This chapter offers a comparative overview of national quantum technology strategies across the Nordic region, highlighting each country’s ambitions, investments, and timelines. For a country-specific analysis of research strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, see the SWOT analyses in the Research Landscape Section. To understand how these national efforts connect through regional collaboration, refer to Joint Nordic Initiatives, which highlights ongoing cross-border projects and shared infrastructure.
Globally, there is a clear and accelerating trend toward comprehensive national quantum strategies, momentum that the Nordic countries are increasingly aligning with. Major non-Nordic nations have taken decisive steps in recent years: the United States enacted its National Quantum Initiative Act in 2018; China and Germany significantly increased funding around 2020; France launched its Plan Quantique in 2021; and Canada introduced its National Quantum Strategy in 2023. In parallel, the European Union has advanced several large-scale initiatives, including the €1 billion Quantum Flagship (launched in 2018), the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) program for secure quantum communication, and the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, which began integrating quantum computers into European supercomputing infrastructure in the early 2020s.
In July 2025, the European Commission adopted the Quantum Europe Strategy (4), aiming to make Europe a global leader in quantum technologies by 2030. The strategy focuses on five key areas: advancing research and innovation, building scalable quantum infrastructure, supporting startups and industrialization, integrating quantum into space and security applications, and developing a skilled workforce. It seeks to overcome fragmentation across Member States and foster a coordinated, competitive European quantum ecosystem.
These developments have helped shape a continental framework that some Nordic countries are beginning to engage with more actively. As emphasized by the Nordic Prime Ministers in May 2025, there is a significant opportunity to foster a more coordinated and unified Nordic approach: one that fully leverages the growing European momentum, collaborative partnerships, and funding mechanisms in quantum technologies.
Denmark has adopted a dual-track approach that combines foundational research with commercialization. Finland is pursuing a long-term vision of quantum-driven economic growth. Sweden is considering the development of a national strategy for quantum technology, where the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology serves as an important forerunner. Together, the Nordic countries are positioning themselves as global contributors in the quantum landscape. Norway and Iceland are also advancing their national capabilities, with Norway initiating a strategic framework and Iceland progressing from fundamental research to quantum applications, and integrating quantum into its digital infrastructure. No government-level quantum strategies were identified for the Baltic states; while Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have launched initiatives and roadmaps, none constitute formal national strategies dedicated solely to quantum technology.
For a visual summary of the timelines and durations of these initiatives, see Figure 1.
Denmark
The Danish Government’s National Strategy for Quantum Technology
Duration: The strategy spans from 2023 to 2027.
Investment: Denmark has allocated 1 billion DKK public funding into quantum research and innovation over this five-year period.
Denmark’s National Strategy for Quantum Technology, outlined in two parts, aims to position the country as a global leader in quantum research and innovation while ensuring the secure and responsible development of quantum technologies. Part 1 (5) focuses on foundational investments in research, talent development, and infrastructure. It introduces a strategic program to support both basic and applied research, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and promotes access to quantum computing platforms and test facilities. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of translating scientific breakthroughs into practical applications, particularly in sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, and climate modelling.
Part 2 (6) builds on this foundation by targeting commercialization, security, and international cooperation. It proposes initiatives such as the establishment of Quantum House Denmark, a national test centre, and a European quantum fund to support startups and scale-ups.
Public-private partnerships are central to this effort: the strategy highlights collaboration between universities, startups, and established companies to develop use-cases and demonstration projects in areas such as drug discovery, logistics optimization, and secure communications. The government aims to support such partnerships through targeted funding, shared infrastructure, and talent development programs. These efforts are designed to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies and ensure that Denmark’s strong research base translates into economic and societal benefits.
Security is a central concern, with measures to protect critical infrastructure and prevent misuse of quantum technologies. The strategy also includes efforts to enhance talent pipelines and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that Denmark remains competitive and resilient in the face of rapid technological change.
Innovation Fund Denmark is a key implementing body for the Danish national quantum strategy. It channels a significant portion of the strategy’s funding through its “Grand Solutions” program, which supports large, ambitious quantum technology projects involving both research institutions and companies. Innovation Fund Denmark has also initiated and driven a market oriented international program for applied quantum technologies in the EUREKA network. The fund’s calls and priorities are directly shaped by the national strategy, and its programs are designed to bridge research and innovation, in line with Denmark’s strategic goals for quantum technology.
