The Technical University of Denmark (DTU), the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (Forsvarets Efterretningstjeneste, FE) and the Industry Foundation (Industriens Fond) are establishing a new national innovation initiative under the name Fra efterretning til erhverv (From Intelligence to Industry). The model is designed to translate operational needs from the intelligence sector into technological solutions through collaboration between government agencies, research institutions and businesses.
– It is crucial to promote innovation and ensure continuous technological development that can meet the serious threat landscape facing Denmark and Europe. This requires close collaboration between government agencies, industry and the research community, and it is therefore important that the project establishes a strategic partnership that can help strengthen Denmark's security, says Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus in the press release.
The initiative runs during the period 2026 to 2027 and builds on an existing collaboration between FE and DTU. The work encompasses screening of research projects and companies, development and testing of technologies through targeted proof-of-concept processes, and maturation work ahead of spinout, licensing or dual-use application. Relevant technology areas include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, sensors, data analysis and automation.
According to the Industry Foundation, many Danish companies possess technologies that may be relevant to the defence sector, but the closed processes of intelligence services make it difficult, particularly for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, to understand where their solutions can be of value.
– When the intelligence service articulates what it needs, Danish companies gain a unique insight into a difficult-to-access market with entirely distinct characteristics and requirements, says Thomas Hofman-Bang, Chief Executive of the Industry Foundation.
According to FE, the initiative is intended to create a structured environment in which companies gain insight into the service's needs and can test and develop their technologies at an early stage of the development process.