New quantum computer with great potential to boost Nordic research and innovation

EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation have joined forces to create a new Nordic quantum venture in the form of a new company, QuNorth, which will house the quantum computer Magne. In this article you can find answers to key questions about the purchase of what is expected to be the world's most powerful quantum computer when it is ready for use around the turn of 2026/27.

EIFO (the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation are investing €80 million in the establishment of the company QuNorth. The company's main task is to procure, build and operate the world's most powerful commercial quantum computer to date, which will be named Magne.

Both the Novo Nordisk Foundation and EIFO have intensified their focus on quantum technology in recent years.

In 2022, the Novo Nordisk Foundation launched its largest quantum initiative to date: the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (https://nqcp.ku.dk/)(NQCP) and Quantum Foundry Copenhagen (https://qfcph.com/). The goal is to develop a so-called fault-tolerant quantum computer that, fully error-corrected, can carry out error-free calculations on even the most complex problems consistently and over a long period. The computer being developed at NQCP is labelled 'level 3', where Magne will be labelled 'level 2'.

"The fault-tolerant quantum computer being developed at NQCP and elsewhere will not be fully developed and ready for use until after 2030. In the meantime, we need to further develop our skills in the quantum field, especially quantum computing, which is best done by giving the Nordic quantum ecosystem access to a strong level 2 quantum computer that can help solve a number of tasks within a few years and get us ready for the level 3 quantum computers. With the acquisition of Magne, we want to make the best technology currently available in quantum computing available to the Nordic ecosystem," says Lene Oddershede, Chief Scientific Officer, Planetary Science & Technology, at the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

At EIFO, the intensified focus on quantum technology has resulted in several strategic investments, and EIFO is also finalising the work to establish Denmark's new investment fund for quantum technology.

“Danish and Nordic companies and researchers will gain a crucial advantage by getting access to the world's most powerful level 2 quantum computer. The global quantum race is well underway, and with the establishment of QuNorth, the work on the new quantum fund, and several direct investments, EIFO's clear ambition is to contribute to a Danish stronghold in quantum technology,” says Erik Balck Sørensen, CIO at EIFO."

"Quantum technology is an area that we will continue to support in the Novo Nordisk Foundation, as will our investment company, Novo Holdings. In particular, we are investing in the development of a level 3 quantum computer based on European technology, and together with EIFO and others, Novo Holdings recently made its first direct investment (https://novoholdings.dk/news/novo-holdings-makes-first-direct-quantum-investment-with-sparrow-quantum)in a quantum company, Sparrow Quantum. This is an area that we see great potential for both research and business," explains Lene Oddershede, who answers a number of questions about QuNorth and Magne below together with Erik Balck Sørensen.

What are the benefits of investing in a level 2 quantum computer that is expected to be superseded by a level 3 quantum computer within five years?
"All supercomputers have a certain lifespan and will need to be replaced by better technology over time. This is also the case with quantum computers. Magne is currently set to become the world's most powerful commercially available level 2 quantum computer when it is ready for use around the turn of the year 2026/27. Atom Computing will build and deliver quantum hardware for Magne, while Microsoft will integrate its Azure software, which will be tailored to Atom Computing's neutral atom technology. The technology is currently considered to have the best scalability and performance among quantum technologies in the near future (3-5 years).

“This gives Danish and Nordic researchers and companies access to powerful quantum technology several years before the next generation of quantum computers, level 3, will be available. This is valuable in itself because Magne will be able to perform the most sophisticated quantum calculations to date, which could find applications in a number of areas such as health, sustainability and the financial sector. It will also have enormous value for basic research in quantum mechanical systems, as well as in new algorithms in artificial intelligence.

“Magne can also be used to develop and test the algorithms that can be used on the level 3 quantum computers being developed by NQCP and Quantum Foundry Copenhagen, among others. Magne will therefore be able to bridge the gap between two generations of quantum computers," says Lene Oddershede.

Why were Atom Computing and Microsoft, two American companies, chosen as suppliers?
"EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation have based their choice of supplier on three important criteria: The solution's overall contribution to the Danish and Nordic quantum ecosystem, Danish and Nordic researchers' access to the physical part of the computer, and the platform's technological lead, strength and usability, where the last criterion is based on evaluation of published results and roadmaps.