Nordic and International Collaboration
Denmark’s strategy places strong emphasis on international partnerships, particularly within the EU and among like-minded nations. It supports active participation in EU programs like Horizon Europe and EuroQCI and seeks to strengthen ties with Nordic neighbours and global allies through bilateral agreements and multilateral initiatives. The creation of an international quantum hub is intended to promote Danish leadership in global standardization efforts and facilitate strategic partnerships. These collaborations are seen as essential for scaling innovation, securing supply chains, and ensuring that quantum technologies are developed in alignment with democratic values and security interests.
Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme
Duration: The programme spans 12 years from 2022 to 2034.
Investment: Novo Nordisk Foundation has committed 2.0 billion DKK to develop a fully functional quantum computer.
Anchored at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, the programme is mission-driven and focused on developing a fault tolerant quantum computer, a so-called Level 3 quantum computer, with the long-term goal of solving complex problems in the life sciences, such as drug discovery, genomics, neuroscience, and epidemiology. Quantum computing is seen as uniquely suited to these challenges due to its ability to model quantum mechanical systems that are currently beyond the reach of classical computers (7), (8).
Of the total investment, approximately DKK 1.1 billion is allocated directly to Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP), which is structured around interdisciplinary collaboration across quantum hardware, software, and algorithm development. The first seven years focus on materials research and platform selection, comparing four quantum modalities within a structured framework. The final five years are dedicated to scaling the chosen technology toward practical applications.
An additional DKK 900 million supports the Quantum Foundry, a specialized fabrication facility that develops advanced quantum materials and chip technologies to underpin NQCP’s hardware ambitions. The programme also emphasizes international collaboration, engaging research groups from Denmark, the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands to build a globally integrated quantum ecosystem (7), (8).
Complementing NQCP, the Magne initiative represents a major step forward in Nordic quantum infrastructure. Funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark, Magne is a Level 2 quantum computer built on logical qubits, offering significantly improved stability and error correction over earlier systems. Construction of Magne begins in autumn 2025, with operational readiness expected around the turn of 2026/27 (9). The initiative is housed within the newly established company QuNorth, based in Copenhagen, and aims to provide Nordic researchers and industries with access to cutting-edge quantum capabilities. Magne will be delivered through a partnership between Atom Computing and Microsoft, integrating advanced neutral atom hardware with full-stack quantum software. The project is designed to bridge the gap until Level 3 fault-tolerant quantum computers, such as those being developed under NQCP, are ready after 2030 (9).
Novo Holdings Quantum Technology Start-up Ecosystem
Duration: The investment period began in 2024.
Investment: Novo Holdings has committed 1.4 billion DKK to build a quantum technology start-up ecosystem.
Novo Holdings aims to establish a quantum technology start-up ecosystem, with Denmark as its central hub (10). The initiative aims to invest in and support some of the world’s most promising quantum technology companies, particularly those with applications in the life sciences. This strategic move builds on Denmark’s strong momentum in quantum research and its historical legacy in the field, dating back to Niels Bohr.
The investment will be anchored within Novo Holdings’ Seed Investments division, where a dedicated Quantum Investments team will focus on quantum computing, sensing, and algorithms – areas with high relevance to healthcare and broader life sciences. While Denmark will serve as the primary base, the investment mandate is global, allowing for opportunities beyond the Nordics. The strategy complements the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s broader efforts, including the NQCP and The Quantum Foundry, by ensuring that sufficient venture capital is available to commercialize emerging quantum technologies. The initiative also aligns with national and regional efforts, including support from the Danish government and the BioInnovation Institute’s Deep Tech Lab – Quantum (10).
Finland
Finland's National Quantum Strategy
Duration: 2025-2035. The strategy aims to make quantum technology a core driver of economic growth and sustainability by 2035.
Investment: The strategy emphasizes targeted investment in education, infrastructure, and industry access to quantum systems, although specific monetary amounts are not detailed.
Finland’s Quantum Technology Strategy 2025–2035 outlines a national vision to become a global leader in quantum technologies by fostering a competitive, skilled, and reliable ecosystem (11). The strategy emphasizes the development of quantum computing, sensing, and communication, aiming to integrate these technologies into Finnish industry and society. It sets ambitious targets, including growing the sector’s turnover to €3 billion and creating 10,000 jobs by 2035. The strategy builds on Finland’s long-standing strengths in superconductivity, cryogenics, and photonics, and leverages its robust research infrastructure and collaborative ecosystem involving universities, research institutes, and companies.
To achieve these goals, the strategy proposes a comprehensive set of measures, including the establishment of a Quantum Competence Centre, the development of a 1,000 logical-qubit quantum computer, and the deployment of quantum-secure encryption. It also calls for long-term research, development and innovation funding, international cooperation, and targeted support for start-ups and scale-ups. Finland aims to position itself as a trusted international partner, actively participating in EU and global standardization efforts while ensuring national security through quantum-resilient infrastructure. The strategy reflects Finland’s commitment to responsible innovation and its ambition to turn quantum technology into a new engine of sustainable economic growth.
