"Quantum technology is advancing rapidly and has the potential to impact national security, medical research, energy storage, climate modelling, and more. The Nordics have a real opportunity to take a leading role — if we act decisively. By uniting around long-term goals, pooling funding, and ensuring strong integration between research, business, and policy, we can position the region to make a meaningful difference,” says Sindre Borntein, Managing Director at Nordic Innovation.
“Despite the Nordic-Baltic countries representing under 5 % of the European population, they account for a much higher share of Europe’s quantum-related startups. These countries have an extraordinary density of deep-tech entrepreneurial activity,” says Wallin Arto, Project Manager at VTT.
Nordic-Baltic strongholds
Denmark, Finland, and Sweden lead regional quantum technology development with strong research ecosystems and active commercial initiatives, particularly in quantum computing and sensing. Norway is advancing and focusing on quantum sensing. The Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are strengthening their positions through research and foundational developments, with a growing emphasis on quantum communication. Iceland contributes primarily through academic research.
The Nordic region excels in superconducting quantum computing, quantum photonics and optics, and quantum life sciences, backed by world-class research and growing commercial activity. Promising opportunities in Nordic-Baltic are also emerging in defense, advanced manufacturing, and financial services. These strongholds and growth areas offer a strategic edge and global potential through collaboration and investment.
Recommendations for the way forward
The study highlights three policy recommendations for the way forward:
- Establish a quantum coordination forum
- Establish a Nordic-Baltic quantum thought leadership and strategic influence initiative
- Launch ambitious cross-country pilot projects
The study was launched at Kongsberg Agenda
