Denmark is gearing up to unlock the potentials of quantum technology
Co-Authored by Danish Quantum Community and Invest in Denmark
In 1922, Niels Bohr won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his revolutionizing theory of the atom and research in quantum mechanics. This has paved the way for a century-long Danish stronghold in quantum research. Now the time has come to unlock the business potentials of quantum technology, and Denmark is already taking important steps to make quantum technology the country’s next major business stronghold.
A growing hub for quantum innovation
With the highest number of quantum graduates per million inhabitants, Denmark is continuously expanding its quantum talent pool and quantum workforce. Access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities and a world-leading entrepreneurial environment at universities is paving the way for graduates in physics, mathematics, computer science, and chemistry to lead the way for the next generation of quantum innovation and quantum spinouts. The launch of a new MSc in Quantum Information Science, a joint program from the Niels Bohr Institute and DTU, is further future-proofing the quantum workforce.
Recent numbers from the Danish Ministry for Business show that Denmark today has more than 1,200 jobs in the quantum field – and the numbers are continuously growing as the ecosystem expands.
In 2023, companies like Riverlane, Maybell Quantum, and QunaSys established subsidiaries or European HQs in Denmark. Just three weeks ago, the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) invested 70 million DKK in the American company Atom Computing, subsequently leading to the establishment of Atom Computing’s European HQ in Denmark.
Further, Denmark is hosting the DIANA Quantum Centre (DIANA-Q) to support the development and commercialization of dual-use quantum technology. The national quantum accelerator site, Deep Tech Lab – Quantum, hosted the first cohort of NATO DIANA startups in 2024, helping accelerate the development of new early-stage startups.
NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg at the opening of the NATO DIANA quantum accelerator in Denmark. Picture by Esben Zøllner Olesen for Deep Tech Lab – Quantum
The rise of an emerging quantum industry in Denmark was evident at the Danish Quantum Industry Day, a national showcase of the Danish quantum industry co-organized by Danish Quantum Community in June 2024. The event had 30 quantum companies exhibiting their quantum products – from hardware to software and simulations and from early-stage to established companies.
30 quantum companies exhibited at Denmark’s Quantum Industry Day 2024. Picture by Esben Zøllner Olesen for Danish Quantum Community.
And with more than 300 industry stakeholders and investors present – including also the Danish Minister for Business – the buzz around the quantum agenda in Denmark was evident.
Panel about quantum entrepreneurship at Denmark’s Quantum Industry Day 2024. Picture by Esben Zøllner Olesen for Danish Quantum Community.
Long-term capital for the quantum ecosystem
In recent years, the governmental support for the Danish quantum ecosystem has increased exponentially, and Denmark has seen significant long-term quantum investments from both public and private stakeholders.
The Danish Government has allocated 160 million EUR (1.2 billion DKK) to Denmark’s national quantum strategy with advance quantum research and enable commercialization and early adoption of quantum technologies among Danish industries. As part of the strategy, the government will support the establishment of Quantum House Denmark, a physical space for the quantum ecosystem to meet and collaborate, along with a national quantum test center. Both initiatives will play a key role in establishing Denmark as an international quantum hub and allow foreign quantum stakeholders to experience the Danish quantum ecosystem up close.
Denmark has also seen significant private investments in quantum technology, including the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s 1.5 billion DKK investment in building a fully functional quantum computer by 2034, and the recent 188 million EUR investment from Novo Holdings to support the quantum startup ecosystem in Denmark.
With a strong foundation in quantum research, a rapidly growing quantum ecosystem and quantum technology as a key political priority, Denmark is poised to be a leader in the development and commercialization of quantum technologies. This presents exciting opportunities for both domestic and international companies looking to leverage the power of quantum to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
About Danish Quantum Community
Danish Quantum Community is a non-profit organization established to bring together all quantum stakeholders in Denmark with the purpose of building a unified ecosystem and strengthening Denmark’s efforts in quantum research and quantum technologies. DQC has over 50 partners, including universities, startups, established companies, quantum end-users, funding agencies and more.
About Invest in Denmark
Invest in Denmark is the national investment promotion agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Each year, Invest in Denmark facilitates around 60 foreign direct investments, creating around 2,000 jobs in Denmark in key sectors such as life science, tech and cleantech.
Sponsored by Danish Quantum Community and Invest in Denmark
