Center for Defence, Space & Security
CenSec is Denmark's national innovation cluster for defence, space, and security, connecting 100+ SMEs, universities, and government authorities through networking, EU-funded projects, certification programmes, and a startup incubator.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersSilkeborg, Denmark
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Center for Defence, Space & Security does
CenSec (Center for Defence, Space & Security) is Denmark's national innovation and business cluster for the defence, space, and security sectors, founded as a network in 2004 and incorporated as a formal membership association in 2007. The cluster serves Danish SMEs, knowledge institutions (including DTU Space, Aalborg University, Aarhus University, SDU, and FORCE Technology), and government authorities (notably FMI/DALO) by facilitating networking, matchmaking, collaborative R&D projects, EU funding applications, and certification support across the dual-use technology stack. CenSec runs specialised programmes including the CenSec Challenges innovation fund (30 million DKK allocated for 2025-2028 with up to 1 million DKK per project), the Startup Inkubator hosting 11 deep-tech companies, the MilCert Network for military certifications, the AS9100 Nordic Consortium for aerospace quality management, and the Cybersecurity Made in Europe Label as Danish issuer under ECSO. It also coordinates four European Defence Fund Strategic Alliances spanning AI in defence, multi-domain operations, materials and resilience, and robots/drones/sensors.
CenSec operates as a non-profit cluster organisation funded through tiered membership fees (DKK 5,500 to DKK 36,630 annually based on company size, plus DKK 16,500 for knowledge institutions), public cluster grants from Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelse, and EU programme co-funding. The organisation is designated as one of Denmark's 13 official national clusters, holds the ESCA Cluster Management Excellence Gold Label, and is the national coordinator for CMMC activities. CenSec employs approximately 11 staff across headquarters in Viborg and offices in Vojens and Aarhus. Its competitive advantage stems from the network density of its member ecosystem, official national mandate, and embedded position in European defence funding and certification infrastructure.
Center for Defence, Space & Security firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Center for Defence, Space & Security
- Legal name
- CenSec - Center for Defence, Space & Security
- Website
- https://censec.dk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- CenSec is Denmark's national innovation cluster for defence, space, and security, connecting 100+ SMEs, universities, and government authorities through networking, EU-funded projects, certification programmes, and a startup incubator.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Center for Defence, Space & Security industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Defence and Security Cluster Management
- NAICS
- Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (813920)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Privacy, Data Protection & Cyber Governance (GRC) (BPAHAFAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Information Security, Privacy & IT Governance (CISSP CPE, Privacy CE) (EDAAALAL)
Keywords
Where Center for Defence, Space & Security is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Silkeborg
- HQ country
- Denmark
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Center for Defence, Space & Security business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: CenSec generates revenue through tiered membership fees based on company size. Fees range from DKK 5,500 for micro companies (1-4 employees) to DKK 36,630 for large companies (250+ employees). Knowledge institutions pay DKK 16,500. Membership provides access to networking, matchmaking, project collaborations, and other cluster services.
- Innovation Funding: CenSec receives public funding from Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelse for cluster operations and innovation projects. The organization received 30 million DKK in knowledge-based innovation funds (VIM-midler) and decentralized business promotion funds (DEM-midler) for 2025-2028 to support SME innovation in defence, space and security sectors through challenge-based approaches.
- Cluster Grant: CenSec receives cluster funding (Klyngebevilling) for 2025-2028 to strengthen innovation, productivity and competitiveness in Danish SMEs within defence, space and security sectors. The grant supports business development, matchmaking, knowledge sharing, partnerships, internationalization and digital tools.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Micro companies and agencies with 1-4 employees: DKK 5,500 per year |
| Subscription | Annual | Small companies with 5-9 employees: DKK 11,000 per year |
| Subscription | Annual | Small companies with 10-19 employees: DKK 16,500 per year |
| Subscription | Annual | Medium companies with 20-49 employees: DKK 22,000 per year |
| Subscription | Annual | Medium-large companies with 50-99 employees: DKK 25,630 per year |
| Subscription | Annual | Large companies with 100-199 employees: DKK 29,260 per year |
| Subscription | Annual | Large companies with 200-250 employees: DKK 33,000 per year |
| Subscription | Annual | Large companies with 250+ employees: DKK 36,630 per year |
| Subscription | Annual | Knowledge institutions: DKK 16,500 per year |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | MilCert Network per meeting for members: DKK 250 |
| Subscription | Annual | Cybersecurity Made in Europe Label - Members: DKK 3,800 (initial) / DKK 3,300 (renewal) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Center for Defence, Space & Security product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CenSec is Denmark's national innovation and business cluster for defence, space and security, providing cluster management services including membership programs, matchmaking between SMEs, knowledge institutions and government bodies, challenge-based innovation funding (30 million DKK, 2025-2028), a startup incubator, specialized network groups, and the Cybersecurity Made in Europe label. Revenue is generated primarily through tiered annual membership fees and public grants from Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelse.
