Denmark and Canada sign joint declaration on strengthened cooperation in Quantum Technology

Quantum technology has become part of a global technological race. This critical technology holds great potential but can also pose risks to national security — for example, by breaking commonly used encryption methods. Both Denmark and Canada are at the forefront of the field, and the two countries have now signed a joint declaration to strengthen cooperation between them.

The joint declaration seeks, among other things, to promote cooperation on research projects and facilitate the exchange of researchers and students. In addition, the declaration is intended to bring the two countries’ quantum ecosystems closer together in innovation, commercialisation, security, and standardisation.

Quantum technology has the potential to surpass the limits of classical computing and simulation, thereby contributing to the development of new medicines and more precise diagnostics, improving climate modelling and environmental monitoring, as well as enabling secure communication and enhanced protection against cyber-attacks.

The Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund states:

“Canada is a highly attractive partner in quantum technology as a leader in several areas and we share many fundamental values in our approach to research and innovation. It is therefore natural that we are now strengthening our cooperation, building on the government’s extensive and long-term commitment to the field. Quantum technology deals with the smallest particles in the universe, but its potential is enormous. That is why our international collaboration must be strong.”

The Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen states:
“Denmark and Canada already cooperate closely in many areas, including security and defence, the Arctic, health, and energy. The new collaboration with Canada on quantum technology opens the door to new opportunities for innovation that will benefit both Danish businesses and our shared security in the future. We need close cooperation on the development of critical technologies with like-minded countries both within and beyond Europe.”

Canadian Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly, states:
“Canada is proud to partner with Denmark to advance global leadership in science and technology. Our collaboration in quantum innovation reflects a shared commitment to tackling the world's most pressing challenges, from healthcare to clean energy and defence. This partnership strengthens the cooperation between our nations and leverages our combined expertise to move faster in the global technology race. Together, we are demonstrating how international cooperation can deliver real solutions and shape a more secure and sustainable future”. 

Facts

• Canada is one of the world’s leading quantum nations. In 2023, it invested 1.7% of its GDP in research and innovation. Canada has a robust research environment with strong universities, several of which are ranked among the top 100 globally.
• Within the quantum ecosystem, there are concrete partnerships between Danish and Canadian stakeholders, including the collaboration between the Canadian companies Xanadu and Phantom Photonics—the former in partnership with the Technical University of Denmark and the latter participating in NATO’s DIANA accelerator program.

For more information:

Press inquiries are to be directed to the Ministry of Higher Education and Science press phone: +45 7231 8181 or by mail: [email protected]

More information, in Danish, is available here.