QuNorth, a newly established Nordic quantum initiative by EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, wants to acquire and operate the world’s most powerful commercial quantum computer to date: Magne.
With a combined investment of €80 million, construction of Magne will begin in autumn 2025, with the computer expecting to be ready for its first tasks by the new year 2026/27. Magne is named after Thor's strong son in Norse mythology.
Magne is set to be one of the very first Level 2 quantum systems globally. It will be delivered by a partnership between Microsoft and Atom Computing. Magne will be 100% Danish-owned and located in Innovation District Copenhagen. QuNorth is looking for a CEO and wants 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.
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.
'Denmark and the EU must lead the race'
Peder Lundquist, CEO of EIFO, said: “A quantum computer of Magne’s caliber maximizes the likelihood that Denmark will be among tomorrow’s winning nations. Having access to one of the world’s very few Level 2 quantum computers will give Danish researchers and companies a unique advantage of national significance. With QuNorth, Denmark is taking a quantum leap into a future laid by the foundations of Niels Bohr’s research.”
Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, commented: “Today, the Nordic countries have limited access to the latest quantum computers on the market. This means our researchers and companies risk falling behind compared to other parts of the world. With the investment in QuNorth and Magne, we aim to provide a strong platform that prioritizes access for Nordic users.”
“The world has changed, and the competition for critical technologies is fierce. China and the USA are investing massively while Europe is falling behind. Quantum technology comes with enormous potential, and Denmark and the EU must seize this opportunity. With the investment in the world’s strongest quantum computer, we are making a solid shift in the global quantum race. 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”, Morten Bødskov, the Danish Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, said.
