Quantum Foundry Copenhagen and the Novo Nordisk Foundation have announced plans to establish a new 5,300 m² quantum chip fabrication facility in Copenhagen, slated to open in 2027. The facility seeks to develop and scale the advanced manufacturing equipment needed to produce the next generation of quantum chips and strengthen Europe’s position in an increasingly competitive global quantum landscape.
Owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Quantum Foundry Copenhagen develops proprietary tools, materials and processes for quantum chip manufacturing. The company’s new facility will combine laboratory space for nanofabrication of quantum materials, advanced characterisation, testing, chip assembly and packaging with ultra-high vacuum manufacturing capabilities. It will also offer wafer fabrication for quantum technology vendors globally on commercial terms.
“Our vision is to become a world-leading quantum chip manufacturer, supplying Europe with advanced, next-generation quantum computing processors and enabling quantum companies to scale production. We aim to build state-of-the-art quantum production lines and support a sustainable deep-tech industry that can help shape the future of quantum technology,” says Peter Krogstrup, CEO, Quantum Foundry Copenhagen.
So far, the Foundation has committed more than EUR 390 million (USD 453 million) to quantum technologies, including the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, which aims to develop Denmark’s first fully functional fault-tolerant quantum computer before 2034. The new chip facility will collaborate closely with the Foundation’s quantum programme.
“At the Novo Nordisk Foundation, we believe quantum technologies will be one of the most defining scientific and technological fields of this century. That is why we have made a significant long-term commitment to building a world-class quantum ecosystem in Denmark and Europe. Quantum Foundry Copenhagen is an important part of that ambition, helping connect investments in research with the industrial capabilities needed to support Europe’s ability to transform quantum breakthroughs into technologies that can benefit society, strengthen competitiveness and address some of the world’s most complex challenges,” says Professor Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
“Europe’s quantum ambitions depend on our ability to turn scientific excellence into industrial capability. Strengthening European capacity to develop and manufacture quantum chips is essential for our competitiveness, resilient supply chains and technological sovereignty. Building on the European Chips Act and the Quantum Europe Strategy, and looking ahead to the forthcoming Quantum Act, initiatives such as Quantum Foundry Copenhagen can contribute to the industrial ecosystem Europe needs to scale quantum technologies,” says Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.
Martin Lidegaard, Denmark’s Minister of Business and Competitiveness, says: “Technological breakthroughs happen when we succeed in turning new knowledge into value for both society and businesses. Quantum technology offers solutions to challenges that were once thought impossible, opening up entirely new possibilities in areas such as healthcare, energy, security, and beyond. With today’s announcement, we are once again strengthening quantum research, innovation, and manufacturing in Denmark, creating even greater opportunities for Danish companies. This provides both Denmark and Europe a solid foundation to become global leaders in quantum chips, with significant potential for current and future generations alike.”
“Quantum technologies are expected to become a foundational technology platform for the future, much like semiconductors, computing and the internet have been in previous generations. If Europe is to succeed in quantum, it must not repeat the pattern from earlier technology waves, where fundamental science was strong in Europe but industrial scale-up, platforms and global champions emerged elsewhere. Developing this capacity marks an important step towards positioning Europe centrally in the global quantum ecosystem and building resilience,” says Lene Oddershede, Chief Scientific Officer, Novo Nordisk Foundation.
