Microsoft and Atom Computing are building one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world

Denmark is starting to implement one of the most ambitious scientific and technological projects in Europe-the construction of the Magne quantum supercomputer. The joint development of technology giants Microsoft and Atom Computing aims to create a system that, for the first time in history, will combine a record number of physical qubits and a complete architecture of logical qubits with error correction. This makes Magne a contender for the status of the most advanced quantum computing platform in the world.

The project is called QuNorth and is funded by two of Denmark's largest foundations-the EIFO Export and Investment Fund and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The total investment is 80 million euros. The main goal is to create the first "second-level" quantum system in Scandinavia, which has the ability to correct errors in real time and can perform calculations that are not available for classical computers.

The name of the system — Magne-refers to Norse mythology, where Magni (Magne) is the son of Thor and symbolizes strength and endurance. These qualities are also embedded in the technical architecture of the device: the platform will use Atom Computing hardware solutions based on neutral atoms, as well as Microsoft's quantum software-the Azure Quantum stack. This combination allows you to integrate advanced physical technologies with existing computing environments and cloud infrastructure.

Magne is expected to include more than 1,200 physical qubits and about 50 logical qubits — a rare combination that no existing system has been able to implement to date. For comparison, Atom Computing previously reached 1,180 physical qubits, while Quantinuum holds the record for logical qubits — 50. The project in Denmark claims to combine these achievements in a single technological complex.

A qubit, which is a quantum analog of a regular bit, is capable of being in several states simultaneously, which theoretically allows calculations to be performed millions of times faster than classical machines. However, quantum systems are subject to a high degree of error. To eliminate this effect, the concept of logical qubits is used, combining many physical ones and capable of supporting stable computing processes. It is the presence of logical qubits that is the criterion for moving systems to the second level of the quantum hierarchy — a step necessary to achieve a quantum advantage, in which quantum computing will surpass classical ones not in theory, but in practice.

Construction of the Magne is scheduled to start in the fall of 2025, with the launch expected by the end of 2026. The center will be located in Copenhagen and will remain publicly owned by Denmark, with an equal distribution of shares between the two key institutions. The initial project team will consist of 10 people, while the academic program will be developed in parallel and the infrastructure for applied research will be created.

The Magne initiative offers Europe a chance to close the gap between the US and China in the quantum technology race. The potential of such systems covers a wide range of areas-from the development of new pharmaceuticals to complex modeling of climate change.