Quantum research hotspot attracts NATO R&D centre

A new NATO centre for quantum technology will headquarter with Copenhagen Science City-partner University of Copenhagen. The centre, NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), will include test facilities and a business accelerator. The placement of the centre at the UCPH Niels Bohr Institute confirms Copenhagen’s place at the absolute forefront of global quantum research and is also expected to attract new strong commercial players within the quantum field.

Accelerator important for development

According to a Ministry of Defence press release, the business accelerator will provide training and mentoring courses on business development as well as advise on patent matters, market development and the many other steps from academic breakthrough to market launch. According to Copenhagen Science City Head of Secretariat Kristoffer Klebak the accelerator will be important for the continued development of the innovation district.

Denmark is home to one of the strongest quantum research communities in the world. We have already seen businesses built on know-how from this field. Adding an accelerator programme will help more businesses to launch and scale their operations”: Kristoffer Klebak, Head of Secretariat, Copenhagen Science City.

Collaboration across institutions

The test centre and manufacturing unit will consist of physical laboratories and testing facilities. For example, for developing and testing physical components for quantum sensors, quantum encryption units or quantum computers. Apart from the Niels Bohr Institute facilities, these will be hosted by Danish universities DTU – Technical University of Denmark and Aarhus University as well as the Danish National Metrology Institute.

Quantum potential

The Niels Bohr Institute houses the research- and education programmes in physics at the University of Copenhagen. Quantum technology has great potential for strengthening cyber security, the green transition, securing critical infrastructure, new types of navigation and many more civilian as well as military purposes.

Possibly the best place in Europe to launch or scale an innovation based business

Copenhagen Science City is an innovation district in the heart of the Danish capital. It is home to research institutions University of Copenhagen, University hospital Rigshospitalet and University College Copenhagen. It is also home to six start-up communities housing well over 450 start-ups. 40,000 researchers, students and staff go to work every day in this two square kilometre area.