Aalborg University spin-out Campfire Security grows from student community into national cybersecurity training provider

Photos: Campfire Security and AAU

(IN BRIEF) Aalborg University played a central role in the creation of Campfire Security, which began as a community-driven project to teach young people cybersecurity through hands-on learning on a training platform developed at AAU before evolving into a company that now serves Danish businesses. Founded by Professor Jens Myrup, Commercial Director Kristian Meincke, and other AAU-affiliated specialists, the company combines academic expertise with an informal “campfire” culture that emphasises collaboration, dialogue, and practical experience. Campfire Security has grown rapidly since 2023, now operating three offices across Denmark, working closely with AAU Innovation, and offering free access to its platform for students and educators while maintaining its distinctive, welcoming identity at industry events.

(PRESS RELEASE) AALBORG, 3-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Aalborg University is at the heart of the story behind Campfire Security, a company that began as a grassroots community aimed at making cybersecurity more accessible to young people and has since evolved into a fast-growing provider of training solutions for the Danish business sector. What started as an educational initiative has grown into a distinctive organisation that blends technical rigour with an informal, collaborative “campfire” ethos that still defines its identity today.

Photos: Campfire Security and AAU

The origins of Campfire Security lie in a training platform developed at Aalborg University, where students and young enthusiasts were encouraged to think like hackers in order to better understand digital threats and strengthen their defensive skills. The learning environment was built around dialogue, hands-on experimentation, and shared experience, rather than traditional classroom teaching. According to Kristian Meincke, Commercial Director at Campfire Security, this practical approach mirrors real-world cybersecurity challenges and creates powerful “aha” moments that cannot be achieved through theory alone.

As the project gained momentum, the founders recognised that the same learning model could also benefit the Danish business community. Professor Jens Myrup, Kristian Meincke, and three other cybersecurity specialists affiliated with AAU’s research environment decided to establish a commercial company that would allow organisations to train their employees in cybersecurity using the same interactive platform originally developed for students.

With a newly registered CVR number in hand, the founding team retreated to a rented holiday home in Græsted to develop their business strategy. Transforming the living space into a temporary office, they equipped the house with desks, chairs, and technical equipment salvaged from Meincke’s former company. What began as a quiet planning session soon turned into a real-world test of their capabilities when the real estate chain EDC fell victim to a major cyberattack, exposing nearly 100,000 CPR numbers online.

During this crisis, journalist Danmarks Radio (DR) contacted Professor Myrup for expert commentary. In response, the Campfire Security team quickly collaborated to analyse the leaked data and provide insights. Their collective effort impressed the journalist enough to justify travelling to the holiday home for a live interview, demonstrating in practice how effectively the team could work together under pressure.

Campfire Security’s connection to Aalborg University has remained strong. The founders received valuable support from AAU Innovation, particularly in securing a licensing agreement that allowed them to transfer university-developed technology into the company. This ongoing collaboration continues to provide Campfire Security with access to cutting-edge research, talented students, and professional networks.

Since its establishment in September 2023, Campfire Security has expanded rapidly. The company now operates three offices in Denmark – in Hillerød, Copenhagen, and Aarhus – and employs 25 full-time staff alongside a growing team of interns and student assistants. Its training platform is used by both large and small organisations, often engaging employees with varying levels of technical expertise.

Despite this growth, the company has preserved its distinctive campfire culture. At trade fairs and industry events, Campfire Security deliberately sets itself apart from more conventional cybersecurity companies. Instead of blue branding and imagery of locks, the team creates an inviting atmosphere with orange carpets, ambient guitar music, and a fire-like light installation, while serving filter coffee and draft beer. This informal environment reflects the company’s belief in openness, dialogue, and shared learning.

Campfire Security also maintains a strong commitment to education. The company offers free access to its full training platform for students and educators in higher education, and provides free teaching materials for upper secondary schools. These initiatives reinforce its original mission to make cybersecurity knowledge more accessible and inclusive.

Through its blend of academic roots, practical expertise, and community-driven culture, Campfire Security continues to bridge the gap between university research and real-world cybersecurity practice.

More about Campfire Security

• Campfire Security was founded in September 2023
• Today, the company has offices in Hillerød, Copenhagen and Aarhus.
• Campfire Security provides free access for students and educators in higher education to the entire training platform
• Educators in upper secondary education can access free teaching materials here: Teaching – Cyberskills
• Read more about Campfire Security: Campfire Security

Media Contact:

Nelly Sander
Project Manager
AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Tel: 99402018: 29122559
email: nsa@adm.aau.dk

SOURCE: Aalborg University