cBrain® was founded by Per Tejs Knudsen and Thomas Qvist with a mission to revolutionize how governments work. From the very beginning, we set out to challenge existing processes and prove that digital government could be simpler, faster, and more sustainable.
2006
IPO: Building trust through transparency
cBrain went public just four years after its founding. The IPO was driven by our urge to challenge established ways of working, and it gave us visibility, credibility, and momentum. Being listed created trust with customers and partners and supported our process-oriented approach to building software.
2007
Researching the Digital Bureaucracy model
We began developing the Digital Bureaucracy model — a process-first framework that formalizes how governments actually operate. This model became the foundation for our F2 platform, ensuring that our technology was always grounded in real public-sector needs.
2008
First SKI frame agreement
cBrain was included in a Statens og Kommunernes Indkøbsservice (SKI) frame agreement for the first time — Denmark’s largest framework contract to date for ESDH solutions. The Ministry of Welfare became one of our first major customers, marking a turning point in our journey with government.
2009
Launch of cBrain F2® & early expansion
We officially launched cBrain F2 as standard software for government. The Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Interior joined as early customers, reinforcing momentum behind our public-sector focus. This year also saw our first mobile product — extending F2 into new ways of working.
2010
Fastest implementation to date
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities implemented F2 in only eight weeks — a record compared to typical public IT projects. Rudersdal Municipality also joined, proving that F2 could scale across both central and local government.
2011
International outlook and national recognition
cBrain joined the Danish Vitus export program, paving the way for international expansion with an initial focus on Germany. At home, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Climate & Energy won the Digitalization Award for their successful F2 projects.
2012
Mobile government leadership
For the first time, a Danish minister, Martin Lidegaard, then Minister for Climate and Energy, managed cases directly from his iPad using cBrain F2. This highlighted the flexibility and mobility of our platform.
2014
Supporting Denmark’s digital leap
F2 supported the nationwide roll-out of mandatory digital communication between citizens and public organizations — a landmark in Denmark’s digital transformation, enabled by our platform.
2015
European standards and first UK customer
The EU spotlighted Denmark’s FESD II digital standard, powered by cBrain F2, as a model for digitalization. Internationally, we gained our first UK customer, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council.
2016
Entering the U.S. market
cBrain established an office in San Francisco and launched its first pilot project in the United States. New contracts with Liverpool City Council in the UK and customers in Germany underscored momentum in our international expansion.
2017
Digital bureaucracy and awards
The concept of Digital Bureaucracy was formally launched, codifying our research into a practical model. By this year, 12 Danish ministries were running on cBrain F2. Familieretshuset won a Digital Award for its work with F2.
2018
Expanding beyond Europe
cBrain F2 was launched in the United Arab Emirates, marking our entry into the Middle East. Adoption in Germany also gained momentum as more agencies joined the platform.
2019
International milestones
cBrain won its first U.S. federal order and new contracts in the UAE. These international breakthroughs demonstrated the global relevance of cBrain F2 and the Digital Bureaucracy model.
2020
Global reach
We delivered our first project in South America and formally shifted our business model to a subscription-based offering — making F2 more accessible and scalable for customers worldwide.
2021
New partnerships for climate software
cBrain partnered with Nortal in Germany and launched new offerings in climate software, strengthening our position as both a digital government and climate technology leader.
2022
New headquarters and climate projects
We moved into our new headquarters at Utzon House in Copenhagen. Internationally, we delivered climate software to Egypt and Kenya, expanding our impact across continents.
2023
Expanding partnerships and AI
We entered Romania with a new partner and customer, launched a tree crop system in Ghana, and established a joint venture in India. At the same time, we announced the integration of AI capabilities into cBrain F2.
2024
Scaling impact
Highlights included a proof of concept in Nigeria, extended producer responsibility projects in Thailand, and a new UNDP agreement. We were recognized with an ESG Transparency Award and continued expansion in the Middle East with Elm in Saudi Arabia.
2025
Strategic focus for the future
cBrain sharpened its global strategy around two niches: Paperless Ministries and Environmental Permitting. We are proud to support Denmark’s largest reforestation grant program, pioneering U.S. environmental permitting standards, and helping governments worldwide lead the way in digital transformation.
