Dear all,

It is a great pleasure being here today, for an important milestone in the Norwegian quantum technology field.

Just like artificial intelligence, quantum technology is no longer a “future field”. AI is already affecting competitiveness and security, and quantum will soon reach the same level of strategic importance.

The Nordic region is mobilizing strongly on quantum and Norway is now investing at scale.

We have launched one of our most ambitious deep‑technology initiatives ever, with more than 1 billion Norwegian kroner allocated to quantum technology over the next five years.

In addition to the funding of critical quantum infrastructure last year, part of this billion‑kroner quantum effort is the establishment of four national quantum centers, announced in December last year.

And today, it is a great joy being part of the opening of two of them: the Norwegian Quantum Software Centre (NorQSoft) and Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications (QCNA):

  • The Norwegian Quantum Software Centre positions Norway to apply quantum computing where it matters most, from health and energy to maritime industries, while building long‑term national expertise.
  • The Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications is positioning Norway to protect our digital society and play an active role in shaping the quantum future, by building world‑class expertise, infrastructure, and talent.

For both centers, as with the rest of the quantum technology field in Norway, recruitment of talent will be essential for success.

Therefore, we have prioritized funds to increase the study capacity in quantum technology. I am very happy to see that new study programs in quantum technology are very popular among applicants.

Equally important as recruitment is the ability to form strong partnerships. I am deeply impressed by the drive, the commitment and the ambitions that are gathered in these two centers and in this room. You are building partnerships with major players in the industry and the public sectors, as well as leading research institutions in Norway and abroad.

From the government’s side, we will continue to prioritize the quantum technology field highly.

We are working on a national strategy for quantum technology, and plan to present it by the end of this year.

In the national budget for 2026, the Government launched several initiatives to position Norway in deep technologies. One of them is the Quantum Leap Initiative which is intended to unite leading research and industrial actors.

In just a few days, the Research Council of Norway will announce the first call under the Quantum Leap Initiative. The application deadline will be in September, and the projects selected for funding will be announced in December.

Going forward, our goal is to unite leading research and industrial actors. Co‑funding and active participation from industry are essential to identify commercial opportunities while research is happening.

Right now, a unified Nordic quantum space is taking shape. The Nordic declaration on quantum technology reflects shared values, complementary strengths, and a joint ambition to become a world‑leading quantum region.

Dear all,

Quantum technology affects industry competitiveness, security, and long‑term societal resilience. Today, we are celebrating an important step in our nation’s quantum journey.

To continue this journey, Norway seeks new partnerships, joint research initiatives, and deeper coordination with global leaders in the field.

I am deeply grateful to all of you for your efforts in strengthening the quantum technology field in Norway, and I wish to congratulate the Norwegian Quantum Software Centre (NorQSoft) and Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications (QCNA) on today’s milestone.

Thank you!