DKK 17 million to propel Danish drones
With DKK 17 million in new funding from Denmark’s Business Promotion Board, Odense Robotics and CenSec, Center for Defence, Space Security, are proud to lead a new international drone accelerator that will help address the urgent need for innovative drone and unmanned systems technologies.
Accelerator will strengthen the drone industry
A new accelerator will help Danish startups and SMEs operating within unmanned systems to develop new products and solutions needed in Ukraine, and in relation to critical infrastructure and other emergency situations globally.
“The accelerator is a powerful example of when innovation meets purpose. With this initiative, Denmark will not only strengthen its drone industry but also contribute to Ukraine’s resilience and the global development of innovative unmanned technologies.”
Companies will gain access to funding, expertise and testing facilities – and collaborate closely with the defense and security partners across Denmark, including in Odense, and in Ukraine.
Danish drone and defense companies are already pivotal to Ukraine’s resilience, and this new initiative is set to further strengthen their contribution, addressing the increasing demand for advanced drone solutions amid the ongoing conflict.
Odense – a drone epicenter
Odense has a strong environment within the drone industry and is thus ready to take on new tasks. UAS Denmark Test Center, located at Hans Christian Andersen Airport, has quickly become a key player in Denmark’s drone sector.
UAS Denmark Test Center, they facilitate an international drone center, where access to laboratory and workshop facilities, as well as a 1900 m² airspace, is crucial for test flights and development. This space supports both out-of-sight and in-sight flights for testing drones, sensors, and other systems.
As one of the few test centers in Europe, UAS Denmark offers an approved BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) airspace extending across the North Funen Sea, a streamlined approval process, and dedicated drone laboratories. The center is established through a collaboration between the University of Southern Denmark, Odense Municipality, and Hans Christian Andersen Airport.
“We look forward to creating value for the drone industry with this current project. Our facilities, combined with the collaborations we are part of, can ensure specialized and customized products of the highest quality.”
Since the establishment of the UAS Denmark test center in 2018, the center’s potential and demand have only been increasing. There are already several national and international actors using the facilities in Odense, such as Space Line Labs, Thunderstrike, CoDrone and DeDrone.
Innovation for resilience
The initiative has been launched with the goal of accelerating Odense and all of Denmark’s development of solutions within drones and unmanned systems and enhancing Denmark’s support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
By tapping into Denmark’s expertise in this field, the effort aims to provide Ukraine with cutting-edge technology and solutions that can strengthen their defense capabilities and help meet the evolving challenges on the ground.
Further information
Anders Boe-Hansen
Special Consultant - Offshore & Campus
I draw on cross-sectorial experience from dealing both with public sector and private commercial interests on the global maritime scene. In relation to Port of Odense and green growth and transition, I assist companies with connecting collaborating, and creating under the most optimal conditions. I additionally manage and coordinate the development and area transition of Campus Odense - aiming for Campus to become a world-leading hub for citizens, companies, and higher education.
+45 2037 2319
aboh@odense.dk
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