Denmark and Canada strengthen international collaboration in quantum research

Vancouver, Canada — Mitacs, a leading national innovation organization, and DeiC (the Danish e-Infrastructure Consortium), a non-profit organization developing and coordinating digital research infrastructure among Danish universities, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to advance joint research and innovation in quantum technologies. 

Centred on the fast-moving quantum technology sector, the agreement highlights research and innovation as key drivers of economic growth, productivity, and resilience in both Denmark and Canada.  

As a national innovation connector, Mitacs drives research collaboration through internships, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.  

As a national consortium, DeiC connects researchers to advanced resources and ensures secure knowledge sharing through reliable networks and services. Implementing the Danish Government’s national strategy for Quantum Technology, DeiC has established Danish Quantum Algorithm Academy (DQAA) which supports the development of new quantum algorithms through PhD and postdoc scholarships and business PhD and business postdoc scholarships.  

Quantum technology is currently undergoing rapid development with emerging applications across sectors. Under the new partnership, Mitacs and DeiC will explore opportunities related to the technological advancement of quantum including:  

• Collaboration in research, talent development, and workforce training 

• Facilitation of talent mobility between Canada and Denmark 

• Support of innovation networks that advance R&D  

Specifically, the agreement aims to create more opportunities through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA) for senior undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers undertaking short-term bilateral research projects under joint Canadian-Danish faculty supervision.   

Mitacs and DeiC aim to position Denmark and Canada as global leaders in quantum by fostering international collaboration, research excellence, and workforce development.   

Mitacs continues to advance skills development and innovation in quantum technologies through a number of recent partnerships and initiatives, including an MOU with Quebec-based quantum technology accelerator Numana, a Letter of Intent with Korean quantum research organization QCenter, and a nationally accessible workshop series with Qubo Consulting for student training in quantum computing. 

Quotes 

“This agreement between Mitacs and DeiC strengthens economic growth and resilience through bilateral collaboration, talent mobility, and knowledge exchange in the critical field of quantum research. Together, we look forward to driving innovation and advancing shared priorities between Denmark and Canada.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“Quantum technology and research is undergoing a historically rapid development worldwide, and no country can develop the technology in isolation. This new international collaboration between related organizations is essential to keep pace with developments and to create shared opportunities for networking and the exchange of knowledge, in like-minded countries such as Canada and Denmark.”

Henrik Navntoft Sønderskov, Head of Quantum infrastructure, DeiC

About Mitacs 

For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped grow the economy and develop the workforce of tomorrow, connecting industry with academia and global partners to solve real-world challenges. We support business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.   

As a national innovation connector, Mitacs takes a talent-first approach to strengthen innovation capacity and drive global competitiveness. We serve as an essential research-commercialization bridge, accelerating market entry and growth for new products and services.   

This is a critical time for Canada to think big and take bold action. Mitacs is ready to help build a strong and resilient Canadian economy, powered by ideas, talent and innovation.   

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.  

About DeiC 

With its role as a national consortium, DeiC’s vision is for researchers at Danish universities to have access to a digital infrastructure that enables research and education at a high international level. 

With a focus on quantum, DeiC has also been appointed by the Danish Government with the crucial task of implementing the strategies and initiatives concerning quantum infrastructure, benefitting both research and industry. This mission is pursued through national and international projects and initiatives, with DeiC operating without sectorial, geographical, or commercial interests. 

DeiC Quantum follows a comprehensive, 360-degree quantum infrastructure effort, with main core areas including: 

• Q-Algorithm: Danish Quantum Algorithm Academy (DQAA) which supports the development of new quantum algorithms through PhD and postdoc scholarships and business PhD and business postdoc scholarships, including a related alumni program.  

• Q-Access: Access to quantum computers, with associated special quantum expert quantum advisory services and support.  

• Q-Competence: Competence development and talent development within the quantum domain.  

• Niels Bohr Quantum Summer School: Internationally oriented collaboration on talent development.  

• International quantum projects and initiatives for the benefit of Denmark