Denmark, Novo Nordisk Partner to Acquire Microsoft Quantum Computer for €80 Million

The Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Danish government are partnering to invest €80 million ($93 million) in a Microsoft-powered quantum computer. The investment aims to boost technological development in the Nordic region. The foundation, which controls pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk A/S, will join forces with the Danish government to fund the project.

Denmark and the Nordic region are set to invest €80 million ($93 million) in a quantum computing initiative, marking a significant step forward in technological development. The investment, announced on July 2, 2025, is a joint effort between the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Danish government.

The initiative, dubbed QuNorth, aims to acquire and operate the world’s most powerful commercial quantum computer, named Magne. Magne is expected to be a Level 2 quantum computer, characterized by its ability to perform calculations using logical qubits, which are more stable and reliable than traditional physical qubits [1].

The project is a collaborative effort between Microsoft and Atom Computing, both leaders in the field of quantum technology. Microsoft will provide the specialized quantum software and applications, while Atom Computing will deliver the quantum hardware. The partnership is expected to accelerate innovation across various scientific domains, including drug discovery and disease modeling [2].

QuNorth will be based in Copenhagen and is expected to create around 10 specialized jobs. The initiative will also establish four PhD/postdoc roles in collaboration with Microsoft. The project's commercial and academic programs will be presented at a Nordic quantum event in autumn 2025 [1].

The investment is part of a broader strategy by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Danish government to strengthen the Nordic quantum ecosystem. The Novo Nordisk Foundation has intensified its focus on quantum technology over the past year, and this investment aims to provide a strong platform for Nordic users [3].

The initiative is a response to the growing competition in the global race for quantum technology, with significant investments being made by China and the USA. The investment in Magne is seen as a way to ensure that Denmark and the Nordic region maintain a competitive edge in this critical technology [4].

References:
[1] https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/news/eifo-and-the-novo-nordisk-foundation-acquire-the-worlds-most-powerful-quantum-computer/
[2] https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/quantum/
[3] https://www.novonordiskfonden.dk/en/our-initiatives/quantum-computing-programme/
[4] https://www.eifo.dk/en/