Ebba Carbonnier has been appointed CEO of QuNorth, a Nordic quantum initiative established by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and EIFO (Export and Investment Fund of Denmark) with the purpose of acquiring and operating the world’s most powerful quantum computer.
Since its launch in July, EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation have been working diligently to find the right CEO for the new Nordic quantum initiative, QuNorth.
The appointment has gone to Swedish national Ebba Carbonnier, who will take up the role on November 1. As CEO, she will lead the development and operation of the world’s most powerful quantum computer, Magne, providing Nordic researchers and companies with access to cutting-edge technology.
Ebba Carbonnier previously served as Director of the Swedish Quantum Life Science Centre at Karolinska Institutet, developing Quantum Life Science applications. She co-authored Sweden’s official quantum strategy and founded the Nordic Quantum Life Science Roundtable in 2021, an annual conference and a network of researchers, industry leaders, and funding partners aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation and use cases in quantum technology.
She also brings 14 years of experience as a management consultant, having worked with companies including Microsoft, AstraZeneca, and Ericsson.
“I am thrilled by the opportunity to lead QuNorth, which I truly believe can give the Nordic quantum ecosystem a major boost. I look forward to getting the technology operational, streamlining processes, and ensuring that both researchers and companies can apply it to concrete projects. At the same time, I am eager to unite and strengthen the Nordic quantum community even further around a shared vision and increase cross-border collaboration,” said Ebba Carbonnier.
EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation established QuNorth to ensure that Denmark and the Nordic region gain access to the latest generation of quantum computers which is a capability that no Nordic country currently possesses. Together, the partners have invested EUR 80 mio. in the project, with the ambition to develop a European quantum hub in the Nordics.
According to Erik Balck Sørensen, CIO of EIFO, Ebba Carbonnier is the ideal person to realize this vision.
“Ebba combines a profound understanding of the scientific foundations of quantum technology with the ability to translate them into practical solutions for health, industry, and society. She is a rare and exceptional talent, regarded in the quantum community as a unique hybrid: a leader who not only comprehends the science behind quantum technology but also delivers business value and tangible societal impact,” said Erik Balck Sørensen.
Lene Oddershede, professor and Chief Scientific Officer, Planetary Science & Technology at the Novo Nordisk Foundation, highlights Ebba Carbonnier’s ability to create value across the Nordic quantum ecosystem.
“With Magne, the Nordic quantum ecosystem is being provided with some of the most advanced technology currently available in quantum computing. This opens entirely new possibilities and applications that we cannot yet imagine. Ebba has the ability to both understand these complex opportunities and translate them into concrete solutions that create value for research, industry, and society, which is why she was chosen,” said Lene Oddershede.
About QuNorth
- QuNorth is a new company with the purpose of acquiring and operating the world’s most powerful commercial quantum computer.
- QuNorth is owned 50/50 by EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the company is expected to have around 12 specialized employees.
- QuNorth will be based in Innovation District Copenhagen.
About Magne
- Magne will become the world’s first commercially available Level 2 quantum computer, featuring 50 logical qubits and over 1,200 physical qubits.
- It is a complete full-stack quantum computer, meaning it includes not only the hardware containing qubits, but also algorithms, software, an operating system, compiler, and control electronics.
- Atom Computing will build and deliver the quantum hardware for Magne, while Microsoft will integrate its Azure software, tailored specifically to Atom Computing’s neutral-atom technology.
