This post is also available in: Danish
For many years, quantum technology has been associated with a distant future. But now, the results of years of research and maturation can finally be seen on the horizon.
BioInnovation Institute (BII) in Copenhagen has recently established Deep Tech Lab – Quantum; a new initiative aimed to unleash Denmark’s world-leading quantum research into startups and new, groundbreaking tech solutions.
Especially within quantum technologies computing and sensing, the potential is almost unlimited, and promising startups can find a place in the new acceleratorAn accelerator is an intensive program that provides startups with mentorship, education, resources, and sometimes funding to accelerate their growth. More, says Cathal J. Mahon, Chief Business Officer at Deep Tech Lab – Quantum.
“Quantum technology opens a wealth of opportunities that can change the world in many ways. A good example is quantum sensors that can revolutionize the way we detect diseases and treat them preventively in the healthcare system. Another example is quantum computers that will decimate the development time of new medicine. BII wants to be at the forefront of this development.”
Today, BII is already a leader in life science, and since its founding in 2018, it has matured several research-based startups and commercial solutions over a long period of time. These same competencies will be key if Denmark is to become a leader in quantum technology in the long term, according to Cathal J. Mahon.
“Both life science and quantum technology are areas with a long road to market, they are capital-intensive and high risk. In addition, Danish quantum research – like Danish life science research – is world-class. So by connecting our already strong commercialization skills, we have the opportunity to create a Danish quantum industry that can become world-leading.”
The mission is set in collaboration with the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, Aarhus University, and the Danish National Metrology Institute, among others.
Access to specialized knowledge
Since last year, when BII was appointed by the Danish government to establish the Deep Tech Lab – Quantum, the accelerator has partnered with nine groundbreaking startups, several of which are at the intersection of quantum technology and life science.
One of the selected startups is DiaSense. A Danish company developing a magnetic microscope made of quantum diamonds that can detect magnetic fields with unprecedented sensitivity. The ambition is that the microscope will make it possible to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases much earlier than is currently possible.
“Quantum technology is reaching a maturity level where the technology can be used outside of university laboratories. With sensor technology, we can create new and previously unattainable insights – but we are still only taking the first tentative steps,” says Christian Stig Dalsgaard Nielsen, CEO and founder of DiaSense. He continues:
“BII has given us direct access to a unique entrepreneurial environment and a wide range of exciting contacts, knowledge and sparring. From day one, the other members of our cohort offered new ideas and perspectives.”
Global potential
In addition to Diasense, the specialized quantum VC, Quantum Exponential, has taken up residence at Deep Tech Lab – Quantum. And the fact that they chose Denmark as their quantum outpost is evidence of a huge potential on a global scale, according to Cathal J. Mahon.
“The reason they go to Denmark is because they believe that this is where the potential is greatest in Europe,” he says and continues:
“We have the best of both worlds. We have access to world-leading researchers less than 500 meters away, and at the same time we have a specialized insight into commercializing and turning research into innovation. There are a lot of great components here. I know a lot of people say they want to be world leaders. But we actually have the potential to be just that.”
Deep Tech Lab – Quantum
- Deep Tech Lab – Quantum (DTL-Q) was inaugurated in September 2023 and operates as an independent unit under the BioInnovation Institute (BII). DTL-Q drives innovation in quantum technology by supporting early-stage startups.
- DTL-Q is currently enrolling entrepreneurs with projects at the intersection of quantum technology and life science as part of BII’s successful Venture Lab program.
- DTL-Q is also part of NATO’s DIANA network and runs programs for quantum startups with so-called dual use technologies as part of Denmark’s official contribution to NATO.
- The quantum field is currently receiving a lot of attention. Both politically, where the government has allocated DKK 1.2 billion for the activation of a two-part quantum strategy from 2023 – 2027, but also from private foundations such as the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which has granted DKK 1.5 billion for the development of a quantum computer on Danish soil.
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