ECE strengthens SMEs’ access to AI knowledge and test facilities through TechCircle
With the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering as a partner, TechCircle is entering a new three-year project period, offering small and medium-sized enterprises free support to test and implement AI, digital technologies and sustainable solutions in practice.
ECE strengthens SMEs’ access to AI knowledge and test facilities through TechCircle
With the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering as a partner, TechCircle is entering a new three-year project period, offering small and medium-sized enterprises free support to test and implement AI, digital technologies and sustainable solutions in practice.
As of 1 April 2026, TechCircle has entered a new three-year project period that builds on the experience from the first period, which concluded on 31 December 2025. During the first three years, more than 2,200 small and medium-sized enterprises and organisations used TechCircle’s services and strengthened their technological competencies.
For ECE, TechCircle is an opportunity to bring the department’s research and technological expertise into play, where it can create concrete value. During the new project period, ECE will work with the other TechCircle partners to make it easier for companies to test, explore, and implement new technologies in practice.
Mikael Bergholz Knudsen, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Aarhus University, says: “We look forward to once again being part of TechCircle and contributing our knowledge within AI and digital technologies. For us, it is about building bridges between new technology and what works in practice for companies. At ECE, we work closely with companies, and this provides better opportunities to test and translate technologies into concrete solutions.”
Helping SMEs with AI, sustainability and business development
The new TechCircle partner group consists of Aarhus University, VIA University College, MADE, CDEU and Erhvervshus Midtjylland, which serves as the coordinating partner.
Over the next three years, SMEs in the Central Denmark Region can receive free support through TechCircle for digital transformation – from idea development and testing to competence development, implementation and funding.
The services include seminars, webinars, specialist courses and individual programmes in which specialists work directly with the individual company. Companies can also gain access to lab and test facilities as well as up to 60 hours of expert assistance.
As a new initiative, TechCircle offers technological business development, a 20-hour mentoring programme that helps companies develop strategies that support their environmental, technological and business goals.
In addition, the so-called “AI Service Desk” will be launched, where companies can gain an overview of and receive guidance on the EU’s SME services.
About TechCircle
- TechCircle is supported by the European Union and the Danish Board of Business Development.
- TechCircle is one of five European Digital Innovation Hubs in Denmark and part of a network of more than 180 hubs across Europe.
- Read more about TechCircle and the specific services on the project website.
- Watch a video about TechCircle’s first three years.
- Read press release (in Danish).