Perfecting chemistry for a better world

Haldor Topsøe was born on 24 May 1913. As a young man, he pursued studies in physics and chemistry at the Polytechnical Institute in Copenhagen, while also attending lectures at the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Copenhagen, later known as the Niels Bohr Institute.

In 1936, he graduated with honors as a cand.polyt., achieving the highest marks ever recorded in the institution's history. Legend has it that during one of his exams, he remarked that the problem presented was unsolvable—and he was proven correct.

Haldor Topsøe had a particular passion for bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications, a principle that would later become a cornerstone of his career as a businessman in the field of chemical science.​

His interest in catalysis was first ignited during his studies in physics under the renowned professor Niels Bohr. It was during this time that Topsøe recognized the transformative potential of catalysis, which would eventually form the foundation of his company and his life's work.

In early 1940, Haldor Topsøe and his wife, Inger, were preparing to move their family to the United States, where Haldor had been offered a research position at the American chemical company DuPont. At the time, the couple had two young children, but just before their planned departure in early April, both children fell ill with pneumonia.​
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On April 9, 1940, Denmark was invaded by Germany, making the move to the United States impossible. Realizing that they had to stay home, Haldor Topsøe founded his company the very next day, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life and career.​

In the beginning Haldor Topsøe A/S was a consulting engineering company, but in 1943, Haldor sat up his first small catalyst production facility in a courtyard in the center of Copenhagen. In the decade to come, it became more and more a company deeply rooted in research and the development of new industrial methods.​

In the 1950s, Haldor Topsøe A/S established itself as a leader in research and innovation, driven by a vision to tackle complex industrial challenges. The company played a pivotal role in developing advanced chemical processes, including pyrolysis, bygas mixing, and ethanol production, while also pioneering ammonia plant design.

After the war, there was a significant increase in the global demand for fertilizers to support agricultural production and feed growing populations. Ammonia, as a key ingredient in nitrogen-based fertilizers, became a critical component in addressing food security challenges. By 1953 Haldor Topsøe dominated 30% of the global ammonia catalyst market (excluding the Soviet Union and China).

In 1958, Haldor Topsøe bought the property Linderupgaard in Frederikssund, which included 28 acres of land, and in early May 1959, the construction of the first Haldor Topsøe catalyst factory began in Frederikssund.

The 1960s were a decade of growth and international expansion for Haldor Topsøe A/S. The company strengthened its position in ammonia and hydrogen markets, delivering advanced catalysts and process designs to meet rising demand for fertilizers and industrial chemicals. ​

A key milestone was the completion of its first catalyst production facility in Frederikssund, which became a cornerstone of its manufacturing capabilities. By combining technical expertise with a commitment to solving complex industrial challenges, Haldor Topsøe A/S solidified its reputation as a global leader in catalysis and process technology.

In 1964, a factory in Houston, Texas, was established to support the North American market, supplying catalysts and technologies for refining, petrochemicals, and ammonia production. ​

Haldor Topsøe’s vision was honored with two honorary doctorates, from Aarhus University in 1968 and DTU in 1969.

In the 1970s Haldor Topsøe A/S made significant advancements in environmental technologies and global energy solutions. In response to the oil crisis and increasing environmental awareness, the company developed groundbreaking technologies for cleaner energy production, including sulfur removal processes and hydrodesulfurization catalysts.​

During this period, the company expanded its global footprint, delivering innovative solutions for refineries and chemical plants worldwide. One notable market was India, where Haldor Topsøe himself recognized the potential of the company’s technology to address critical challenges like food security. By providing advanced catalysts and process designs for fertilizer production, Topsøe’s technology enabled manufacturers to produce fertilizers more efficiently and sustainably, helping farmers grow more crops and feed more people.

During this decade, Haldor Topsøe made significant advancements in cleaner energy production by developing catalysts and processes to reduce harmful emissions from industrial plants and refineries. Acid rain, caused by sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) from fossil fuel combustion, was a major environmental challenge, damaging ecosystems, forests, and buildings.​
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Haldor Topsøe addressed this issue with hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts to remove sulfur from fuels, reducing SO₂ emissions, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to convert NOₓ into harmless nitrogen and water. These innovations not only helped industries meet stricter environmental regulations but also mitigated acid rain’s impact, protecting biodiversity and improving air quality.​
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This work cemented Haldor Topsøe’s position as a leader in environmental solutions. In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Topsøe received his third honorary doctorate from Chalmers University in 1986, along with a Gold Medal from the Royal Academy of Sciences and the Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest honor.

Dr. Haldor Topsøe's remarkable contributions to science and engineering earned him numerous prestigious accolades. Among these was the Eminent Chemical Engineer Award, presented in Delhi in 1997. Two years later, in 1999, he was honored with the title "Engineer of the Century" by the Danish Society of Engineers. This recognition celebrated his extraordinary achievements in chemical engineering, his visionary leadership in developing innovative technologies, and his unwavering dedication to addressing global challenges by bridging the gap between science and humanity.​
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As a lasting tribute to his legacy, Haldor Topsøe’s name is now engraved in the ground outside the Danish Society of Engineers, symbolizing his enduring impact on the field and his contributions to society.

Haldor Topsøe A/S prioritized environmental innovation with technologies like DeNOx, which reduces nitrogen oxides, and SNOX, which removes sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides while converting them into valuable sulfuric acid. These solutions addressed global climate concerns and stricter environmental regulations.​

In 2004, the company established Topsoe Fuel Cell A/S to develop Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology, providing pollution-free energy solutions. This innovation later positioned Topsøe as a leader in Power-to-X technologies, including Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) technology for renewable energy conversion.​

In 2008, Haldor Topsøe was honored by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark as a Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog, recognizing his contributions to engineering, science, and society.

Just four days before his 100th birthday, Dr. Haldor Topsøe peacefully passed away at his home, Frydenlund Castle, in Northern Sealand.​

In honor of his remarkable life and legacy, the family chose to proceed with the planned celebration of his centennial birthday. Employees were invited to a heartfelt gathering in the garden at Frydenlund, where they paid tribute to this extraordinary man and his profound impact on the world.​

Dr. Topsøe entrusted both the company and his cherished home to his children and grandchildren — 14 in total. Today, Topsoe remains primarily family-owned, with many family members still residing at Frydenlund. The estate also continues to serve as a unique meeting space for Topsoe employees, preserving the connection between the company and its founder's enduring vision.

Today Topsoe is driven by a strong focus on sustainability, the green energy transition, and its core catalyst business. While expanding into new areas like Power-to-X technologies, green hydrogen, and sustainable fuels — including the development of its highly efficient SOEC electrolyzer technology — Topsoe has continued to strengthen its position as a global leader in catalysts for refining, chemicals, and emissions reduction.​

Topsoe has invested in a large-scale electrolyzer manufacturing plant in Herning, Denmark and formed strategic global partnerships to accelerate decarbonization efforts. At the same time, its catalyst solutions remain critical in helping industries optimize processes, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.​

To reflect its global ambitions and sharpen its focus, Haldor Topsøe A/S officially became Topsoe, followed a few years later by the introduction of the tagline, "Making Energy Transition."