Quantum Computing Employment in the Nordic Countries (2025 Overview)

As of 2025, the Nordic countries have made steady progress in developing quantum computing capabilities. While Finland leads the charge with a mature ecosystem, other countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway are nurturing promising research hubs and corporate initiatives. This article presents an up-to-date snapshot of quantum computing employment across the Nordic region, factoring in academic institutions, startups, large corporations, financial institutions, and research centers.

🇫🇮 Finland

Finland is the Nordic leader in quantum computing, with over 1,100 people employed in the field. The Finnish ecosystem includes a strong mix of research institutions and private companies.

• Key Organizations:
  • IQM Quantum Computers (~140 staff)
  • Bluefors (600+ staff working on cryogenics supporting quantum tech)
  • VTT Technical Research Centre, Aalto University, and InstituteQ foster research and collaboration.
• Corporate Involvement:
  • Nokia is actively exploring quantum-safe communications and post-quantum cryptography.
  • Finnish banks and financial institutions have begun funding or exploring quantum-related risk analysis and encryption.

🇸🇪 Sweden

Sweden has a rapidly growing quantum sector, with approximately 650 professionals engaged in quantum technologies across academia, startups, and industry.

• Key Institutions:
  • Chalmers University of Technology hosts the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT).
  • KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Uppsala University contribute to software and hardware quantum research.
  • Vinnova, the national innovation agency, funds quantum initiatives and startup growth.
• Industry Presence:
  • Ericsson explores quantum networks and communications.
  • Volvo and Scania are investigating logistics optimization using quantum algorithms.
  • Major Swedish banks (SEB, Swedbank, Nordea) are exploring quantum-safe encryption and portfolio risk modelling.

🇩🇰 Denmark

Denmark employs around 380 people in the quantum sector, with a strong academic foundation and growing corporate interest.

• Key Institutions:
  • Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is home to QuantumDTU, a national center of excellence.
  • Niels Bohr Institute (University of Copenhagen) has a global reputation in quantum foundations and photonics.
• Corporate Participation:
  • Maersk is exploring quantum computing for route optimization and logistics.
  • Danske Bank and others are studying quantum security and risk forecasting.

🇳🇴 Norway

Norway is a moderate player in quantum computing, with around 220 people involved in the field, largely concentrated in academia and applied research.

• Key Research Bodies:
  • SINTEF leads industrial research applications.
  • QuSpin, based at NTNU, focuses on quantum spintronics with over 60 staff.
  • Simula Research Laboratory contributes to quantum algorithms and simulation.
• Corporate Stakeholders:
  • Equinor is exploring quantum chemistry and simulations.
  • DNB and Telenor are investing in early-stage quantum security assessments.

🇮🇸 Iceland

Quantum computing remains nascent in Iceland, with about 10 individuals engaged, mostly in academic research.

• Limited Corporate Presence:
  • Companies like Origo hf. operate in IT but have not yet moved into quantum computing.
  • No dedicated quantum research institutions have been established as of 2025.

Summary Table: Quantum Computing Employment in the Nordics (2025)

This overview highlights Finland’s clear leadership, while Sweden and Denmark are developing vibrant academic-industry collaborations. Norway maintains strong research capabilities with limited commercialization, and Iceland is still in the early stages. Across the region, industrial giants and financial institutions are increasingly exploring how quantum computing can be leveraged for real-world impact — from optimization and cryptography to simulation and AI acceleration.