11 April 2025

New national initiative will create competitive cybersecurity companies through research collaboration

A new and ambitious partnership between the Digital Research Centre Denmark (DIREC), the National Defence Technology Center (NFC), Security Tech Space (STS), and the Danish Industry Foundation aims to bring research-based cybersecurity closer to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Denmark.

The initiative aims to build a robust national cybersecurity ecosystem by translating academic and institutional knowledge from universities and GTS institutes into advanced technologies, products, and services in close collaboration with industry stakeholders.

With a strong focus on innovation, this initiative is particularly valuable for startups and SMEs that need access to state-of-the-art knowledge and new technologies to develop competitive products and solutions for the global market.

The new project is launched as part of the Danish Industry Foundation’s cybersecurity program and is supported with nearly DKK 12 million from the foundation.

The Digital Research Centre Denmark (DIREC) and the National Defence Technology Centre (NFC) are also contributing DKK 3 million each to support the initiative.

The project will officially launch at an online information meeting on April 24, 2025, where companies, researchers, and other interested parties can learn more about the many development activities the project will focus on – particularly across three themes:

Secure software and systems (including quantum security)
Monitoring and protection of critical digital infrastructure
Security in AI systems

Facts

Project period: April 2025 – December 2027
Partners: DIREC, NFC, STS and the Danish Industry Foundation
Funding: DKK 12 million from the Danish Industry Foundation, DKK 3 million each from DIREC and NFC.
Target group: Companies in the cybersecurity sector, universities and GTS institutes
Information meeting: April 24 at 10:00 AM. Register here

"Danish companies have huge potential in cybersecurity, but to develop scalable and internationally competitive businesses, they must be built on specialized technology that is difficult to replicate. This project aims to give SMEs access to unique knowledge from the research community to develop usable and concrete cybersecurity solutions.”

Thomas Riisgaard Hansen

Director, DIREC

"We are facing a complex threat landscape that requires new collaborations between research, business, and the defense sector. NFC's role will be to ensure that we build the necessary capacity and create technological solutions that benefit both society and the defense sector.”

Aleksander Moos

Principal Cybersecurity Advisor, NFC

"Cybersecurity is no longer a niche – it is a prerequisite for growth and competitiveness in virtually all industries. With this project, more SMEs will have the opportunity to connect directly with research environments and create solutions that meet tomorrow's threats. Security Tech Space contributes with networks and knowledge, so that more companies can become part of Denmark's cybersecurity ecosystem.”

Peer H. Kristensen

Director, STS

"Our vision is for Danish companies to lead the way in developing and applying responsible and secure digital solutions. The implementation of new technologies is a crucial part of that ambition, and that’s why we now need to pave the way for valuable knowledge from Danish universities to truly reach the business sector and be turned into attractive products and high growth.”

Malene Stidsen

Program Director, Danish Industry Foundation