What can the users expect from Magne?

QuNorth will house the quantum computer Magne, but what can the users expect from the computer when it is ready for use around the turn of 2026/27?

Magne is a level 2 quantum computer and has a range of applications far beyond the level 1 computers currently available.

"We expect Magne to be the first commercially available level 2 quantum computer when it is completed and ready for use at the turn of 2026/27. This means that Magne will be the first commercially available quantum computer where many physical qubits, which are the quantum computer's equivalent of bits, work together to form the more stable logical qubits through error correction algorithms," explains Morten Bache, Scientific Director at the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Below, he explains in more detail what users can expect from the quantum computer Magne.

There are already several companies offering commercial access to quantum computers. What makes Magne special?
"There are indeed several commercially available quantum computers, but they are all level 1 and compute directly using physical qubits, which can only be used for simple calculations. Logical qubits, which characterise level 2 quantum computers, are the result of a larger orchestration process that observes and corrects errors that occur during the quantum circuit. The improved logic qubits are then used instead for the calculations in the quantum circuit. This happens in large, complex error correction algorithms.

“Therefore, level 2 quantum computers are much more advanced technology than level 1 quantum computers. Today, logic qubits are just good enough to outperform level 1 quantum computers. That difference will only become clearer as scientists and engineers develop this advanced technology together. When Magne is commissioned around the turn of the year 2026/27, it is expected to be one of the world's most powerful quantum computers," says Morten Bache.

Magne utilises Microsoft's Azure software. What does this mean for users?
"It will require an Azure account to log in and start work tasks on Magne. The logical qubits will be managed through Azure, a deeply integrated interaction between software and hardware that Atom Computing and Microsoft have developed over several years. Azure will also offer different workflows controlled by Copilot, artificial intelligence, and the latest developments in this area when Magne is ready around the turn of 2026/27.

“It is important to emphasise that there will also be options for users who prefer other operating systems, compilers or software solutions, for example under open source. Among other things, it will be possible to directly access the lowest code layer that Atom Computing uses to control qubits. This allows users to use the physical qubits directly, without creating logical qubits, or to create their own error correction algorithms to test new types of logical qubits that are not included in the Azure package. This will allow experts to test and benchmark different scenarios," says Morten Bache.

What specific tasks will the Magne quantum computer be used for?
"With Magne, researchers will be able to start modelling certain important quantum chemical problems in interaction with traditional supercomputers. This area is developing rapidly and will be of great importance in the research and development of new materials for the green transition, for example for power-to-X or for new types of sustainable batteries. It can also help us better understand critical aspects of global warming, such as how light and small molecules interact in the atmosphere, including in ozone depletion.

“Magne will also be able to solve various quantum chemical problems in biological systems. For example, details about how proteins and enzymes work, which are important steps towards developing better drugs and understanding how we can copy nature's efficient way of doing chemistry," explains Morten Bache, who mentions the following specific areas where Magne can help provide better insight: DNA damage in cells during chemotherapy; regulation of antioxidants in blood; the role of proteins in disease progression and during treatment with a drug; the interaction between light and biomolecular systems; simulation of the active part of enzymes.

"Magne will also help solve complex optimisation problems. In industry, for example, it can be used for route optimisation and supply chain planning," adds Morten Bache.

What types of companies is Magne most relevant for?
"There are two types of companies that can use Magne in different ways: companies working with quantum technology and the end users of the calculations that Magne can make.

“The first group of users could be companies in quantum software, quantum control systems, quantum control electronics and other component suppliers. Magne is a complete full-stackquantum computer. This means that it consists not only of the hardware containing the qubits, but also algorithms, software, an operating system, compiler and control electronics. A unique aspect of the collaboration with Atom Computing and Microsoft is that Magne will have access to develop different parts of the quantum computer stack. This enables researchers and entrepreneurs from different parts of the technology chain to collaborate on developing the emerging technologies that are needed to realise a next-level fault-tolerant quantum computer.

“Magne's end users include large industrial companies and banks, as well as consultancies, startups and other smaller artificial intelligence companies that are keen to try out quantum algorithms. Magne will be a large, powerful quantum computer that can perform increasingly sophisticated quantum calculations. When Microsoft delivers a customised and user-friendly software layer and ensures that Magne is integrated with powerful traditional supercomputers in the cloud, it will greatly benefit users who want to start using a quantum computer to solve complex tasks in new areas. Because of its user-friendliness, Magne will therefore be able to build an important bridge between the technological push and the user-driven pull," concludes Morten Bache.

For more details on the difference between different types of quantum computers on the importance of having a quantum computer available in the Nordic countries, please refer to this article.

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