DIREC allocates 27 million DKK for AI research to strengthen Denmark’s digital sovereignty

Seven new AI research initiatives are launching today. DIREC’s funding supports projects of international caliber designed to enhance Denmark’s position in AI at a time when European investments in research and innovation are falling behind.

Each project is a collaboration involving at least two universities and a company, fostering partnerships and outcomes that extend beyond academic settings.

“We expect these projects to yield both groundbreaking technologies and practical solutions that will strengthen Danish industry, research, and public institutions. The goal is not just scientific publications, but real-world applications that create value for Danish society,” says Thomas Riisgaard Hansen, Director of DIREC.

AI applications spanning healthcare to sustainability

Since 2021, DIREC has invested over 200 million DKK across approximately 50 research and innovation projects in advanced digital research.

The seven new projects cover a broad spectrum but all center on AI — from healthcare applications to drones and energy optimization. All eight Danish universities and the Alexandra Institute are involved, alongside Danish companies such as B&O, Ørsted, Danfoss, and Universal Robots. The selection process was overseen by an international committee representing eight European nationalities.

“We are on the brink of vast opportunities with AI. To fully realize these, we need digital dream teams composed of public sector partners, innovative companies, and leading researchers from Danish universities. This collaboration has been a crucial criterion in the selection process,” Hansen explains.

Driving AI innovation forward

DIREC plays a vital role as a unifying force in Denmark’s research ecosystem, translating political ambitions into concrete innovations. Jens Christian Godskesen, Chair of DIREC’s Board, emphasizes:

“DIREC was the first to unite all Danish universities under a strong, collaborative platform for digital research. We facilitate turning visions into reality so investments deliver real societal value. This not only strengthens Denmark’s digital research capabilities but also bolsters its position in AI on the global stage.”

Facts: These seven projects will receive funding from DIREC in 2025-2026

• REINS: Runtime Reconfigurable Embedded Intelligence for Resource-Constrained Cyber-Physical Systems
• FAIRFM: Robustness and Fairness of Fetal Ultrasound Foundation Models
• GREENSQL: AI-Based Energy Estimation for Sustainable SQL
• MOTUS: Monitoring and Testing of Uncertainty and Safety for Smart Co-bots
• Next Generation of AI: Understanding and Supporting Secure AI Tools in Software Development Teams
• 1813AI: Citizen-Facing Bidirectional AI for Emergency Triage
• PERSIST: Persistent Drone Operations at Critical Infrastructure