QM Centre Director Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen is appointed to lead the scientific work of the major European research initiative, the Quantum Excellence Centre (QEX) with the centre anchored at the Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM) at SDU. QM plays a central role in QEX, which aims to strengthen Europe’s leadership in quantum software and algorithm development.
QEX is established with support from the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) and is coordinated by SDU in close collaboration with Aalborg University, Aarhus University, Copenhagen Business School, the Technical University of Denmark, and the University of Copenhagen. SDU acts on behalf of the Danish e‑Infrastructure Consortium (DeiC), which has been awarded €10 million from EuroHPC JU to establish a European powerhouse for quantum science.
The research center will focus on developing advanced quantum algorithms and software techniques that can exploit and enhance the performance of next‑generation quantum hardware. A key objective is to bridge fundamental research and practical application, enabling quantum computers to work in synergy with classical supercomputers.
From the Danish side, QEX will develop concrete applications and use cases for quantum technology through a strategic role that unites leading researchers across Denmark and Europe. The collaboration creates a unique international research environment and elevates European quantum research to new global heights.
“With QEX, SDU has become a European powerhouse for the development of quantum software and algorithms. We are therefore very pleased with the support for establishing an ambitious European research collaboration with strong international impact and visibility,”
says Jens Ringsmose, Rector of SDU.
SDU is responsible for the work programme “Use Cases and Applications”, which constitutes the central academic component of the project. The programme covers 440 person‑months out of a total of 995 and runs over four years. QEX will bring together leading researchers in quantum mathematics, quantum systems, quantum information, quantum algorithms, quantum software, quantum chemistry, and quantum life sciences on a shared platform for close interdisciplinary collaboration.
“There is enormous potential for quantum computers to revolutionize many areas of science, industry, and society. With QEX, we have a unique opportunity to bridge fundamental and applied research and enable European industry and society to become front‑runners in quantum technology,”
says Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen, Professor and Director of the Centre for Quantum Mathematics.
A strong European collaboration on quantum software and algorithms
The Danish participation in QEX builds on the government’s national strategy for quantum technology, funded with DKK 1.2 billion for the period 2023–2027. The strategy aims to ensure that Denmark maintains one of the world’s leading quantum research environments and strengthens the translation of research into practical technologies.
QEX is part of the EuroHPC JU programme “European Quantum Excellence Centres (QECs) in Applications for Science and Industry”. The application was submitted by DeiC in collaboration with partners from the Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, and Germany, with shared leadership between Danish and Dutch partners. Denmark holds a central role through scientific leadership of the project and participation in the QEX Scientific Advisory Committee.
The total budget for QEX is €10 million, co‑funded equally by the participating partners and EuroHPC JU. Denmark’s direct contribution is approximately DKK 15 million, making QEX a landmark international collaboration in quantum research.