December 2, 2024 | Zurich & Basel
In early November 2024, the Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK), with the assistance of Swissnex, organized a three-day quantum delegation visit to Zurich, Basel, and Munich, aimed at fostering partnerships and collaboration between the quantum ecosystems in Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany.
The delegation consisted of more than 30 representatives from quantum science, business, and the public sector, who met key players from universities, research institutes, startups, investors and corporates. Joining the delegation was Pascale Dychter-Schmid, Deputy Chief of Mission and Science Counselor at the Embassy of Switzerland in Copenhagen. The project partners also included DIREC, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Danish National Metrology Institute, FORCE Technology, the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science, the Danish Business Authority, Danish Industry, DigitalLead, and QAI Ventures.
Switzerland and Denmark share complementary strengths in quantum research and education. Switzerland has an exceptional record of quantum research publications, with the highest impact factor of any country, while Denmark leads the world in number of quantum graduates per capita. With renowned research institutions and universities leading advancements in fields such as quantum physics, they are key drivers of quantum innovation. In addition to research, Switzerland boasts a dynamic ecosystem of private-sector actors dedicated to commercializing quantum technologies.
In Zurich, the delegation visited key research institutions in both the public and private sector, touring quantum labs at ETH Zurich and IBM Research. Following these site visits, the delegation were welcomed to a networking event organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in Denmark and the State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation (SERI), in collaboration with ICDK. In attendance at the event, hosted by Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), was Ambassador Jacques Ducrest, Head of International Relations at SERI.
In Basel, the delegation met with representatives from the Swiss Quantum Initiative, NCCR SPIN, Phoenix Technologies, and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). These sessions were hosted by QAI Ventures, a VC fund and accelerator focused on quantum and AI headquartered at uptownBasel, a commercial hub focused on quantum and other cutting-edge technologies. Following the Basel sessions, the delegation traveled to Munich for a one-day visit.
Like Switzerland, Denmark benefits from robust governmental support and investment in quantum initiatives. Governments in both countries have recognized the immense potential of quantum technology to drive economic growth, enhance national competitiveness, and address societal challenges. This has resulted in significant funding and policy initiatives to support quantum research and development. On November 20, 2024, Denmark launched Quantum Denmark, a new hub for Danish quantum innovation. His Majesty King Frederik X presided over the official opening, during which Danish ministers outlined the ambitious goals of the initiative, and national and international quantum entrepreneurs shared their experiences, highlighting the growth potential of Denmark’s quantum ecosystem.