+ member companies, utilities, universities, and public bodies around water and environmental technology innovation. It runs funding programs, innovation challenges, and international delegations financed by memberships, Danish government grants, and EU programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Clean industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Water and Environmental Technology Cluster Services
- NAICS
- Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (22131), Environmental Consulting Services (541620), Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (924)
- SIC
- Water Supply (4941), Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900), Refuse Systems (4953)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Solutions (BPAGALAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Water Resources, WASH & Integrated Water Management (BPADALAH), Pollution Prevention, Chemicals & Waste (incl. Plastics) (BPADALAJ), WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) Organizations (HLAJAKAI), Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) (BPAGABAC)
Keywords
Where Clean is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sønderborg
- HQ country
- Denmark
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Clean business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: Clean operates as a membership-based cluster organization where companies pay to join and gain access to networks, projects, funding opportunities, and international collaboration platforms.
- Project Funding and Grants: Clean receives significant funding through Danish government bodies (Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelse, Danish Energy Agency) and EU programs (Interreg, Horizon Europe, European Social Fund). Funding supports innovation collaborations, international projects, and cluster operations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Innovation Camp Nairobi - 10,000 DKK participation fee |
| Other | Multi-year contract | IWA Glasgow 2026 exhibitor package - 25,000 DKK |
| Freemium | Annual | BlueGreen Innovation Challenge 2026 - Free |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Clean product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Clean operates as Denmark's national cluster organization for water and environmental technology, delivering network-based services that connect SMEs, utilities, research institutions, and public-sector stakeholders. It runs a portfolio of innovation programs (e.g., BlueGreen Innovation Challenge, Lighthouse for Water), funding instruments (Knowledge Bridge Express, PFAS Innovation Funding, International Innovation Pilot), international market-access programs (Innovation Camp Nairobi, IWA Glasgow, CCUS Delegation to Canada), and collaborative projects (ReCircWater, Capture North) that help Danish members develop, test, and scale water and environmental technology solutions.
Product overview
Clean is Denmark's Water and Environmental Cluster—a non-profit network organization that connects companies, utilities, knowledge institutions, and public sector actors around market-driven green innovation. Rather than a single unified product, Clean operates as a portfolio of programs, projects, and services: Innovation challenges (BlueGreen Innovation Challenge), international market access programs (Innovation Camp Nairobi, CCUS Delegation to Canada), funding initiatives (Knowledge Bridge Express, PFAS Innovation Funding, Lighthouse for Water), and collaborative research projects (ReCircWater, Capture North). These offerings are designed to support Danish SMEs in developing, testing, and scaling water and environmental technology solutions through network facilitation, project collaboration, and access to international markets.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- BlueGreen Innovation Challenge (BIC) An open innovation challenge that brings together regional and municipal authorities, utilities, consultants, researchers, manufacturers, students, and implementing companies to work on real-life challenges within water management, nature-based solutions, and resource efficiency. Participation is free of charge, including catering and facilities.
- Innovation Camp Nairobi (I4WASH 2026) A program for Danish SMEs to explore export and partnership opportunities in East Africa, focused on water, sanitation, and climate adaptation in Kenya. Companies can apply for grants of up to DKK 40,000 for activities related to Innovation Camp Nairobi and I4WASH 2026. Participation fee: 10,000 DKK.
- Knowledge Bridge Express
Quantifiable outcome
- 839 water and environmental technology companies connected in Denmark
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Clean
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Clean technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Clean partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
38 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- VIA University CollegecoreCo-organizer of BlueGreen Innovation Challenge 2026 (BIC26), hosted at VIA University College Campus Horsens.
- DNNK – Det Nationale Netværk for KlimatilpasningcoreCo-organizer of BlueGreen Innovation Challenge 2026, bringing together value chain participants from authorities, utilities, consultants, researchers, and companies.
- Erhvervshus MidtjyllandcoreCo-organizer of BlueGreen Innovation Challenge 2026, supporting innovation in water management and climate adaptation.
- ICDK – Innovation Centre DenmarkcoreCollaborator in Innovation Camp Nairobi and I4WASH 2026, providing market insights and connections through Danish Embassy in Kenya.
- Danish Embassy in KenyacorePartner in Innovation Camp Nairobi providing introduction to Kenyan market and innovation opportunities.
