Denmark needs to accelerate the deployment of new defence tech

Denmark and Europe are facing a new security reality that demands both immediate and long-term action, including the development of new defence technologies.

The threats are not only military in nature, but also digital, hybrid and technological. At the same time, there is growing recognition that speed is critical. New solutions must be developed more rapidly and moved more quickly from the laboratory into real-world use.

Defence technology is therefore one of the key themes at Digital Tech Summit, Denmark's largest event on AI and digital transformation.

In November, the summit will bring together universities, companies, public authorities and investors around a dedicated mini conference on defence technology and innovation and the common question: How do we turn research and technology into tangible security capabilities?

Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders

DTU has developed the programme in collaboration with Denmark’s seven other universities. It includes keynote presentations, startup showcases, networking events, and panel discussions featuring representatives from NATO, Danish Defence Command, Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS), National Defence Technology Centre (NFC), Royal Danish Defence College, Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO), Danish Industry Foundation, and DTU, among others.

“The Russian threat to NATO is called the most serious since the Cold War, which means that we no longer only need to discuss collaboration and innovation, but need bridging and accelerating talented research and build commercial solutions driving real-world deployment at scale. We need to do this through rapid action and iterations between invested partners in academia, industry and defence,” says the Project Coordinator at DTU Compute.

The coordinator notes that the relevance of the theme has been further underlined by the latest threat assessment from the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS).

The assessment states:  "The Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS) assesses that Russia will intensify its hybrid war by carrying out more frequent attacks against the West and NATO, with greater consequences for the targeted countries than in the past. This could include destructive cyber attacks that cripple critical societal functions as well as sabotage attacks that carry a high risk of casualties."

From Intelligence to Business

DTU collaborate with Defence Tech Denmark, Danish Industry (DI), and ODIN – Defence Innovation in the New Nordics about the defence track, that takes place on Thursday, 5 November from 09:30 to 15:30.

The programme is not only about future possibilities. Concrete initiatives are already under way, including From Intelligence to Business, a DTU-led project supported by the Danish Industry Foundation. Together with the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS), DTU is testing an innovative model for closer collaboration between universities, public authorities and companies. The project's activities include the defence track at Digital Tech Summit 2026.

The aim is to identify needs, develop solutions in a research environment, and bring them into practical use where they can deliver real value. At the same time, the ambition is to continuously involve new researchers, companies and ideas, creating opportunities for additional solutions to emerge and grow.

Unusual vessel behaviour and early-warning system for jamming and spoofing

Researchers are currently investigating how publicly available maritime data and artificial intelligence can be used to learn normal shipping patterns in different waters, including the Arctic. The goal is to develop improved models capable of identifying and warning of unusual vessel behaviour.

Other researchers are focusing on GNSS signals used for navigation and positioning. They are exploring opportunities to develop an enhanced early-warning system for jamming and spoofing incidents, which are becoming increasingly common in the Baltic Sea region.

Both projects illustrate how research environments can help strengthen society's resilience against the technological threats shaping Europe's security landscape.

Digital Tech Summit 2026 takes place on 4-5 November at Øksnehallen in Copenhagen.

Participation is free of charge. Register here