Finland’s quantum strategy emphasizes the importance of Nordic and international collaboration as a key pillar for achieving its long-term goals. The strategy recognizes that as a small country, Finland must leverage partnerships with like-minded nations to amplify its impact and access complementary expertise, infrastructure, and markets. Nordic cooperation is seen as a natural and strategic extension of Finland’s efforts, given shared values, geographic proximity, and existing scientific and industrial ties. The strategy encourages deeper collaboration with Nordic countries in areas such as joint research, infrastructure sharing, standardization, and the development of secure and interoperable quantum technologies.
Sweden
Swedish Government Initiative for a National Quantum Strategy
Duration: Potentially from 2026.
Investment: For 2027, SEK 50 million is reserved for a strategic initiative in quantum technology and SEK 100 million is projected for 2028.
As of mid-2025, Sweden is in the process of developing a national quantum strategy for the period 2025–2030. The Swedish Research Council has been tasked by the government to prepare the foundation for this strategy. The goal is to strengthen Sweden’s position in quantum technology through enhanced research, education, innovation, and international collaboration. The strategy will also address the security and defence implications of quantum technologies, including the need for protective measures, global standards, and secure international partnerships.
Sweden has already developed a Quantum Agenda in 2023, which outlines nine priority areas to guide national efforts. These include fostering public-private collaboration, accelerating commercialization, and ensuring Sweden remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global quantum landscape. The agenda and upcoming strategy reflect Sweden’s recognition of quantum technology as a strategic research area, as highlighted in the 2024 national research bill (12).
As part of this effort, quantum technologies have been designated a strategic research area. An initiative with deadline 4. November 2025 aims to reinforce Sweden’s capabilities and global standing in quantum science, while also making Swedish research environments more attractive for international collaboration. Funding has been earmarked specifically for this purpose: SEK 50 million in 2027, rising to SEK 100 million in 2028.
Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT)
Duration: The programme spans from 2018 to 2029.
Investment: The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation has committed SEK 1.4 billion to the WACQT programme, with a target of developing a 100-qubit quantum computer by 2029.
The Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (13) (WACQT) is a national research initiative aimed at positioning Sweden at the forefront of quantum technology. Directed from Chalmers University of Technology and involving several Swedish universities, WACQT focuses on developing Swedish expertise in quantum computing and simulation, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. Its flagship project is the development of a high-end quantum computer with a target of 100 qubits by 2029. A copy of this quantum computer is made available as a testbed to help researchers and industry translate real-world problems into executable quantum algorithms.
WACQT’s strategy emphasizes openness, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. It includes a national graduate school in quantum technology, a guest researcher program, and strong industrial partnerships to bridge academia and industry. A recent agreement with IBM, supported by a SEK 50 million grant from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, allows Swedish organizations to test algorithms on Chalmers’ quantum testbed and scale up on IBM’s more powerful quantum systems via the cloud (14). This dual-access model is designed to lower the barrier for Swedish academia and industry to engage with quantum computing, while fostering innovation and practical application of quantum technologies.
Norway
Duration: Potentially from 2026.
Investment: The government has allocated NOK 70 million annually from 2025 to strengthen national research in quantum technology.
In the national budget for 2026, the government proposes that additional NOK 150 million be allocated annually for five years to a new initiative aimed at promoting quantum technology in industry. The goal is to build selected technology communities to develop new business opportunities within quantum technology. In addition to this, the Government proposes expanding educational capacity in quantum technology by creating 100 new student places to ensure future expertise for Norwegian research and technology-based industry.
In May 2025, the Norwegian government officially launched the process of developing a national strategy for quantum technology, aiming to follow in the footsteps of countries like Denmark and Finland. The strategy will be built on a knowledge base prepared by the Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway, and the Norwegian National Security Authority. The goal is to build internationally competitive research environments across all three core areas of quantum technology.
Iceland
Iceland’s quantum landscape is advancing through active research, infrastructure development, and national coordination. The University of Iceland leads several projects in spintronics, magnetic metamaterials, and quantum sensing, including a Nordic collaboration with NTNU and KTH on Quantum LIDAR. It hosts Iceland’s only cleanroom facility and is part of the Nordic Nanolab Network, with strong capabilities in quantum and nano-materials research. Reykjavik University contributes through its Nanophysics Center, focusing on quantum transport and silicon nanowire-based sensors. National efforts are further supported by IHPC Iceland, which integrates quantum expertise into the country’s digital infrastructure.
