Danish quantum research strengthens its leading position
DTU: Innovation Fund Denmark is boosting Danish quantum research with major investments in new quantum projects.
DTU’s advanced research facilities provide unique opportunities to develop quantum technology from basic research to concrete applications in society.
Friday 04 July 2025
Peter Aagaard Brixen
Denmark continues to strengthen its leading position in quantum technology. With major investments totalling DKK 103 million in four new quantum projects, three of which are led by DTU, the Innovation Fund Denmark is allocating a considerable portion of the funds in the national quantum strategy.
"We are proud of Innovation Fund Denmarks grants for projects in quantum encryption, quantum light sources and quantum computing, where DTU has strong research positions. DTU’s advanced research facilities and close collaboration with both universities and industry provide unique opportunities to develop quantum technology from basic research to concrete applications in society. This applies to everything from cyber security, climate research and life science to advanced computer-based modelling, where Denmark is making its mark internationally," says DTU Provost Christine Nellemann.
The Innovation Fund's grants for quantum projects will go to three DTU-led projects and a fourth project, HyperTenQ, which is a collaboration between QunaSys and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme.
The projects range from hardware (photon sources, quantum dots) to software, secure communication and network infrastructure. The projects involve international partners and companies and build bridges between research and application.
The three DTU-led projects are:
AccessQKD
AccessQDK will develop and demonstrate world-leading technology in future-proof data protection. The goal is to create a scalable, market-ready system that can be integrated directly into the existing telecommunications network and protect critical digital infrastructure against future cyber attacks. Innovation Fund Denmark's investment: DKK 25.9 million.
Partners: DTU Physics, Celare Quantum Communications ApS, The Polytechnic University of Bari, GlobalConnect, Partisia Applications ApS, Aarhus University Read more about AccessQDK
EQUAL
EQUAL will develop new light sources that have the potential to revolutionize cryptography and networking between quantum computers. The technological vision of the project is based on combining nano-photonic chips with unique technologies in materials, nano electromechanics, nanolithography and quantum systems.
Innovation Fund Denmark’s investment: DKK 40 million
Partners: Beamfox Technologies ApS, Denmark, Technical University of Denmark – DTU Electro, Denmark, Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Humboldt University of Berlin, Lizard Photonics ApS, Denmark Read more about EQUAL
QLIGHT
QLIGHT will design, manufacture and test high-efficiency light sources that can emit quantised light for use in future industrial photonic quantum computers.
Innovation Fund Denmark’s investment: DKK 18.9 million
Partners: DTU Electro, DFM – Danish National Metrology Institute, Quandela Read more about QLIGHT
The Innovation Fund's new grants coincide with the launch of the EU's strategy in the quantum field: Quantum Europe Strategy. Maria Cerdà Sevilla believes that the strategy marks a major step towards making Europe a global frontrunner in quantum technology by 2030.
"It is inspiring to see a strategy that goes beyond groundbreaking research. It is about scaling ideas, creating concrete applications and investing in people. It is bold, ambitious – and exactly what Europe needs right now," says Maria Cerdà Sevilla, head of DTU's centre for quantum technology, Quantum DTU.
Facts
The national quantum strategy
The 2023 Finance Act In Denmark allocates DKK 212 million to research and innovation in the quantum field. In addition, the government aims to prioritize further funding so that a total of DKK 1 billion is allocated to research and innovation in the quantum field in the period 2023-2027.
With part 1 of the National Strategy for Quantum Technology, the government wants to accelerate Denmark's efforts within quantum research and exploit the commercial potential of quantum technology.
Part 2 of the National Strategy for Quantum Technology will support Denmark in exploiting the commercial potential of quantum technology for the benefit of Danish business and Denmark's security by strengthening the quantum ecosystem. An additional DKK 200 million will be allocated in the period 2024-2027 to strengthen commercialisation, security and international cooperation in the quantum field. Source: The Danish Government.
