Gov. Jared Polis and state officials are visiting several Scandinavian countries on an “investment mission” they say would “encourage and spur more international investment into Colorado.” 

Polis, along with a group of delegates and officials from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the Department of Natural Resources, will visit Denmark, Sweden and Finland. The officials will hold meetings with companies, investors, and diplomats in major cities including Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki, Polis’ office said.  

“Colorado is a global economic leader,” Polis said. “Our strong international relationships create jobs for Coloradans and boost investment in our state. I am thrilled to help build new partnerships in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, nations that share our commitment to renewable energy, technological innovation, quantum computing and other thriving Colorado industries.”

In Sweden, the delegation will explore several areas of economic development, including entrepreneurship, robotics and artificial intelligence, and clean technology, the governor’s office said.

The visit to Denmark will focus on new opportunities in wind, solar, and hydrogen energies, as well as energy storage and urban sustainability. In Finland, the delegation will celebrate a 2022 memorandum of understanding between Colorado and the Finnish government to collaborate on investments, research, and business expansions within the sustainable technology sector. 

“Western Europe is a leading destination for Colorado business expansion, and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland and Sweden offer significant opportunities for growth in areas that are strategically important to our state,” said Eve Lieberman, executive director of OEDIT.

Delegates will include representatives from Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and Golden’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Trip activities were paid for by delegate fees, while delegates are required to pay for their own travel and expenses. The Goveror’s Office and OEDIT will not release the final cost of the trip until it is complete.