Imagine a future where artificial intelligence is no longer confined to powerful data centers or advanced computersnbut is embedded in everything from coffee machines to industrial sensors. This scenario could become a reality with the rise of TinyML, enabling advanced AI models to run on small devices without internet connectivity.

One of the leading figures in Danish TinyML research is PhD student Emil Njor from DTU. As part of the DIREC project “Edge-based AI Systems for Predictive Maintenance,” he is working on developing machine learning models that are so compressed and efficient that they can operate on very small computers – far more robust than systems dependent on both an internet connection and cloud services.

“When I first started at DTU, hardly anyone knew about TinyML. Today, there are three or four PhD students working in the field, and interest has exploded because it allows us to make devices intelligent without needing the internet or large amounts of energy,” says Emil Njor.

AI without the cloud

Emil Njor’s passion for TinyML is driven largely by its environmental advantages. Efficient local computers can help reduce resource consumption, making devices less reliant on continuous data communication with cloud servers.

“I’m trying to take a different approach from the large machine learning models that consume a lot of resources. Instead, we are trying to trim optimize models so they use fewer resources and can run more efficiently on small devices,” he says.

As an example, he points to weather stations that use microphones to measure rain or detect wind speed, rather than relying on traditional moving parts, which are prone to breaking.

“This is a highly sought-after solution, especially in developing countries where accurate weather data is scarce, and traditional weather stations are costly to maintain.”

Advancing technology at Harvard University

During his PhD, Emil Njor spent time at Harvard University, where he collaborated with American researchers to refine datasets and publish new studies to advance TinyML research.

“The datasets we’ve been using for years are often small, error-prone, and not reflective of real-world conditions. At Harvard University, we created a dataset that is 100 times larger and has significantly fewer errors than previous ones,” Njor explains.

Looking ahead, Njor sees vast potential for TinyML, particularly in applications where fast and reliable responses are needed without an internet connection. Self-driving cars are another excellent example.

“Cars need efficient sensors that can function without the internet, and TinyML can provide the processing power needed for quick reactions — for example, if a pedestrian suddenly crosses the road. This technology can make a real difference in practice, and that’s what motivates me,” concludes Emil Njor.

Interested in learning more about Emil’s work with TinyML? Explore the DIREC project Edge-based AI Systems for Predictive Maintenance.

It is now widely recognized that a hybrid war is being waged against both military installations and civilian targets, including critical sectors such as energy and transport.

As one of the most digitized countries in the world, Denmark relies on digital systems in areas ranging from transportation, energy providers, to hospitals. This makes us particularly vulnerable unless we develop a robust cyber defense against this growing hybrid warfare.

The risks became evident earlier this summer when GPS signal interference forced the rerouting or cancellation of flights. We have also seen cyberattacks on Danish utilities that almost paralyzed services like electricity, water, and heating, a crisis averted only by switching to manual operations.

To safeguard both critical military and civilian infrastructures, we need a cyber shield to defend against such threats. This includes ensuring secure data sharing between military and essential societal units, establishing reliable communication channels, and detecting potential cyberattacks.

An enormous potential

To achieve this, it requires the government to invest more in cybersecurity and to educate significantly more people with cyber skills than we do today. However, the field also holds a tremendous economic potential, which could become Denmark’s next major business success.

We have the potential to double the revenue of the Danish cybersecurity industry revenue to DKK 13 billion, while simultaneously making Denmark more resilient to cyberattacks.

The IT and cybersecurity sectors are already crucial contributors to the economy. Currently, the cybersecurity industry employs just over 10,000 people, representing ten percent of the entire IT workforce. But the sector could expand significantly, driven by the increasing need to protect our digital infrastructure.

New regulations, including the EU’s NIS2 directive, and hightened political focus on defense and preparedness, will create a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. A recent report from Deloitte estimates that reaching an acceptable level of cybersecurity will require four to five times the current number of employees, not just within the IT sector, but across other industries as well.

A call for targeted efforts

The good news is that Denmark already has the frameworks and a well-established cybersecurity ecosystem to build on.

There is strong collaboration among businesses, government agencies, organizations, and research and educational institutions. However, this collaboration has primarily concentrated on digital security in businesses. We now need to elevate cybersecurity to a broader societal and commercial priority.

This requires a focused effort. Therefore, we propose that the government allocates DKK 20 million annually to cyber research and establishes a new dual-use program that bridges defense and research community.

Although Denmark’s cybersecurity industry may be small on the global stage, it excels in several areas. These include cutting-edge cryptographic methods that can protect our data from future quantum computers, as well as AI-driven surveillance algorithms capable of detecting anomalies, faults and cyberattacks.

We also have algorithms that allow data stored in the cloud to be processed without exposing it to hackers. This represents a significant growth opportunity, particularly for export, if efforts are directed towards developing products and services for both the defense and civilian sectors.

Read the full article on Altinget.dk