- International Cleantech NetworkcoreInternational network collaborator in Innovation Camp Nairobi supporting global cleantech collaboration.
- Quercus GroupmajorLocal partner in Kenya supporting Innovation Camp Nairobi program delivery.
- Green Hub DenmarkcorePart of Capture North collaboration organizing CCUS delegation to Alberta, Canada (September 2026) to gain access to one of the world's most mature CCUS ecosystems.
- NIRAScorePartner in Tech Tour Water Tech 2026, one of Europe's leading platforms for connecting water technology companies with investors.
- Water Valley DenmarkcorePartner in Tech Tour Water Tech 2026, supporting water technology innovation ecosystem.
- Aarhus UniversitycorePartner in Tech Tour Water Tech 2026 supporting water innovation collaboration.
- Danish Export AssociationcoreCollaboration partner organizing Danish Pavilion at IFAT 2026, the world's leading trade fair for environmental technologies.
- Alexandra InstitutecoreKnowledge institution partner providing technology testing support, sensor solutions, and data analysis for member company innovation projects including RUNI vibration sensor testing.
- Sweden Water ResearchcorePartner in ReCircWater Interreg South Baltic project addressing stormwater management, treatment, and reuse.
- University of GdańskcorePartner in ReCircWater project contributing to stormwater treatment pilot and analysis.
- Klaipėda UniversitycorePartner in ReCircWater project representing Lithuanian participation in Baltic Sea stormwater management collaboration.
- NovafoscoreLead utility in ReCircWater project, hosting stormwater treatment pilot in Gentofte, Denmark.
- Green Hub DenmarkcoreInternational collaboration project 'Capture North' launched by Green Hub Denmark, Clean, and Triangle Energy Alliance to develop Danish expertise in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Project receives funding from Danish Energy Agency from January 2026 until end of 2027.
- Triangle Energy AlliancecorePart of Capture North collaboration to strengthen Danish CCUS development through international knowledge exchange with Alberta, Canada and expansion to California. Delegation trips planned to Alberta (fall 2026) and California (2027).
- International Cleantech NetworkcoreClean collaborates with ICN on EU funding programs and shares experience across European projects.
- Copenhagen Malmö Port (Ocean Valley)coreLead partner in Øresund CCUS cross-border project awarded €740,000 EU funding. Project develops Danish-Swedish collaboration platform to integrate CCUS into regional energy system, focusing on green CCUS corridor, value chain synergies, and Center of Excellence.
- E.ON Energy InfrastructuremajorConsortium member in Øresund CCUS project developing cross-border carbon capture, utilization and storage scheme.
- Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon ShippingmajorConsortium member working on sustainable fuels for shipping and aviation sectors as part of Øresund CCUS project.
- DTU – Technical University of DenmarkcoreResearch partner in Lighthouse for Water project providing research capacity and advanced test infrastructure.
- Aarhus UniversitycoreResearch partner in Lighthouse for Water project contributing to innovation collaborations.
- Teknologisk Institut (Danish Technological Institute)coreGTS institute partner in Lighthouse for Water project providing testing facilities and technical expertise.
- Aarhus Vand A/ScoreUtility partner in Lighthouse for Water providing test facilities and challenge identification for innovation collaborations.
- Energy Cluster DenmarkcoreLead of Carbon Capture to Korea (C2K) project bringing Danish CCUS expertise to South Korea. Clean participates as partner.
- Innovation Centre Denmark (Seoul)corePartner in C2K project providing connections to Korean innovation ecosystem and market entry support.
- INNO-CCUS (DTU Chemistry)coreDanish anchor in Danish-American Research and Innovation Network on Carbon Removal and CCUS, hosting Stanford University delegation.
- Stanford UniversitycoreUS partner in Danish-American Research and Innovation Network, participating in delegation on carbon removals with focus on biochar and enhanced rock weathering.
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)coreUS partner in Danish-American Research and Innovation Network on Carbon Removal and CCUS.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)coreUS partner in Danish-American Research and Innovation Network on Carbon Removal and CCUS.
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research KielcoreProject lead in RECOVER Interreg project developing digital model of Baltic Sea using microalgae as biological indicators. Clean participates as network partner.