Product overview
CenSec (Center for Defence, Space & Security) is Denmark's national innovation and business cluster for defence, space and security, established in 2004. The organization itself is a cluster management entity providing networking, matchmaking, collaborative projects, innovation programs, and a startup incubator rather than a product company. Its offerings include CenSec Challenges (challenge-based innovation with 30M DKK allocated), the CenSec Startup Inkubator, various network groups (MilCert Netværket, CenSec Cybergruppe, AS9100 Nordic, EDF Best Practice Group, EDF Strategic Alliances, NECC), and the Cybersecurity Made in Europe label service. Member companies within the CenSec ecosystem offer distinct products including drone detection systems, autonomous ground systems, underwater AI surveillance, 4G/5G antenna solutions, cybersecurity services, counter-UAS systems, multi-agent AI platforms, and naval battle management systems.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Cybersecurity Made in Europe Label: A label scheme administered by CenSec as the Danish issuer for the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) label for European cybersecurity companies.
Products and services
- CenSec Startup Inkubator Startup incubator program offering mentorship, matchmaking, business development sessions, pitch training, and access to CenSec's ecosystem for young companies in defence, space and security sectors. Currently hosts 11 startups.
- CenSec Challenges Challenge-based innovation program allocating 30 million DKK through 2025-2028, where problem owners develop challenges and SMEs collaborate with research institutions to develop solutions with up to 1 million DKK per project.
- EDF Best Practice Group Danish experience-sharing forum established in 2023 to strengthen national participation in the European Defence Fund (EDF), bringing together actors with direct EDF project experience.
- MilCert Netværket Network focused on military certifications, standards, requirements and testing for Danish companies seeking access to international defence markets, in partnership with FORCE Technology and FMI. Members pay DKK 250 per meeting, non-members DKK 1,000.
- CenSec Cybergruppe Internal network for cybersecurity actors focused on experience exchange, knowledge sharing and competency development, with 3-4 meetings per year.
- AS9100 Nordic Consortium Consortium of SMEs maintaining AS9100 aerospace quality certification, facilitating business across the space and defence industries with high quality standards.
- EDF Strategic Alliances Four strategic alliances strengthening Danish participation in the European Defence Fund, covering AI in defence, multi-domain operations, materials/resilience, and robots/drones/sensors.
- Cybersecurity Made in Europe Label ECSO label scheme issued by CenSec as the Danish issuer, helping European cybersecurity companies market their solutions with an initial assessment (DKK 3,800) and annual renewal (DKK 3,300).
- NECC (North European Cybersecurity Cluster) Network established in 2018 promoting Nordic IKT and cybersecurity solutions, increasing cooperation and attracting investments to the region. CenSec is a founding member.
- CenSec Steering Group Network Steering group (styregruppe) composed of Danish knowledge institutions and GTS institutes (DTU Space, Aalborg University, Aarhus University, SDU, IT University of Copenhagen, Alexandra Instituttet, FORCE Technology, DBI, DFM, DHI, Teknologisk Institut, ESA BIC Denmark, Big Science) that shapes the cluster's research and innovation strategy.
Quantifiable outcome
- Challenge-based innovation program distributes up to DKK 1 million per project, with DKK 6 million available in each funding round.
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Center for Defence, Space & Security
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Center for Defence, Space & Security technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability13 records
Center for Defence, Space & Security partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
67 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Odense RoboticscoreStrategic partner in the APUS program for unmanned systems acceleration. Odense Robotics contributes business development expertise to help Danish SMEs bring drone and unmanned systems solutions to market, with funding up to DKK 620,000 per project.