“Atom Computing as a hardware supplier and Microsoft as a supplier of quantum software was the combination that best fulfilled these three criteria after a thorough evaluation, which is why they were chosen. Both companies are already involved in the Danish and Nordic quantum ecosystem, where Microsoft in particular has contributed through massive investments in Denmark in recent years. With the collaboration on Magne, it is our clear expectation that their involvement will grow even more.

“The suppliers of the computer parts are indeed American companies, but both Magne and QuNorth will be based in Copenhagen. Having a quantum computer physically located in Denmark is of great importance for data security, as we can guarantee that data remains in the Nordic region. Furthermore, this strong quantum computer will be a platform from which we can develop quantum competences for the benefit of Denmark, the Nordic region and Europe.

“It is important to note that Magne will be 100 per cent Danish-owned, as EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation jointly own the company QuNorth, which has purchased Magne. All intellectual property and data on the computer will belong to the Danish and Nordic researchers and companies that use Magne for their projects," emphasises Lene Oddershede.

Both QuNorth and Magne will be based in Innovation District Copenhagen. What significance does this have for developing the quantum ecosystem and attracting new investments to the quantum field in Denmark and the Nordic countries?
“I am confident that the Danish base for QuNorth and Magne will have a tremendous impact on the ecosystem. With Magne, we are building on the strong Danish legacy in quantum research. Having the world's most powerful quantum computer in Copenhagen will attract talent and capital, both for research and commercial use. Besides the investment in the computer itself, QuNorth is establishing an extensive partnership with Microsoft and Atom Computing. We will, among other things, co-finance PhD and postdoc positions, establish flagship research projects with Nordic stakeholders, and offer specialised training to users of Magne.

“Remember, none of the Nordic countries are currently in possession of the latest generation of quantum computers. Even though there are available quantum computers elsewhere, they are all at level 1. As a Danish researcher or company, you have to wait a long time to get access. With 100% Danish ownership and prioritisation of Nordic users, QuNorth's physical base in Denmark will be a huge advantage,” says Erik Balck Sørensen.

Which companies is Magne relevant for?
“Magne will be relevant for a wide range of companies. Although we do not yet know all the business models and application possibilities, quantum computers – as we have seen with AI – will revolutionise the opportunities and markets for many companies in the coming years. I therefore see potential in Magne for both large established companies, such as C25 companies, and specialised start-ups working with or wanting to explore quantum technology.

“Quantum computers have enormous but yet unrealised potential, and Magne will be a tool to explore and mature concrete applications in close collaboration with Danish and Nordic companies. From the start, Magne will be able to model complex quantum chemical problems in combination with classical supercomputers like Gefion.

“The combination of quantum and classical computing will be of great importance in areas such as the green transition; some examples are the development of new materials for Power-to-X or sustainable batteries. Also in life sciences, the combination of quantum and supercomputers will open entirely new possibilities for company innovation. The same applies to complex optimisation problems, such as route optimisation, logistics, and supply chains – these are areas of great relevance for many industrial companies in the Nordic countries. And it is important to emphasise that Danish and Nordic companies will be prioritised when we set the final framework for access to Magne,” says Erik Balck Sørensen.

Why is it important to purchase a quantum computer that is physically located in Denmark?
"It's basically about ensuring stable, Nordic access to critical technology. None of the Nordic countries currently have preferential access to the latest quantum technology. The purchase of Magne will help change this.

“Magne will be one of the world's most powerful quantum computers. This means that we will have access to unprecedented research and commercial potential that can help develop a European quantum hub in the Nordic region and work towards a global leadership position in this field. There will be access for both academia and industry, and its location in Denmark will stimulate local and regional development projects that would otherwise never be possible.

“The purchase of Magne is therefore an investment in high-tech infrastructure that will benefit Denmark, the Nordic countries and Europe. Magne is expected to be extremely sought after when it is ready for use. It is therefore important to emphasise that Magne is intended for the Nordic ecosystem, which via QuNorth will have access to the computer on very attractive terms," concludes Lene Oddershede.

For more details on what users expect from the computer when it is ready for use, please refer to this article.

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Sabina Askholm Larsen, Senior Communications Partner, sla@novo.dk