The Baltics
Estonia
Estonia is currently developing its first national quantum technology roadmap, with a tentative timeline of 2026 and a 5–10 year perspective.
The work is coordinated by Metrosert, the national metrology and applied research institute, on assignment from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Duration: Potentially from 2026.
Investment: Not known.
The anticipated content of the Estonia quantum roadmap includes a focus on quantum sensing, metrology, and communication, as well as quantum software applications leveraging Estonia’s strong IT sector.
The Estonian National Digital Decade Strategic Roadmap 2023 (15) references emerging technologies broadly, including artificial intelligence, 5G/6G, and new computing technologies such as quantum. Quantum technology is mentioned as part of a list of transformative technologies, but no specific initiatives, investments, or strategic actions related to quantum computing, communication, or sensing are outlined in the roadmap. The focus remains on enhancing digital infrastructure, public services, and innovation capacity across sectors, with quantum technology positioned as a future-facing area to monitor rather than a current strategic priority.
Latvia
Latvian Quantum Initiative (16) brings together Latvia's leading scientists and teaching staff in the field of quantum technologies with the aim of supporting knowledge, skills, technologies and ideas related to practical applications of quantum physics.
Duration: The initiative is ongoing.
Investment: Specific investment figures are not known.
In 2023, Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Development of Quantum Technologies in Latvia (17). This MoU aims to unify national efforts and foster sustainable cooperation among academic, governmental, and industrial stakeholders. The strategy emphasizes Latvia’s ambition to become a testbed and development environment for emerging quantum technologies. It highlights the importance of international cooperation, particularly within EU and NATO frameworks, to align with allied standards and advance quantum research and applications. A key focus area is the security sector, where Latvia is preparing for the “quantum era” by developing quantum communication infrastructure and exploring new encryption methods to counter the risks posed by quantum computing to current cryptographic systems. The initiative also seeks to promote Latvia’s achievements in quantum technologies globally and attract international partners by leveraging its diplomatic network and scientific expertise.
Lithuania
The Lithuanian Quantum Technologies Association (Quantum Lithuania) was established in 2023 and brings together scientific and business organizations with the common goal of developing Lithuania's quantum technologies ecosystem and enhancing its international competitiveness. The association was founded by Vilnius University, the Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology, and the information technology company Novian Technologies. In 2025, Quantum Lithuania put forth the Lithuanian Quantum Technologies Agenda (18).
Duration: The initiative spans from 2025 to 2035, representing a community-driven proposal rather than an officially approved government strategy.
Investment: A projected €65 million in national funding is required through 2035 to support research, infrastructure, commercialization, and talent development in the quantum sector, underlining Lithuania’s ambition to become a regional leader.
The agenda provides a detailed roadmap, positioning Lithuania as a regional leader in quantum technologies. It focuses on four core pillars: quantum computing, quantum simulation, quantum communication, and quantum sensing and metrology. Critical sectors such as healthcare, national security, biotechnology, energy, and advanced materials are highlighted for their potential applications through quantum technologies, rather than as officially designated national priority areas. This aligns with Lithuania's vision of evolving into a high-value, innovation-driven economy.
Lithuania's strong scientific foundation in lasers, photonics, and materials science supports the agenda, with over ten active research groups already contributing across all quantum technology areas. Key proposals include the establishment of a national quantum technologies program, a dedicated Quantum Hub, and the integration of quantum content into higher education curricula. Additionally, there is a call for the enhancement of high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure to support hybrid quantum-classical computing, increased involvement in EU and NATO quantum initiatives, and investment in secure quantum communication infrastructure.
Lithuania is strategically positioned to act as a Nordic–Baltic bridge by facilitating federated access to testbeds and cleanrooms, co-funding joint postdoc and industry placements with countries like Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, and positioning Lithuanian pilots as cross-border use cases in secure communication and sensing. This role is presented as a strategic opportunity rather than a formalized position in the Agenda.
Commercialization is a key focus, with recommendations to capitalize on Lithuania’s strengths in enabling technologies and enhance collaboration between academia and industry. At the same time, the Agenda underlines current gaps: Lithuania lacks dedicated quantum technology startups, and talent shortages remain a key challenge. Addressing these weaknesses is essential alongside fostering commercialization opportunities.
Additionally, the strategy addresses national security risks posed by quantum technologies by advocating for post-quantum cryptography adoption and secure communication systems development. Participation in international quantum technology projects and networks is considered crucial to achieving a globally competitive ecosystem.
Overall, the Agenda offers a community-driven framework to leverage quantum technologies for economic growth, technological sovereignty, and societal benefits.