- Danish Technological InstitutecorePartner in multiple projects including DISCMAM (European Defence Fund project on additive manufacturing for military logistics) and EDF Strategic Alliances initiative. Provides technical expertise in manufacturing and technology development.
- Aalborg UniversitycoreLeads the AI in Defence EDF Strategic Alliance, focusing on building national stakeholder network and defining Danish priorities for AI in defence for EDF program participation.
- TermacoreLeads the Multi-domain Operations & Situational Awareness (MDO-SA) EDF Strategic Alliance, focusing on core technologies for multi-domain operations including software and hardware.
- European Network of Defence-Related Regions (ENDR)coreCenSec participates actively in ENDR, a network of regional authorities, clusters and businesses across Europe sharing information on defence initiatives and accessing EU funding.
- North European Cybersecurity Cluster (NECC)coreCenSec is a founding member of NECC established in 2018. The cluster brings together universities, companies and clusters to promote Nordic IKT and cybersecurity solutions and increase investment in the sector.
- EnSure CollaborativeminorCenSec participates in this European network of leading safety and security clusters, established in 2015, to leverage skills and competencies across knowledge institutions, companies and the public sector.
- European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO)coreCenSec is a member of ECSO and has become the Danish issuer of the 'Cybersecurity Made in Europe' label, participating in the development of the labeling scheme.
- EU-DK Support NetworkminorCenSec participates in the EU-DK Support Network which coordinates advisory services for research, innovation, entrepreneurship and education to increase participation in EU programs.
- Teledyne RESONminorPartner in underwater object classification project using sonar sensors in UUV scenarios for defence applications including robust detection in extended operational areas.
- Blue Atlas RoboticsminorPartner in underwater object classification project developing sonar simulation models for UUV operations in turbid harbor environments and challenging visibility conditions.
- POSICOMminorPartner in underwater object classification project focused on acoustic signal processing for underwater object detection and classification.
- Space InventorcorePartner in Space AI project focused on satellite communication, optical sensor technology, software development and space deployment using stratospheric balloon flights and Cubesat launches.
- QuadsatminorPartner in Space AI project for R&D and business development in affordable space technologies and satellite applications.
- TermacorePartner in SecGPT project exploring LLMs for security-critical applications, formal verification of cryptographic code, and AI-powered code reviewers for Rust programs.
- ConcordiumminorPartner in SecGPT project focused on AI safety and security verification for cryptographic applications using formal methods.
- PartisiaminorPartner in SecGPT project working on security verification and formal methods for cryptographic code.
- CryspenminorPartner in SecGPT project developing formal verification tools for Rust code and security-critical applications.
- GomSpacecorePartner in SAMDAD project for satellite-based maritime domain awareness (MDA) for defence, utilizing DTU's research capabilities in RF payloads and data processing for dark ship detection.
- Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsstyrelse (FMI)coreCollaborates with DALO in SAMDAD project, grounding the work in comprehensive understanding of operational and strategic needs for defence awareness in the maritime domain.
- Danish Technological Institute (DTI)corePartner in INNOSWAMP project developing innovative water pre-filtration systems for military personnel, funded under European Defence Fund.
- Chalmers University of TechnologyminorPartner in INNOSWAMP project contributing research expertise in water filtration technology and advanced materials.
- Roboze SpAminorPartner in INNOSWAMP project contributing additive manufacturing expertise for modular filtration components.
- Eurecat Technology CentreminorPartner in INNOSWAMP project providing technology centre expertise in materials and manufacturing.
- COWIminorPartner in SuperResolution project exploring intelligent data fusion and deep-learning algorithms for Environmental Situational Awareness using various EO data sources.
- Sund & Bælt Holding A/SminorPartner in SuperResolution project focused on high spatio-temporal resolution baselines and extreme event detection.
- Airbus Defence and Space GmbHminorPartner in SuperResolution project contributing to environmental situational awareness through satellite data integration.
- Capella SpaceminorPartner in SuperResolution project providing SAR satellite data capabilities for situational awareness.
- Odense RoboticscoreOne of Denmark's 12 other national clusters, collaborating on shared goals of lifting innovation among Danish companies across all 13 clusters.
