Denmark's largest expo for AI and digital transformation is taking place at Øksnehallen in Copenhagen, bringing together researchers, companies, students and decision-makers to discuss the role of technology in the future of society and industry.
When DTU first held the event in 2017 under the name High Tech Summit, the ambition was to bring research and industry closer together. Even then, artificial intelligence was at the top of the list of digital technologies expected to have the greatest impact.
Today, the role of technology in society has changed significantly. AI has moved beyond research environments and now influences sectors such as manufacturing, energy supply, healthcare and defence. At the same time, technological sovereignty, security and access to critical technologies have become key issues for Denmark and Europe.
This is reflected in this year's programme, which focuses on industrial AI, electronics, security and defence technology. DTU contributes across the trade fair through research, education, panel discussions and entrepreneurship.
For DTU President Anders Bjarklev, however, it is not enough for technology to become faster, more powerful and more advanced. In the years ahead, the significance of the expo should be measured by the difference that technology makes. In his opening address, Anders Bjarklev said:
"We should measure our success by what we have made possible. The problems we have solved, the businesses we have created, the capabilities we have built - and the value we have delivered to people and society."
Young people bring solutions from around the world
Through Next Generation Digital Action, an international programme run by DTU's innovation hub DTU Skylab, visitors to the trade fair can meet young technology companies and students working on digital solutions to challenges in different parts of the world.
One of the participants is Botshelo Baloyi, founder and CEO of the South African software company UmkhoAI. The company develops AI models that can operate without an internet connection and communicate in African languages.
"Millions of people in Africa live without reliable internet access, and AI as it exists today leaves them behind. We want to show that it is possible to develop AI that works where the internet does not," says the 22-year-old entrepreneur.
Taking part in Digital Tech Summit not only gives UmkhoAI an opportunity to showcase its technology. According to Botshelo Baloyi, meeting suppliers in Denmark has shown that the company may be able to reduce the cost of the server infrastructure it needs by approximately EUR 100,000.
"By being here, we have established direct contact with suppliers of the equipment we need. This could significantly reduce our costs," says Botshelo Baloyi before returning to the company stand in the startup area, which is staffed in turns by entrepreneurs from Next Generation Digital Action.
Digital Tech Summit takes over Copenhagen's Meatpacking District on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November 2026.
