New European research center, the Quantum Excellence Center, will be anchored at the Center for Quantum Mathematics
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) has been appointed to lead the scientific work of the newly established European research initiative, the Quantum Excellence Center (QEX). SDU will coordinate efforts in close collaboration with Aalborg University, Aarhus University, Copenhagen Business School, the Technical University of Denmark, and the University of Copenhagen. The ambitious research center is being established with support from EuroHPC JU.
SDU is acting on behalf of DeiC, which has received a grant of €10 million from EuroHPC JU to establish a European powerhouse for quantum science, focusing on the development of advanced quantum algorithms and software techniques that can leverage and enhance the performance of next-generation quantum hardware.
From the Danish side, we will develop practical applications and use cases of quantum technology through a strategic role that unites leading researchers in Denmark and across Europe. This collaboration will create a unique partnership and elevate research to new global heights.
QEX will conduct research in algorithms for quantum simulation, optimization, and machine learning, as well as develop software tools that can harness quantum computers in synergy with classical supercomputers.
“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, which makes it possible to develop quantum algorithms and software with international impact and visibility,”
says Jens Ringsmose, Rector of SDU.
SDU is responsible for the “Use Cases and Applications” work program – the central academic component of the project, covering 440 person-months out of a total of 995 and spanning 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. The goal is to create a shared platform where researchers collaborate closely to develop the quantum algorithms and software of the future.
“There is enormous potential for quantum computers to revolutionize many areas of science, industry, and society. We have a truly unique opportunity to bridge the gap between fundamental and applied research, giving European society and industry the chance to become front-runners in quantum technology,”
says Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen, Professor and Director of the Center for Quantum Mathematics.
Strong European Collaboration to Develop the Quantum Software and Algorithms of the Future
The Danish participation is based on the government’s ambitious national strategy for quantum technology, funded with DKK 1.2 billion for the period 2023–2027. The strategy aims to ensure that Denmark continues to have one of the world’s leading quantum research environments and can effectively translate research into new, practical technology. To this end, the government has initiated a national capacity-building effort under the Danish e-Infrastructure Consortium (DeiC). DeiC was tasked with attracting QEX with the specific goal of enabling Denmark to lead a European consortium focused on high-level international research and development of quantum software and algorithms.
Through the recently established Danish Quantum Algorithm Academy, DeiC, together with four international partners, submitted an application to establish QEX. The program, “European Quantum Excellence Centres (QECs) in Applications for Science and Industry”, is part of the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU). The application has now been approved by the EuroHPC JU Governing Board.
The application was submitted by DeiC in collaboration with partners from the Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, and Germany, with leadership shared between the Danish and Dutch partners. On the Danish side, the center involves leading researchers in quantum software and algorithms from AAU, AU, CBS, DTU, KU, and SDU, and Denmark plays a central role in the center by holding scientific leadership of the project through the QEX Scientific Advisory Committee.
The total budget is €10 million (approximately DKK 75 million), financed 50/50 between the partners and EuroHPC JU. Denmark’s direct contribution is estimated at DKK 15 million. In other words, this is a groundbreaking international quantum collaboration.
For further information, contact:
Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen
D.Phil., Professor
Director, Center for Quantum Mathematics
D-IAS Chair, DIAS
qm@sdu.dk