Denmark’s EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation are jointly investing 80 million to establish QuNorth, a new initiative to acquire and operate Magne, expected to be the world’s first commercially available Level 2 quantum computer. Scheduled for operation by 2026/27, Magne will consist of 50 logical qubits and over 1,200 physical qubits, offering enhanced stability through error correction and a potential advantage over classical computers. Construction, beginning in autumn 2025, will be undertaken by Atom Computing and Microsoft, both with established Danish operations, with QuNorth aiming to provide access to the system for Nordic researchers and industry, and will employ approximately 10 people.
Nordic Quantum Initiative Launched
EIFO, Denmark’s national promotional bank, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation are jointly investing 80 million to establish QuNorth, a new initiative designed to advance the Nordic region’s technological development in quantum computing. This investment aims to secure access to next-generation quantum systems and address a potential decline in the region’s competitive standing within the global quantum race. QuNorth’s primary objective is the acquisition and operation of Magne, a quantum computer anticipated to be the world’s most powerful commercial system of its kind.
Magne is set to be one of the first Level 2 quantum systems globally, characterized by the utilization of logical qubits, which offer increased stability through error correction. The system will comprise 50 logical qubits and over 1,200 physical qubits, representing a complete full-stack system encompassing hardware, algorithms, software, operating system, compiler, and control electronics. This Level 2 classification signifies a potential advantage over classical computers, distinguishing it from Level 1 (NISQ) systems which, while accessible since 2016, remain limited in scope and computational power.
Construction of Magne, a 100% Danish-owned asset, is scheduled to commence in autumn 2025, with operational availability expected between 2026 and 2027. The system will be delivered through a partnership between Microsoft and Atom Computing, both of which have established a strong presence within the Danish ecosystem. Atom Computing will be responsible for building and delivering the quantum hardware, while Microsoft will integrate its Azure software, specifically tailored to Atom Computing’s neutral atom technology, considered to be among the best performing currently available.
QuNorth plans to operate with a small team of approximately 10 employees, focused on maximizing the utilization of Magne across both commercial and academic users in the Nordic region. To facilitate research and development, the company will establish four PhD/postdoc roles in collaboration with Microsoft. QuNorth intends to present its commercial and academic program at a Nordic quantum event in autumn 2025, and will be based in Copenhagen.
Establishing Regional Leadership
The establishment of QuNorth is intended to provide a unique national advantage for Danish researchers and companies, maximizing the likelihood of Denmark being among tomorrow’s winning nations. This initiative responds to concerns that limited access to the latest quantum computers risks leaving Nordic researchers and companies behind, aiming to provide a strong platform prioritizing access for Nordic users. QuNorth will proactively support researchers and industry in leveraging Magne, developing new applications in areas such as material science and chemistry, attracting talent, and fostering new quantum investments, with collaboration with other stakeholders intended to provide a European competitive advantage.
Magne’s construction will be undertaken through a partnership between Microsoft and Atom Computing, both strongly rooted in the Danish ecosystem, following a thorough evaluation of quantum platforms considering technological strengths, benefits, and contributions to the Nordic quantum ecosystem, including researcher access to the physical hardware. Atom Computing established its European headquarters in Copenhagen following investment from EIFO and a local pension fund, having developed a neutral atom technology currently considered the best performing quantum technology. Microsoft has significantly invested in its global quantum innovation center near Copenhagen and will equip Magne with specialized quantum software and applications powered by Microsoft Discovery.
The anticipated operational availability of Magne between 2026 and 2027 will be supported by a small organization of around 10 employees dedicated to optimal utilization across commercial and academic users in the Nordic region. Four PhD/postdoc roles will be established in collaboration with Microsoft to facilitate research and development. QuNorth will present its commercial and academic program at a Nordic quantum event in autumn 2025, and will be based in Copenhagen, representing a 100% Danish-owned asset with EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation each investing approximately 40 million in QuNorth.
Technological Specifications of Magne
Magne will be the world’s first commercially available Level 2 quantum computer, consisting of 50 logical qubits and over 1,200 physical qubits, and is a complete full-stack system including hardware, algorithms, software, operating system, compiler, and control electronics. Atom Computing will build and deliver the quantum hardware, while Microsoft will integrate its Azure software tailored to Atom Computing’s neutral atom technology.
The three levels of quantum computing are: Level 1 (NISQ), error-prone computers accessible since 2016, suitable for simple tasks but not yet superior to classical computers; Level 2 (Logical qubits), more stable computers with error-correction; and Level 3 (Logical qubits), more stable computers with error-correction. Level 3 systems are expected to provide a competitive advantage, while Level 1 systems are not yet superior to classical computers.
Construction of Magne will begin in autumn 2025, with the computer expected to be operational by 2026/27. Atom Computing will build and deliver the quantum hardware, while Microsoft will integrate its Azure software tailored to Atom Computing’s neutral atom technology.
Ecosystem Development and Investment Rationale
EIFO’s focus on quantum technology extends beyond this initiative, encompassing investments in Sparrow Quantum, Atom Computing, and Kvantify. The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Quantum Computing Programme and Quantum Foundry Copenhagen are concurrently developing a Level 3 quantum computer, representing a further commitment to advancing quantum capabilities.
The establishment of QuNorth is intended to provide a unique national advantage for Danish researchers and companies, maximizing the likelihood of Denmark being among tomorrow’s winning nations. This initiative responds to concerns that limited access to the latest quantum computers risks leaving Nordic researchers and companies behind, aiming to provide a strong platform prioritizing access for Nordic users. QuNorth will proactively support researchers and industry in leveraging Magne, developing new applications in areas such as material science and chemistry, attracting talent, and fostering new quantum investments, with collaboration with other stakeholders intended to provide a European competitive advantage.
Jason Zander, Executive Vice President at Microsoft Corporation, highlighted the deepening collaboration with Denmark and the Nordics, emphasizing the construction of the world’s most powerful quantum computer applying Microsoft’s advanced error correction to Atom Computing’s high-fidelity qubits. Dr. Ben Bloom, CEO at Atom Computing, expressed excitement in delivering cutting-edge technology to a broad range of users, integrating advanced compute capabilities for deep technical research into novel logical qubit algorithms and quantum error correction, believing that, together with Microsoft and QuNorth, the Danish and Nordic quantum ecosystems will take a global leadership position.
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