Millions in funding for two quantum projects at SDU
The Ministry of Higher Education and Science grants DKK 6 million to three projects aimed at strengthening quantum talent in Denmark. Two of the three projects take place at the University of Southern Denmark.
In 2023, the Danish government published a quantum strategy for the period 2024-2027 to strengthen efforts in the quantum field. The strategy includes an initiative to strengthen Danish quantum competencies through talent development and education. The Ministry of Higher Education and Science's support for the three quantum initiatives is part of the implementation of the government's national strategy for quantum technology, which is attracting increasing attention from the Danish business community, research environments and national security.
Two projects at SDU have been selected to receive funding and a share of the DKK 6 million.
Master's programme in quantum computing
One of the projects that has received three years of funding from the Ministry of Higher Education and Science is the new Master's programme in quantum computing, where leading researchers from the Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM) will have a central role in teaching the new students. Further, the programme benefits from the many quantum computing initiatives at SDU.
The programme is currently in the planning phase, and we look very much forward to welcoming the first students in the fall of 2025. The aim of the Ministry’s support of the project is to increase the number of students with skills in quantum computing and quantum software development in order to strengthen Denmark's international quantum position.
The programme is aimed for national and international bachelor students with background primarily in mathematics, computer science and physics.
”I am excited and grateful that SDU has received this three-year support for establishment of the new master's programme in quantum computing, where our outstanding researchers at Centre for Quantum Mathematics will be responsible for the teaching. This master's programme is a big step towards strengthening Denmark's position in quantum computing and quantum software development. Further, I hope to see the project on teaching courses for high school students and bachelor students increase curiosity for quantum-related topics and build a bridge for more young talent to seek further education in quantum science.
Teaching courses on quantum technologies in the Region of Southern Denmark
The second project at SDU, which has been selected and received funding from the ministry, also aims to increase awareness of quantum technology and attract more students to SDU's quantum programmes (Physics and Physics & Technology) through coherent teaching courses.
The project's activities will include annual camps and lectures for high school students in the Region of Southern Denmark, an international summer school for bachelor students and bridge-building activities for high schools with a focus on quantum physics.
Leading the project are Professor Mads Toudal Frandsen from the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy and Associate Professor Rene Lynge Eriksen from the Mads Clausen Institute.
The Ministry's contribution and support for the two projects will open more doors for efforts to put quantum technology on the national map and initiate future experts in the field.
The projects will start in 2025 and run until the end of 2027.
Meet the Director of SDU Quantum Hub
Professor Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen is the Director of SDU Quantum Hub, founder and head of the Center for Quantum Mathematics and Professor at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA) at the Faculty of Science, SDU.