Meet the researchers helping to shape the future of AI, security and digital innovation

When Digital Tech Summit (DTS 2026) opens its doors in early November, DTU will once again be strongly represented through keynotes, debates and presentations.

As Denmark’s largest event on AI and digital transformation, DTS provides DTU researchers and colleagues from the other Danish universities with a unique opportunity to engage with businesses, policymakers, students and tech enthusiasts. Drawing on the latest research, they will share knowledge and perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing society today and in the years ahead.

"Ten years ago, High Tech Summit started as a DTU showcase. Today, as Digital Tech Summit, it belongs to all of Denmark's universities because the challenges we face, from AI to security, are too big for any one institution to solve alone," says Professor Jan Madsen, Head of Department at DTU Compute, who originally initiated the event.

European security and defence technology

This year's programme is organised around three main themes that address some of the most pressing issues on the digital agenda, including DTU's strategic focus on European security and technological sovereignty.

"We stand at a geopolitical crossroads, and AI is reshaping it in real time. Meeting that moment demands close, strategic collaboration between universities, industry and authorities, so the technology we build in security, sustainability and health is not just powerful, but wise, responsible and value-creating. That is what Digital Tech Summit is for: turning shared vision into shared action. Ten years on, that mission has never mattered more," says Jan Madsen.

Earlier this year, DTU and the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE) launched a pioneering collaboration model (Fra Efterretning til Erhverv – From Intelligence to Business) aimed at developing defence technologies that strengthen Denmark's technological preparedness. The initiative is funded by the Danish Industry Foundation.

Against this backdrop, DTU is leading Digital Tech Summit's Security/Defence track on Europe's evolving security landscape. The programme explores topics including OT/IoT security, cybersecurity and the wider European rearmament effort as an industrial opportunity for Danish businesses. Speakers include NATO Chief Scientist Steen Søndergaard.

The two other main tracks are Industrial AI, focusing on the large-scale adoption of AI in Danish industry, and Electronics, which examines the hardware and infrastructure underpinning the AI boom.

AI and education

This autumn marks four years since large language models burst onto the global stage. AI technology continues to evolve at remarkable speed, raising important questions for universities and other educational institutions.

How can engineering students learn to use and develop AI-based solutions responsibly and securely while also gaining a deep understanding of the technology itself?

DTU will address these questions through an inspiring talk and a panel discussion under the heading "Rethinking IT Education for a Future with AI".

The innovation ecosystem

As always, DTS features a major startup area (sponsored by the Otto Mønsteds Fond), bringing together the wider innovation ecosystem. Across the two conference days, innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders will meet in a dynamic environment facilitated by Denmark's universities. Day one concludes with the presentation of two Bright Idea 2026 Awards, sponsored by the Otto Mønsteds Fond.

More than 60 student startups are expected to showcase their ideas on the startup stage. Afterwards, companies, researchers and investors will have the opportunity to meet them and discuss business concepts.

The Startup Area is organised by DTU in collaboration with the other universities and Digital Research Centre Denmark (DIREC), Pioneer Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Open Entrepreneurship, and Spin-outs Denmark.

Digital Tech Summit will also – organised by Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Digital Affairs and AI Boost – highlight EU funding opportunities for research collaborations between universities and industry.