- DTU SpacecoreKey research partner in space-related projects and member of CenSec's steering group, contributing satellite research and space physics expertise.
- Aalborg UniversitetcoreResearch partner in steering group, contributing to UUV and underwater technology projects and innovation initiatives.
- Aarhus UniversitetcoreResearch partner in steering group, contributing expertise to various defence and security research collaborations.
- Syddansk Universitet (SDU)coreLeads Robots, Drones, and Sensors EDF Strategic Alliance and provides research infrastructure including UAS composite lab, systems integration lab, and 3D RADAR for aerial robotics research.
- Teknologisk InstitutcoreGTS institute partner in multiple projects including DISCMAM and EDF Strategic Alliances, providing technology development expertise.
- Alexandra InstituttetminorIT research institute in steering group, contributing software and innovation expertise for member companies.
- Big ScienceminorPartner in steering group focused on big science collaborations and technology development.
- Dansk Brand- og Sikringsteknisk Institut (DBI)minorSecurity and safety research institute in steering group, contributing expertise in physical and cyber security.
- DFM - Danmarks Nationale MetrologiinstitutminorNational metrology institute in steering group providing traceability and measurement expertise.
- DHIminorWater environment research institute in steering group, contributing dual-use space data and AI-based analysis expertise.
- ESA BIC DenmarkminorSpace business incubation program in steering group supporting startup development in space technologies.
- FORCE TechnologycorePartner in MilCert Network and steering group, providing testing and certification expertise for defence industry companies.
- IT-Universitetet i KøbenhavnminorIT university in steering group contributing digital and software expertise.
- Kim D. Jensen (Advantis)coreChairman of CenSec Board, representing Advantis engineering company specialized in mechanical engineering and development services.
- Tommy Bysted (FORCE Technology)coreVice Chairman of CenSec Board, representing FORCE Technology with expertise in sensors, metrology, and testing services.
- Christian Jørgensen (Saab Nordic Defence Industries)coreBoard member representing Saab Nordic Defence Industries, bringing major defence contractor perspective to cluster governance.
- Peter Hansen (Necas)coreBoard member representing Necas, which founded the AS9100 Nordic consortium for aerospace quality management.
- Lars Knudsen (Hydrema Export)minorBoard member representing Hydrema Export, a Danish manufacturer of construction and defence vehicles.
- Dan Ulrich (VRpilot)minorBoard member representing VRpilot, a VR/XR technology company serving the aerospace and defence sectors.
- Niels Andersen (DTU Space)coreBoard member representing DTU Space, Denmark's National Space Institute with satellite research capabilities.
- Henrik Iversen (ADMG)minorBoard member representing ADMG, a digital manufacturing consultancy serving aerospace and defence industries.
- Mads Helle (Bionic System Solutions)minorBoard member representing Bionic System Solutions, a C-UAS and C-RAM solution provider with acoustic detection technology.
- MercantecminorVocational education institution partner in AILEEN project for vocational excellence in aerospace and defence manufacturing.
- European Welding Foundation (EWF)minorEuropean welding certification body partner in AILEEN project for advanced manufacturing excellence.
- Asturias Defence HUBminorSpanish defence cluster partner in AILEEN project representing 7 European countries for vocational excellence in manufacturing.
- IPH - Integrierte Produktion HannoverminorGerman production research institute partner in AILEEN project for advanced manufacturing training and certification.
- Turkish AerospaceminorMajor Turkish aerospace manufacturer partner in AILEEN project contributing to manufacturing excellence initiatives.
- Fraunhofer FITminorGerman Fraunhofer research institute partner in AILEEN project contributing to manufacturing technology research.
- Brunel UniversityminorUK university partner in AILEEN project for vocational education and training in advanced manufacturing.
- Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)minorUK manufacturing research centre partner in AILEEN project contributing to advanced manufacturing expertise.
- LZH Laser Akademie GmbHminorGerman laser technology institute partner in AILEEN project for laser-based manufacturing training.
- IDONIALminorSpanish technology centre partner in AILEEN project for advanced manufacturing R&D.
- ISQminorPortuguese technology institute partner in AILEEN project for testing and quality assurance.
- FAN3DminorAdditive manufacturing company partner in AILEEN project contributing 3D printing expertise.
