EIFO, the export and investment fund of Denmark, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, an independent Danish enterprise foundation, are investing €80 million in acquiring and operating what they claim will be the world’s most powerful quantum computer.
QuNorth is a new quantum initiative set up by the two organisations which focuses on the first operational deployment of a machine powered by logical qubits in partnership with Microsoft and Atom Computing.
Despite a historically strong position in quantum research, the foundation said that Denmark and the Nordic region risk losing ground in the global race due to the lack of access to next-generation Level 2 quantum computers, which are more stable, reliable and capable of error correction.
The computer, which will be named Magne after the strong son of Thor in Norse mythology, will be the world’s first commercially available level 2 quantum computer, consisting of 50 logical qubits and over 1,200 physical qubits.
Construction of Magne will begin in autumn 2025, and the computer is expected to be ready for its first tasks at the end of 2026.
The foundation said it will be a complete full-stack quantum computer, which means it will include not only the hardware that contains the qubits, but also algorithms, software, operating system, compiler, and control electronics.
QuNorth will work to support researchers and industry in leveraging Magne by developing new applications across areas such as material science and chemistry related product development, and by helping to attract talent and new quantum investments to the Nordic region.
The foundation added that QuNorth will collaborate closely with other stakeholders involved in the development and commercialisation of quantum research in the Nordic region.
Magne will be delivered by a partnership between Microsoft and Atom Computing.
Atom Computing will build and deliver the quantum hardware for Magne, while Microsoft will integrate its Azure software, which will be tailored to Atom Computing’s neutral atom technology.
Microsoft has invested significantly in building and expanding its global quantum innovation centre north of Copenhagen while Atom Computing established its European headquarters in Copenhagen last year following investment from EIFO.
Morten Bødskov, Danish minister of industry, business and financial affairs, said that the competition for critical technologies is fierce and Europe risks falling behind.
“With the investment in the world’s strongest quantum computer, we are making a solid shift in the global quantum race,” he said. “This will benefit all of Europe.
“We need to harness the untapped possibilities of quantum technology for Danish and European businesses, society, and security. Denmark and the EU must lead the race in developing new technologies.”
