The quantum computers of the future will be built using materials and technologies that are not readily available today. The Novo Nordisk Foundation has announced its intention to launch a fabrication unit, “The Quantum Foundry P/S” to develop, engineer and build the bits needed for one of the world’s first fully functional, fault-tolerant and generally applicable quantum computers. The Quantum Foundry is part of the foundations’ 12-year “Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme” located in Copenhagen Science City.’

A factory co-located with a research facility

The foundations’ aim with the programme is to achieve a fully functional generally applicable quantum computer by 2034. The central challenge faced by researchers and engineers will be to build a quantum processor, a core component of the quantum computer. Researchers at Copenhagen Science City-partner University of Copenhagen, Niels Bohr Institute, have been working on this for years and they will grapple with the science of it. The Quantum Foundry P/S will be located at the Institute.

Copenhagen Science City aims to become a world class innovation district. With the “Quantum Foundry” established within our district we take a significant step towards this goal. We see the fabrication unit as a strong magnet to attract companies that wish to be involved in this up-and-coming industry”: Kristoffer Klebak, Head of secretariat, Copenhagen Science City.

Fabrication, education and training

The technology developed by Quantum Foundry will support the research in the Programme. The fabrication unit is also expected to contribute to educating and training quantum computing engineers, who will become highly sought-after employees for companies in Denmark and elsewhere.

This is an engineering feat that is so challenging that it requires an engineering approach – and a facility for carrying out the long and complex task that differs from the processes of a typical academic community. Quantum Foundry will provide services for the academic part of the Programme at a significantly higher level than could be purchased commercially today. This will give the Programme a significant competitive advantage”: Lene Oddershede, Senior Vice President, Natural & Technical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation.