Boosting quantum business in the house that Bohr built
ECOSYSTEM NEWS: Quantum technology may still sound like science fiction, but it is very much science fact. In a house in the heart of the Danish capital, a small team is quietly building what may well be the world’s leading start-up community for businesses based on quantum science. The community is named Quantum Denmark and resides in the first building dedicated to science in Innovation District Copenhagen. Famed physicist Niels Bohr’s institute from 1921. By Jes Andersen.
Much more than just a house
Quantum Denmark is a cornerstone the Danish government’s National Quantum Strategy. Apart from office space, it provides events and talks, access to technical testing, consulting, and business development services and a test facility that will be open to academic researchers as well as companies large and small. To lead it all, the founding consortium headhunted the globally respected profile, Laura Smoliar, in May 2025.
The Niels Bohr Institute buildings are a wonderful place to work. Its history makes it easy to attract talent and visitors. Niels Bohr was a great advocate for international collaboration. I very much believe in the importance of that, so when I need to feel grounded, I like to go next door to sit in Niels Bohr’s perfectly preserved office”: Laura A. Smoliar, PHD, CEO, Quantum Denmark.
Holding on to a leading position
With a PHD in chemistry, Dr. Smoliar has worked to bring new technologies from the laboratory to the commercial market for nearly three decades. In Silicon Valley, in Japan and in Taiwan. As a technologist, a startup founder, and a venture capital investor. In her view, Denmark has a leading position which can be maintained with the right decisions.
Denmark punches well above its weight when it comes to developing deep technologies, and quantum is next on that roadmap. I have been delighted to find a true groundswell of collective energy, and the people here really have a spirit of forging new ground”: Laura A. Smoliar, PHD, CEO, Quantum Denmark
First link in European supply chain
Quantum Denmark was inaugurated in November 2024. A year on, it is home to six start-ups within sensing, algorithms, computing and electronics. At present it can accommodate up to 15 companies, and Smoliar’s aim is to help the enrolled companies be successful across geographies. Ultimately to help build a European supply chain.
Quantum commercialisation needs to happen in countries that value democracy. These technologies will have a wide geopolitical impact, and being a leader in the field will give Denmark command over its own destiny”: Laura A. Smoliar, PHD, CEO, Quantum Denmark.
Strong government backing
The Quantum Denmark initiative is supported by a total investment of DKK 158 million (21 mio Euro) from the Danish Business Authority, the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. In Denmark, Smoliar has been delighted to find a very strong backing from the highest offices of government.
Quantum Denmark is a unique mix of public and private interests that provides a competitive advantage when addressing commercialisation of Quantum. On coming to Denmark, I did not expect to have so much direct support from ministers as well as researchers, but I have found that the ministers for Industry and for Science and Education are both highly invested in getting this right as is the Novo Nordisk Foundation”: Laura A. Smoliar, PHD, CEO, Quantum Denmark
Vibrant ecosystem
Quantum Denmark welcomes quantum-based companies from Denmark and abroad. Co-locating here allows them to tap into a strong academic environment. To facilities for measurement, test and fabrication hosted by partners such as University of Copenhagen’s Niels Bohr Institute, the Novo Nordisk Quantum Computing Program (NQCP), Quantum Foundry, Technical University of Denmark and the Danish National Metrology Institute. And to the world’s largest venture capital fund dedicated to quantum tech, 55 North. The Copenhagen quantum ecosystem is rapidly expanding, and it all has ties to the house that Bohr built.
Explore quantum opportunities in Innovation District Copenhagen.