Torben Klitgaard

Torben Klitgaard is the CEO of BLOXHUB – a business matchmaking community, a co-working space and a research network hub for everyone who works within sustainable urbanization.

Torben Klitgaard has degrees in M.Sc in Economics, a M.Sc in Information Management and a MBA in construction and is a Wharton Fellow in strategic leadership. As an experienced executive, Torben has a substantial track record of working in the fields of government, management consulting, architecture, entrepreneurship and tech.

BLOXHUB bridges architecture, engineering, design, construction and digitization to develop and scale sustainable urbanization initiatives. Torben Klitgaard is a driving force behind the BLOXHUB activities, facilitations and programmes, which are designed to unlock and develop the full potential of BLOXHUB members’ growth through partnerships on both a national and international scale.

BLOXHUB operates under the mottos of: “The world has become too fast, too complex, and too networked for any company to have all the answers.” – Yoachai Benkler – Harvard University. Therefore, BLOXHUB build an ecosystem based on providing a community space, networks, and collaborations.

Brief text on presentation

BLOXHUB is a co-working space and urban innovation hub in downtown Copenhagen, Denmark, that facilitates the development and promotion projects of sustainable urban futures in close collaboration with the 350 members that make up the BLOXHUB Community.

Projects such as the redesigning of the harbour contribute to the livability of the city. The harbour was redeveloped from an industrial harbour to a cultural harbour and construction and projects are still ongoing. One of the main outcomes that can be felt especially during summer is the upgrade in water quality, leading to opening the harbour for swimmers and bathers (also in winter!) and introducing several harbour baths. The harbour baths are loved my citizens and tourists and the harbour is therefore considered the 11^th city district.

Copenhagen had a huge wake up call after a heavy cloudburst in 2011. The consequences were severe, and the city took immediate action with developing a climate adaptation plan under the initiative “Copenhagen Carbon Neutral by 2025”. This plan and initiative had the result of several climate adaptation prestige projects which are also internationally known. Projects such as the climate park Enghaveparken and the Klimakvarter in Østerbro contribute not only to the adaptation to climate change but also social inclusivity and innovative urban design.

Projects such as these have resulted that the CO2 emissions on Copenhagen were reduced by 63% in almost 30 years (1990-2018).

additionally, Copenhagen is known as the city of bicycles. The city created the “right incentives” for citizens by providing efficient infrastructure. 55% of cyclers in Copenhagen say that it is easier to bike than to take any other public transportation.

Is the CEO of BLOXHUB – a business matchmaking community, a co-working space and a research network hub for everyone who works within sustainable urbanization.