We are Denmark’s research and innovation centre for advanced digital technology – a partnership between all Danish universities and the Alexandra Institute.
A glimpse of next generation AI-powered drones
What happens when leading researchers, tech-companies, and energy providers join forces? The PERSIST project combines knowledge and technology to deploy AI-powered drones that monitor biomass, detect potential risks at an early stage, and improve the safety and resilience of critical infrastructure.
PERSIST (Persistent Drone Operations at Critical Infrastructure) brings together University of Southern Denmark, Aalborg University, Robotto, HOFOR, and Ørsted in a collaborative research effort under the Next Generation AI initiative led by DIREC
Projects at the forefront of future innovation
Messy, complex, and deeply human challenges rarely have simple solutions. Solving them requires researchers and industry working side by side to explore, test, and push beyond current knowledge.
Explore two new publications: one showcasing seven AI projects transforming areas such as drones, co-bots, ultra-sound scanning, and energy efficiency, and another presenting 11 cybersecurity projects shaping the future of cyber resilience:
Our purpose is to harness and develop Denmark’s digital competencies in order for Denmark to remain competitive worldwide. In DIREC, we conduct world-class research across geography and disciplines.
By uniting the ecosystem for digital research and innovation we contribute to the development of responsible digital solutions that promote Denmark’s growth and welfare.
60+
collaborative research projects initiated
293
research papers published
74
companies participating in projects
23 June 2026
Online
8 – 9 October 2026
Hotel Nyborg Strand
4 –5 November 2026
Øksnehallen, Copenhagen
In DIREC, we enable world-class research in digital fields that will shape tomorrow’s headlines.
We believe bold research thrives in bold environments – so we value experimentation over perfect powerpoints.
We are convinced that the key to strengthening the national ecosystem for digital innovation lies in creating dream teams that connect academia and industry, ensuring that cutting-edge research translates into real-world impact.
Thomas Riisgaard Hansen, CEO, DIREC
Research and innovation in DIREC is carried out across different research areas with focus on interdisciplinarity and versatility. In collaboration with businesses and the public sector, research is transformed into digital solutions and long-term digital transformation.
DIREC is a collaboration between all Danish universities and the Alexandra Institute, involving several businesses and public organisations in research and innovation projects.
Funded by
