Nordic precision.
Quantum ambition.
This week, we go deep into the Nordic quantum scene with A Nordic Quantum 10 — our pick of the most promising companies and initiatives turning research into reality. From superconducting hardware to cryogenics and quantum algorithms, this is where science meets industry.
We’re also in Södertälje today for Science Week, where Nordic Hardtech’s Jonas Åström joins the jury for Produktionsänglarnas pitchtävling, spotlighting Sweden’s most promising hardware startups. Maybe we’ll see you there? If not, many session, including the pitch competition, are streamed online.
Nordic Hardtech Partners 🤝
Nordic Hardtech is a community for builders of complex tech companies based on physical products. Here are some of our outstanding partners.
- Lightbringer: AI-powered patent platform helping tech companies protect their edge fast, with in-house legal expertise. Book an intro.
- Recuro: Growth partner for hardtech and deeptech. Scale with profit.
- SISP (Swedish Incubators & Science Parks): The network for 60+ incubators and science parks in Sweden. Find yours here.
- The Yard: Gothenburg’s hub for co-working, community, and serious hardware. Explore their memberships.
Nordic Hardtech Radar
This Week: Ten companies building the stack from the ground up.
Quantum That Counts: 10 Nordic Quantum Pioneers to Watch
Quantum technology is moving fast, from lab experiments to industrial applications. Across the Nordics, researchers and founders are now translating superconducting circuits, cryogenics and algorithms into commercial systems. Now, the region is carving out its edge in a field once reserved for physics PhDs and moonshot labs.
• Where Nordic quantum leads (cryogenics, superconducting, algorithms)
• Which players are scaling from lab to market
• Who’s building Europe’s next hardtech frontier
1. IQM Quantum Computers (Finland
Europe’s most advanced quantum hardware company, building full-stack superconducting systems and delivering 150–300 qubit processors to Finland’s VTT. Backed by €300M+ and expanding across Europe, IQM Quantum Computers is setting the Nordic benchmark for deep industrial quantum deployment.
2. Algorithmiq (Finland)
Blending quantum physics and AI, Algorithmiq develops software for life sciences and simulation. Its partnerships with IBM and top pharma companies show how Nordic quantum is already finding real-world use cases.
3. Atlantic Quantum (Sweden / US)
Born from Chalmers and MIT, Atlantic Quantum is pushing the boundaries of superconducting qubit coherence and scalability. With dual roots in Sweden and the US, it bridges academic excellence with commercial ambition. This very week also brought a headline that underlines just how far Nordic quantum has come, when Google Quantum AI acquired the company.
4. Bluefors (Finland)
Every quantum computer needs extreme cooling. Bluefors is the world leader in cryogenic refrigeration systems — the invisible backbone behind most superconducting qubits today.
5. SCALINQ (Sweden)
A Chalmers spin-out engineering critical hardware components for scalable quantum systems, from sample holders to connectors. Small but essential, SCALINQ helps quantum move from lab to line.
6. Sweden Quantum (Sweden)
A new wave of Swedish hardware specialists focusing on microwave systems and cryo components. Sweden Quantum represents the growing layer of deeptech suppliers building the quantum value chain.
7. ConScience (Sweden)
Designs and fabricates quantum chips and advanced sensor components, already delivering to international customers. ConScience is another Chalmers-linked player quietly exporting precision hardware.
8. QMill (Finland)
A smaller but highly focused team developing industrial quantum optimization algorithms. QMill’s edge lies in bridging theory with solvable, applied challenges for manufacturing and logistics.
9. QuNorth (Magne Project) (Denmark)
Backed by EIFO and Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Magne initiative QuNorth is building a Nordic quantum computer from the ground up — one of Europe’s most ambitious public–private tech collaborations.
10. Sparrow Quantum (Denmark)
A photonics spin-off from Niels Bohr Institute, building single-photon sources for quantum communication and computing. Backed by deep tech investors, Sparrow Quantum is one of the few Nordic players actually shipping photonic hardware.
1. IQM Quantum Computers (FI) – Full-stack superconducting quantum hardware
2. Algorithmiq (FI) – Quantum algorithms for life sciences and simulation
3. Atlantic Quantum (SE/US) – Superconducting qubits built for scalability
4. Bluefors (FI) – Cryogenics powering the global quantum industry
5. SCALINQ (SE) – Hardware components for scalable quantum systems
6. Sweden Quantum (SE) – Microwave & cryo components for quantum hardware
7. ConScience (SE) – Quantum chips & precision sensor components
8. QMill (FI) – Industrial quantum optimization algorithms
9. QuNorth / Magne Project (DK) – Building the Nordic quantum computer
10. Sparrow Quantum (DK) – Photonic hardware enabling quantum communication
Want more? Here's 10 Nordic Robotic companies to watch
Jennifer Bark
Lately ⏮️
Selected news from the hardtech ecosystem
- Speaking of quantum: Denmark’s 55 North launches a €300M quantum fund backed by Novo Holdings and EIFO, fueling computing, sensing and communication startups across Europe.
- Norway’s Zeabuz launches its dual use maritime autonomy platform, showcasing how marine autonomy can serve both civilian and defense needs.
- Softbank acquires ABB Robotics for $5.4B, merging AI and automation at scale. With roots in Västerås, the deal marks a new era for Nordic-built industrial robotics.
- Sweden’s Altris teams up with Oscilion to develop sodium-ion batteries for military use, built entirely from Nordic materials and engineered for extreme climates.
- RISE shows how cities can drive the green transition through circular investments and data-driven planning, turning climate goals into hardtech demand.
Up next ⏭️
What's brewing in the community?
- Speaking even more of quantum: QSIP hosts a webinar on quantum standardization Oct 13, led by Johan Ek Weis from Chalmers Industriteknik. Learn how standards enable commercialization. Register here.
- Oslo turns into the Nordics’ startup capital Oct 21–25 as Innovation Week kicks off with 80+ events. Choose your arena and show up.
- Stealth Startup is hiring an Investment Director in Stockholm to back early deep-tech ventures in semiconductors, materials, compute and energy. Apply here.
- Founders Live returns to Stockholm this month with 99-second pitches and live voting. Join the city’s startup crowd on Oct 30 for a night of networking and next-gen ideas. Register here.
Looking for the bigger picture?
Check out the Nordic Hardtech Funding List — updated weekly with hundreds of deeptech and hardtech frontrunners across the region.
Nordic Hardtech is a platform for the hardtech ecosystem — sharing knowledge, bringing inspiration, and building community through podcasts, newsletters, events, and more.
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