- University of Southern Denmark (SDU)coreDanish partner in RECOVER project developing AI-supported data processing and simulation platform for Baltic Sea monitoring.
- AL-INVEST Verde ProgrammecoreEuropean program under which Green Impackt project was implemented, connecting Colombian SMEs with European circular economy expertise.
- Odense RoboticsmajorCollaboration partner in 'Talent to a Green Denmark' project developing new recruitment methods for international specialists.
- Copenhagen CapacitymajorCollaboration partner in 'Talent to a Green Denmark' project working to attract and retain international talent for Danish companies.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Clean competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Water Valley Denmark: Danish water technology cluster organization based in Aarhus that connects companies, utilities, and research institutions. Direct peer to Clean as it operates in the same national water innovation ecosystem and co-organizes events such as Tech Tour Water Tech.
- Copenhagen Capacity: Copenhagen-based investment promotion and cluster organization. Direct peer collaborating with Clean on the 'Talent to a Green Denmark' project, sharing a focus on attracting international talent and investment to Danish green industries.
- Energy Cluster Denmark: Danish national cluster for energy innovation headquartered in Copenhagen. Direct peer operating under the same Danish cluster designation framework and partnering with Clean on cross-thematic initiatives like the Carbon Capture to Korea (C2K) project.
- Odense Robotics: Danish national cluster for robotics and automation based in Odense. Direct peer that collaborates with Clean on talent attraction and is part of the same national cluster ecosystem supported by Danish Board of Business Development.
- Green Hub Denmark: Danish green transition cluster organization. Direct peer that co-leads the Capture North CCUS project with Clean, demonstrating overlapping mandate in green innovation ecosystem coordination.
Others
- NIRAS: International engineering and consulting firm with strong water and environment practice. Adjacent peer that partners with Clean on Tech Tour Water Tech 2026, providing consulting services to the same water sector ecosystem Clean facilitates.
- Alexandra Institute: Danish GTS-institute providing applied IT and sensor technology services. Adjacent peer that supports Clean member innovation projects with sensor testing and data analysis expertise (e.g., vibration sensor testing for RUNI).
Broad incumbents
- Water Europe: European-wide water stakeholder platform organized under the European Commission. Broad incumbent peer serving a similar water innovation coordination role but at the pan-European level rather than the national level.
- International Cleantech Network (ICN): Global network of cleantech clusters headquartered in Denmark. Broad peer that supports Clean on EU funding programs and Innovation Camp Nairobi, providing a wider international cleantech cluster umbrella.
Regional players
- Sweden Water Research: Swedish water research and innovation organization. Regional peer that collaborates with Clean on the ReCircWater Interreg South Baltic project, focused on stormwater research with comparable mission but operating in Sweden.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Clean social profiles
Digital presenceClean compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Clean financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Clean leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Clean funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Clean M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Clean
What does Clean do?
Clean operates as Denmark's national cluster organization for water and environmental technology, delivering network-based services that connect SMEs, utilities, research institutions, and public-sector stakeholders. It runs a portfolio of innovation programs (e.g., BlueGreen Innovation Challenge, Lighthouse for Water), funding instruments (Knowledge Bridge Express, PFAS Innovation Funding, International Innovation Pilot), international market-access programs (Innovation Camp Nairobi, IWA Glasgow, CCUS Delegation to Canada), and collaborative projects (ReCircWater, Capture North) that help Danish members develop, test, and scale water and environmental technology solutions.
Is Clean a public or private company?
Clean is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Clean founded?
Clean was founded in 2014. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Clean based?
Clean is headquartered in Sønderborg, Denmark, in the Europe region.
How does Clean make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are project Funding and Grants.
Who are Clean's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Water Valley Denmark, Copenhagen Capacity, Energy Cluster Denmark, Odense Robotics and Green Hub Denmark. Others are NIRAS and Alexandra Institute. Broad incumbents are Water Europe and International Cleantech Network (ICN). Sweden Water Research is listed as a regional player.
Does Clean have an API?
No public API is recorded for Clean.
What industry is Clean in?
Clean's product category is Water and Environmental Technology Cluster Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAI, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Solutions, with a secondary code of BPADALAH, Water Resources, WASH & Integrated Water Management. Its NAICS code is 22131 and its SIC code is 4941.