Vagn Bender from Nordborg on Als has been awarded the Jørgen & Anette Clausens Product Prize 2025 for his persistent ingenuity.
It took place at a reception on Monday, September 1, 2025, in the villa of Danfoss founders Mads and Bitten Clausen in Nordborg. Jørgen and Anette Clausen themselves presented the award in the presence of, among others, representatives from the Foundation for Entrepreneurship, Bitten & Mads Clausen's Foundation, and Danfoss.
Vagn Bender together with Jørgen and Anette Clausen
Vagn Bender, at the age of 96, has obtained a patent for his latest among several inventions: "ManoMate", a simple glove that helps the elderly with arthritis in their hands to have a better grip on, for example, railings. The product is already in production through the assistive device company Birdhouse.
Vagn Bender began his career at Danfoss as the first development engineer in hydraulics. After 44 years at Danfoss, he retired as head of the business segment now known as Danfoss Power Solutions.
He is today an honorary member of the Danfoss Historical Association and has documented his experience in the book Danfoss Hydraulics over 40 years, in which he describes the establishment and development of the hydraulic business area at Danfoss along with Mads Clausen.
Jørgen Mads Clausen, chairman emeritus of Danfoss, said about the presentation of the Product Award:
Vagn Bender is a living proof that curiosity and inventiveness have no age. His commitment and ability to translate ideas into solutions that help others is inspiring for us all. It is truly impressive that at the age of 96, he receives a patent and has a product in production. This deserves recognition. Many older individuals have great ideas that we should utilize, but it is often exceptionally difficult to get ideas that can be patented. Denmark needs more inventors.
Jørgen Mads Clausen, Chairman emeritus
Lars Tveen, CEO of the Bitten & Mads Clausens Foundation - and chairman of the board at STEAR - gave a speech during the award ceremony, where he highlighted Vagn Bender as a representative of the essence of Danfoss' DNA.
Mads Clausen founded Danfoss based on principles of innovation and a long-term perspective. This was continued under Jørgen and Peter Mads Clausen, who also demonstrated that in order to survive and thrive, one must constantly evolve, challenge the status quo, and dare to invest in new ideas. This requires solidity and a long and patient perspective on development. These principles, on which Danfoss is founded, are what Vagn Bender personifies. Even after retiring, he has maintained his connection to Danfoss through the Danfoss Historical Association and has retained his ability to think outside the box, experiment - and to fail. Innovation does not always come easily, but it is an investment in the future that can pay off many times.
Your latest patent is proof that age is no barrier to innovation. You are a shining example that curiosity and passion can last a lifetime. It reminds us all that we should never stop learning, exploring, and creating. We must always dare to take 'the bold moves.'
Lars Tveen, CEO Bitten & Mads Clausens Foundation and Chairman of the Board of STEAR
Bitten & Mads Clausens Fond actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship through STEAR, which aims to ensure that the entrepreneurial spirit continues to flourish in Sønderborg.
STEAR is an ambitious initiative created to help entrepreneurs mature and commercialize their innovative ideas. Through a close partnership with the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), STEAR acts as a platform where startups receive support to develop their technological solutions and bring them from the workshop to the market.
Read more about STEAR by following this link:
