Danish Government Announces 1 Billion Kroner Investment in Quantum Research
Insider Summary
- Denmark announced a special investment of one billion kroner — about $93.6 million US — in quantum research and innovation.
- The main objective of the National Strategy for Quantum Technology is to promote Danish quantum research, ensuring its continued global leadership.
- Critical Quote: “With this strategy and billions of dollars of investment, we are creating a favorable environment for the development and application of quantum technology in Denmark, thereby increasing Denmark’s visibility and commitment in the quantum field.” — Christina Egelund
PRESS RELEASE — Denmark will embark on its first sub-strategy for quantum technology, signaling the country’s recognition of its potential impact on critical sectors such as healthcare, green transition and cybersecurity.
With a dedicated investment of one billion kroner — approximately $93.6 million US — in research and innovation, the government aims to advance Danish quantum research and establish a robust framework for the development and utilization of quantum technologies.
The main objectives of the National Strategy for Quantum Technology are to promote Danish quantum research, ensure its continued global leadership, and facilitate the translation of research findings into practical quantum solutions to global challenges.
Quantum technology applications span multiple social domains, including the protection of sensitive data and critical infrastructure. Recent events, such as the conflict in Ukraine and the increasing frequency of cyber attacks, have underscored the urgent need for innovative solutions that can protect against evolving cyber threats.
Traditionally, the security of confidential information has relied on encryption keys to encode and decode data and messages. However, if these keys are compromised or stolen, unauthorized individuals can gain access to sensitive information. Quantum physics offers a unique opportunity to overcome this challenge by enabling the exchange of encryption keys while ensuring their integrity and resistance to compromise.
Minister of Education and Research, Christina Egelund, said: “We have big ambitions for the development and utilization of quantum technology in Denmark. Danish quantum research is already at the forefront of the international elite and enjoys significant recognition. However, if we are to keep pace with progress and participate in the growing global competition for talent, investment and knowledge, we need to make extra efforts, especially given the security challenges posed by quantum technologies. With this multi-billion dollar strategy and investment, we are creating a favorable environment for the development and application of quantum technology in Denmark, thereby increasing Denmark’s visibility and commitment in the quantum field.”
New program for strategic research and innovation in the quantum field The main initiative in sub-strategy is the strategic program for research and innovation in the quantum field. The program aims to ensure a multi-year focus on quantum research and innovation, contributing to scientific breakthroughs for the development of quantum technologies in Denmark. This involves investing in fundamental research and paving the way for early-stage application of quantum technologies and synergies between research and innovation. This will effectively enable us to translate our strong research position into innovation and practical implementation in society.
Three main focus areas:
- Long term and strategic investment in research and innovation
- International research and innovation collaboration for the benefit of Denmark
- Increased access to digital research infrastructure
Fact
The 2023 Finance Law has allocated DKK 212 million for research and innovation in the field of quantum technology. The government’s ambition is to maintain this high level of funding over the next four years. This means a priority minimum of at least one billion kroner from 2023 to 2027.
Among the initiatives is the establishment of a new strategic program for quantum research and innovation. The program will support new research projects, knowledge-based innovation, and focus on the promotion of interdisciplinary research and innovation, talent development, and strong Danish participation in international research and innovation collaborations.
A National Forum for Quantum Technology will be established to facilitate broad collaboration among key stakeholders in the quantum field, including discussion of the strategic milestones outlined in the strategy.
This publication is the first sub-strategy of the National Strategy for Quantum Technology. The second part will be developed later through further inter-ministerial cooperation between the Ministries of Business, Industry and Finance, the Ministries of Education and Research, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the Ministries of Defence, and the Ministries of Digitalization and Equality.
