The foundation is expected to spend $200m (£176m) to develop what it says will be the first quantum computer dedicated to life sciences research and the green transition. 

The programme has been launched by the nonprofit foundation - the majority owner of pharmaceutical group Novo Nordisk - in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and includes world-leading researchers in quantum computing from Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands and the USA. 

By applying next-generation quantum computing to life sciences, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is expecting to speed up the development of new medicines and provide new insights into climate change and the green transition, which is not possible with standard computers today. 

The ambition is that a quantum computer will also be a fundamental tool in designing new sustainable materials, delivering new energy-saving solutions or assisting with new approaches to decarbonisation.

“The other major initiatives around...