- SICNOVA / MELTIOminorSpanish 3D printing company partner in AILEEN project for additive manufacturing solutions.
- Istanbul Gedik UniversityminorTurkish university partner in AILEEN project contributing welding and manufacturing education.
- PRI Europe LtdminorPerformance Review Institute partner in AILEEN project for aerospace quality management certification.
- CESOLminorSpanish welding society partner in AILEEN project for certification and training.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Center for Defence, Space & Security competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SAFE Cluster: French national defence/security cluster organization based in Nouvelle-Aquitaine with a similar mandate to facilitate SME-government-industry collaboration, manage innovation programs, and coordinate participation in EU defence funding initiatives. Closely comparable in operating model and cluster-management scope.
- ADS Group: UK trade association representing the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors with ~1,000+ member companies. Highly comparable in cluster/association model with industry-defining mandates, though significantly larger than CenSec in scale.
- Aerospace Valley: French world-class aerospace cluster covering aeronautics, space and unmanned systems in Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Closely comparable cluster-management structure with EU-funded innovation programs and SME-academia-government facilitation.
- BDLI (Bundesverband der Deutschen Luft- und Raumfahrtindustrie): German Aerospace Industries Association representing ~240 members across aerospace, defence, and space. Comparable association/cluster model serving German industry with EU public-affairs, certification, and innovation coordination functions.
- Pôle de Compétitivité Systematic Paris-Région: French innovation cluster focused on digital, cybersecurity, and dual-use deep tech with EU-funded challenge programs. Comparable in cluster-management excellence, cybersecurity subgroup activities, and European programme participation.
- NIDV (Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security): The Dutch national trade association and cluster for the defence and security industry, operating the same SME-facilitator model as CenSec with member services, matchmaking, and government-affairs functions. Comparable in mission, governance (industry-led), and member-tiering model.
Broad incumbents
- European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO): Pan-European cybersecurity industry organization whose label scheme CenSec implements nationally. Comparable on the cybersecurity facilitation dimension though ECSO operates at policy/European level while CenSec executes at national level.
Regional players
- NECC (North European Cybersecurity Cluster): Regional Nordic cybersecurity cluster network of which CenSec is a founding member. Comparable in cluster-management activities but regionally scoped to Nordic ICT and cybersecurity promotion.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks4 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Center for Defence, Space & Security social profiles
Digital presenceCenter for Defence, Space & Security compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Center for Defence, Space & Security financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Center for Defence, Space & Security leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles21 records
Center for Defence, Space & Security funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Center for Defence, Space & Security M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Center for Defence, Space & Security
What does Center for Defence, Space & Security do?
CenSec is Denmark's national innovation and business cluster for defence, space and security, providing cluster management services including membership programs, matchmaking between SMEs, knowledge institutions and government bodies, challenge-based innovation funding (30 million DKK, 2025-2028), a startup incubator, specialized network groups, and the Cybersecurity Made in Europe label. Revenue is generated primarily through tiered annual membership fees and public grants from Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelse.
Is Center for Defence, Space & Security a public or private company?
Center for Defence, Space & Security is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Center for Defence, Space & Security founded?
Center for Defence, Space & Security was founded in 2004. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Center for Defence, Space & Security based?
Center for Defence, Space & Security is headquartered in Silkeborg, Denmark, in the Europe region.
How does Center for Defence, Space & Security make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are innovation Funding and cluster Grant.
Who are Center for Defence, Space & Security's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SAFE Cluster, ADS Group, Aerospace Valley, BDLI (Bundesverband der Deutschen Luft- und Raumfahrtindustrie), Pôle de Compétitivité Systematic Paris-Région and NIDV (Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security). European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) is listed as a broad incumbent. NECC (North European Cybersecurity Cluster) is listed as a regional player.
Does Center for Defence, Space & Security have an API?
No public API is recorded for Center for Defence, Space & Security.
What industry is Center for Defence, Space & Security in?
Center for Defence, Space & Security's product category is Defence and Security Cluster Management. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAFAF, Privacy, Data Protection & Cyber Governance (GRC), with a secondary code of EDAAALAL, Information Security, Privacy & IT Governance (CISSP CPE, Privacy CE). Its NAICS code is 813910 and its SIC code is 8600.