Denmark is set to host what is anticipated to become the world’s most powerful quantum computer, following an €80 million investment jointly announced by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Denmark’s state-owned Export and Investment Fund (EIFO).
The initiative, named QuNorth, is designed to position Denmark—and the wider Nordic region—at the forefront of global quantum computing capabilities, with particular relevance for pharmaceutical development, materials science, and advanced computational research.
The system will be developed in collaboration with Microsoft and Atom Computing. Microsoft, which operates its largest quantum laboratory in Denmark, will provide software and systems integration, while Atom Computing will construct the physical machine, utilising its proprietary neutral atom technology. The computer, named Magne—after the son of Thor in Norse mythology, known for his strength—will be built in Copenhagen, with construction commencing in autumn 2025. It is expected to be operational by early 2027.
Quantum computing enables certain types of calculations that are beyond the reach of classical computers. It is particularly promising in fields that require modelling of highly complex systems, such as molecular interactions and quantum chemistry. Microsoft’s Executive Vice President Jason Zander told Reuters that Magne will initially operate with 50 logical qubits. Logical qubits are fault-tolerant units of quantum information, created from multiple physical qubits, and represent a key threshold in the transition to practical quantum advantage.
“When we get to about 50 logical qubits, that’s when we start hitting true quantum advantage,” Zander said. “I get to the point where I can run something on a quantum computer that I could not run on a classical computer.”
Zander further noted that while 100 logical qubits will allow the machine to tackle scientific problems, reaching 1,000 would enable solutions to highly complex chemical simulations and optimisation challenges—areas currently out of reach for existing technology.
The investment, split evenly between EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, will see Magne entirely Danish-owned. Both organisations described the project as strategically significant for maintaining Denmark’s position in the rapidly evolving quantum landscape.
“A quantum computer of Magne’s calibre maximises the likelihood that Denmark will be among tomorrow’s winning nations,” said EIFO CEO Peder Lundquist. “Having access to one of the very few Level 2 quantum computers globally will give Danish researchers and companies a unique advantage of national significance.”
Although the Nordic countries have a strong academic record in quantum research, they currently lack direct access to next-generation quantum hardware. Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, acknowledged the risk of regional decline in competitiveness: “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.”
In addition to supporting commercial research, QuNorth will maintain a small operational team of around ten employees and will partner with Microsoft to establish four doctoral and postdoctoral research positions focused on quantum technologies. The initiative is intended to serve both industrial users and academic institutions across the Nordic region.
Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bødskov highlighted the geopolitical implications of the project. “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,” he said.
QuNorth will formally present its commercial and academic programme at a dedicated Nordic quantum event in autumn 2025. The facility and its operations will be based in Copenhagen, reinforcing the city’s growing role as a regional technology hub.
The announcement follows Microsoft and Atom Computing’s previous milestone of creating 24 logical qubits in late 2024—a global record at the time. By targeting 50 logical qubits at launch, Magne is expected to become one of the first systems to exceed the practical quantum advantage threshold.
While the field remains in development, the Danish-led initiative is seen as a significant step in transforming quantum computing from theoretical research into deployable infrastructure. If successful, Magne may play a central role in accelerating innovation across multiple sectors and affirm Denmark’s leadership in one of the most consequential technological arenas of the 21st century.
Photo: qunorth.com
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