Norway establishes four research centres for quantum technology at the Simula Group, University of Oslo, and SINTEF. The projects are allocated a total of 244 million Norwegian kroner over a five-year period.

According to the Norwegian government, the centres will conduct research in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensors, as well as contribute to competence building and collaboration with industry and the public sector.

The research centres are part of Norway's national initiative on quantum technology. The government plans to invest at least 1.1 billion Norwegian kroner over the next five years. The initiative also includes 100 new study places in quantum technology, an upcoming strategy, and measures to protect security-sensitive knowledge.

Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik states that quantum technology can impact the foundation of digital communication and defence systems, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in Norway's security. The Director General of the Research Council, Mari Sundli Tveit, highlights the importance of strong national research environments in the field.

Each is allocated 61 million Norwegian kroner over five years, as part of Norway's national initiative on quantum technology. The four new research centres in Norway will conduct advanced research in quantum sensors, quantum software, quantum computing, and quantum communication. The four centres are:

Centre for Defects in Semiconductors for Quantum Sensing

The centre, led by Lasse Vines at the University of Oslo, will focus on how defects in semiconductor materials can be used to develop quantum sensors. The technology is expected to provide new opportunities for precision measurement, GPS-independent navigation, and enhanced situational awareness relevant to both industrial and defence applications. The project involves researchers from the University of Oslo, SINTEF, and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), as well as international partners such as the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Southern Denmark, and Linköping University (southern Sweden).

Norwegian Quantum Software Center (NorQSoft)

This centre is led by Shaukat Ali at Simula Research Laboratory and brings together expertise in quantum programming, AI, and optimisation. The focus will be on developing tools for the practical application of quantum computers in sectors such as health, energy, and industry. Partners include OsloMet, SINTEF, DNV, the Cancer Registry, and Syngens. Access to quantum computing resources is secured through collaboration with Quantinuum, ORCA, and European infrastructures such as LUMI-Q.

Centre for Quantum Computing and Applications (QSTAR)

QSTAR is led by Franz Fuchs at SINTEF, together with Ida-Marie Høyvik at NTNU. The research will focus on quantum algorithms, error correction, and software for quantum computers, with specific applications in quantum chemistry and optimisation. The centre gathers researchers from SINTEF, NTNU, University of Oslo, OsloMet, and Simula. Collaborations occur with international actors such as QMATH in Copenhagen and RISE in Sweden. Industry partners include IBM Norway, Kongsberg Discovery, DNB, Statkraft, Statnett, Hydro, NSM, and FFI.

Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications (QCNA)

QCNA is led by Carlos Cid at Simula UiB and will establish Norway's first experimental test network for quantum communication. The project includes the development of quantum cryptography, distributed applications, error-correcting coding, and architectures for the future quantum internet. Telenor's 5G infrastructure and equipment from Toshiba are used in the test environment. The focus is also on competence building, with researcher training, university courses, and industry-specific programmes. Partners include SimulaMet, SINTEF Digital, NTNU, Aalborg University, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Telenor, and Toshiba Europe.