Quantum Revolution in Denmark: From Research to Commercialization
“We have a strong tradition here in Denmark within the quantum field. Niels Bohr took the first step over a hundred years ago. In 2024, Denmark continues to be the world leader in quantum research,”
says Morten Bødskov, the minister for Industry, Business, and Financial Affairs, in his opening statement at the first-ever Danish Quantum Industry Day held on June 3rd, hosted at DTU Skylab.
In his speech, the minister focused the attention of the audience on two main subjects when it comes to the development of quantum technology in Denmark:
- Denmark is at the heart of the quantum revolution. Last year, NATO announced the opening of a centre for quantum technologies in Copenhagen. According to an official press release by the Danish Ministry of Defense, the Danish quantum centre will consist of an accelerator, a test centre, and a fabricationunit. ” Security must always be part of the conversation when we talk about quantum technology”, Morten pointed out.
- He expressed a desire to focus on the commercial potential within the field. “The business focus is also very important. The quantum field is not only about research. We must bring quantum to life in our industries, companies, and businesses.”
Rasmus Larsen, DTU Provost, mentioned, ” An investment of DKK 500 million will be made to encourage the growth of the quantum ecosystem in Denmark.”
The business potential of quantum technology
A panel discussion was arranged where some of the key figures in the quantum industry presented their opinions. Peter Lundquist, CEO of Export and Investment Fund of Denmark; Astrid Katrine Kyhl, Senior Director and Head of AI & Digital at TDC NET; and Hans Henrik H. Knudsen, CEO & co-founder of Kvantify, made an appearance in front of a crowd of hundreds.
The session was moderated by Natasha Friis Saxberg, vice chairperson of the Danish Quantum Community. The point of discussion was how innovation and business potential within quantum technology can be harnessed to drive economic growth and technological progress in Denmark.
- “I believe that quantum technologies are poised to revolutionize the telecommunications industry,” Astrid said.
- Hans mentioned his experience travelling with PM Mette Frederiksen on her first visit to Japan last year. He welcomed the signing of an MOU between the two countries on Science, Technology, and Innovation, which includes areas such as digital technologies, AI, and quantum technologies, as well as healthcare and life sciences.
You can read more about the Danish delegation visit in this press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
What does an international in Denmark think?
We spoke to Luuk Ament, the Program Director for IBMQuantum Channel Partnerships, at the event. Luuk is from the Netherlands and has lived in Denmark for the past 4 years.
- What makes Denmark an interesting place to work in the quantum industry?
Luuk:Denmark is a small country with close-knit communities. The quantum ecosystem is very good, as you can see here at the event. There are 30 exhibitors here with products and services in the quantum industry. The academic outputs from Danish universities are fantastic as well. This creates an environment of excitement for innovation within the industry.
- Do you have a message for fellow internationals in Denmark on why they should notice the quantum space in Denmark?
Luuk:I think quantum computing is a great industry to enter into right now in Denmark. As a professional, there are plenty of opportunities. I believe we are at the beginning of a very long trajectory comparable to what we have seen in the semiconductors and classic computing industry in the past.
Students can find scholarships and PhD opportunities at DTU and KU, which are at the heart of quantum development in Denmark. There are opportunities not just in software but also in hardware research. For example, the development of auxiliary equipment for quantum computing.
As a physicist myself, I am very excited to follow these developments. Big IT companies like IBM are paying close attention as well. The quantum spaces in Denmark are very diverse, you see professionals and specialists from many different countries. Like many other industries, the quantum industry is male-dominated as well. There are certain challenges and there is a desire to do better.
The quantum industry is speeding up. The goal is clear. To transform the research into real-life applications that can drive Danish businesses and cement Denmark’s place as the world leader in the quantum industry. The big question is whether Denmark can attract the international talent required.
In 2023 alone, the United States invested significantly in quantum technology. The federal government, through various agencies such as the National Quantum Initiative (NQI), allocated over $800 million to quantum research and development. This funding is part of a broader effort to maintain and expand the country’s leadership in quantum sciences, encompassing areas like quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communication.
Source: Annual Report on the NQI Program Budget, December 1, 2023
