Information Technology
EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Acquire the World's Most Powerful Quantum Computer
To address this, EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation are investing €80 million to establish QuNorth, a new Nordic quantum initiative. QuNorth's primary mission is to acquire and operate the world's most powerful commercial quantum computer to date.
The computer will be named Magne, inspired by Norse mythology, where Magne, the son of Thor, is known for his immense strength. Magne is currently set to become the world's most powerful commercially available quantum computer as one of the very first Level 2 quantum systems globally which is characterized by performing calculations using so-called logical qubits. With Magne, Denmark and the Nordic region will gain unprecedented research and commercial potential, contributing to a global leadership position.
Both EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation have intensified their focus on quantum technology over the past year. With the investment in QuNorth and Magne, the two foundations aim to strengthen both the Danish and Nordic quantum ecosystems.
QuNorth will work proactively to support researchers and industry in leveraging Magne – among other things 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. QuNorth will collaborate closely with other stakeholders involved in the development and commercialization of quantum research in the Nordic region, which is expected to also provide a European competitive advantage.
Magne will be delivered by a partnership between Microsoft and Atom Computing – both are world-leading companies in the field of quantum technology and are already strongly rooted in the Danish ecosystem. Microsoft has invested significantly in building and expanding its global quantum innovation center just north of Copenhagen and will equip Magne with their specialized quantum software and applications powered by the recently unveiled Microsoft Discovery. Atom Computing decided last year to establish its European headquarters in Copenhagen as EIFO and a local pension fund invested in the company. Atom Computing has developed a "neutral atom" technology, currently considered the best performing quantum technology.
Construction of Magne will begin in autumn 2025, and the computer is expected to be ready for its first tasks by the new year 2026/27. The selection of Microsoft and Atom Computing in making Magne possible is the result of a thorough evaluation of various quantum platform's current technological strengths and benefits, as well as the solution's overall contribution to the Nordic quantum ecosystem, including access for researchers to the physical hardware.
Magne will be 100% Danish-owned, with EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation each investing approximately €40 million in the establishment of QuNorth. Search for a CEO for the new company will now begin, and QuNorth plans to build a small organization of around 10 employees, whose primary task will be to ensure optimal utilization of Magne across commercial and academic users in the Nordic region. In addition, QuNorth will establish four PhD/postdoc roles in collaboration with Microsoft.
QuNorth will present its commercial and academic program at a Nordic quantum event to be held in autumn 2025. Both Magne and QuNorth will be based in Copenhagen .
The three levels of quantum computing are:
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