EIFO, the export and investment fund of Denmark, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, an independent Danish enterprise foundation, have announced €80 million ($92.7 million USD) investment to establish QuNorth. This new Nordic quantum initiative aims to acquire and operate a quantum computer named Magne, provided by Atom Computing and Microsoft. Magne is projected to be the first commercially available Level 2 quantum computer when it is ready for use by the end of 2026.
Magne is characterized as a Level 2 quantum computer, designed to perform calculations using logical qubits, and is specified to consist of 50 logical qubits and 1,225 physical neutral-atom qubits. It is described as a complete full-stack quantum computer, encompassing hardware, algorithms, software, operating system, compiler, control electronics, AI agents, system governance and management, and cloud connectivity. Atom Computing will build and deliver the quantum hardware utilizing its neutral atom technology, while Microsoft will integrate its specialized quantum software and applications, including Azure software tailored to Atom Computing’s technology, providing middleware, hybrid quantum-classical development tools, and cloud connectivity. The selection of suppliers was based on their overall contribution to the Nordic quantum ecosystem, researcher access to physical hardware, and the platform’s technological strengths and usability.
QuNorth’s primary mission is to operate this system to strengthen both the Danish and Nordic quantum ecosystems, prioritizing access for Nordic users. Magne will be 100% Danish-owned, with EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation each investing approximately €40 million ($46.4 million USD) in QuNorth. The physical location of the quantum computer in Denmark is noted as important for data security, ensuring data remains in the Nordic region, and for developing quantum competencies. Microsoft views Denmark as its quantum computing hub within the European Union, having invested more than 1 billion Danish kroner ($155.4 million USD) in its local quantum research center since 2017.
Magne will enable researchers to model quantum chemical problems, including new materials for the green transition and understanding climate warming impacts, as well as solving quantum chemical problems in biological systems relevant to drug development. It will also be used for complex optimization problems in industry, such as route optimization and supply chain planning. The system is intended to bridge the gap between Level 2 and Level 3 quantum computers by being used to develop and test algorithms for future Level 3 machines, such as those developed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) and Quantum Foundry Copenhagen.
This investment aims to enhance the Nordic region’s position in quantum technology by providing access to next-generation quantum systems, and is expected to contribute to a European competitive advantage. The initiative seeks to support quantum innovation and applications for both academia and industry, serving a diverse range of users from quantum technology companies contributing to the stack to end-users exploring quantum algorithms.
Read the full announcement from the Novo Nordisk Foundation here, explore additional details on the Magne project here, and review the Microsoft LinkedIn Pulse article here.
July 17, 2025
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