New Whitepaper: How Hybrid AI–Quantum computing will depend on data center infrastructure
Artificial intelligence and quantum computing are rapidly becoming central to economic competitiveness. But their real value will depend on where they can be executed at scale and on the digital infrastructure that enables them.
A new whitepaper from Danish Data Center Industry (DDI) and the Danish Centre for AI Innovation (DCAI) highlights how the next generation of computing will increasingly take place in advanced data center environments where AI, high-performance computing, and quantum processors operate together.
The report argues that the future of hybrid AI–quantum computing will depend not only on technological breakthroughs, but on the digital infrastructure capable of running these systems at scale. High-density compute environments, reliable energy systems, advanced networking, and specialized facilities will form the execution layer of the next computing paradigm.
“Hybrid AI–quantum systems combine multiple layers of computing — from large-scale AI models and high-performance computing to emerging quantum processors,” says Ali Syed, CTO of the Danish Centre for AI Innovation (DCAI). “These systems depend on integrated computing environments where classical and quantum capabilities can interact efficiently. The question is not only how we advance the technology, but how we build the infrastructure that allows it to scale.”
“As AI and quantum technologies evolve, the key question is where these capabilities can operate at scale,” says Henrik Hansen, CEO of Danish Data Center Industry. “Hybrid computing requires tightly integrated infrastructure — from high-performance compute environments to energy systems and secure facilities. Denmark has strong foundations, but the next step is aligning research, infrastructure, and policy.”
Hybrid computing models combine classical high-performance computing, AI systems, and emerging quantum processors within tightly integrated workflows. These systems depend on high-density computing environments, reliable energy supply, high-performance connectivity, and specialized facility design.
Data centers as the execution layer
The whitepaper highlights how modern data centers are evolving from traditional hosting facilities into advanced digital infrastructure capable of supporting hybrid AI–quantum workloads. These environments must accommodate high-density GPU clusters, advanced networking architectures, specialized cooling systems, and in some cases quantum hardware requiring controlled physical environments.
“Data centers are becoming the execution layer of this new computing paradigm,” says Merima Dzanic, Head of Strategy & Operations at Danish Data Center Industry. “Hybrid AI–quantum computing requires coordination between digital infrastructure, energy systems, and policy planning. Countries that recognize this shift will be best positioned to translate research leadership into industrial competitiveness.”
Denmark’s starting point
Denmark enters the hybrid computing era with several strategic advantages, including world-class research in AI and quantum technologies, national AI supercomputing platforms such as Gefion, a mature and energy-efficient data center ecosystem, strong renewable energy resources, and high-quality digital connectivity.
At the same time, there is a structural policy gap: while Denmark has national strategies for AI and quantum research, data centers are not yet consistently treated as strategic digital infrastructure aligned with these ambitions.
“Denmark has already taken important steps with national AI supercomputing infrastructure and strong quantum research capabilities,” says Henrik Hansen. “The opportunity now is to ensure that infrastructure, policy, and industrial ecosystems evolve together.”
A framework for coordination
The whitepaper outlines a framework for strengthening Denmark’s position as a European hub for hybrid AI–quantum computing.
Key recommendations include:
- Recognizing data centers hosting advanced computing workloads as strategic digital infrastructure
- Aligning digital infrastructure planning with energy and climate policy
- Strengthening collaboration between research institutions, industry, and infrastructure operators
- Investing in workforce development and operational capabilities for hybrid computing environments
- Mobilizing coordinated public and private investment in next-generation computing infrastructure
The report concludes that early coordination between research, infrastructure, and energy systems will determine where the value of the next computing paradigm is created.
Read the full whitepaper
Download the full whitepaper for a detailed analysis of hybrid AI–quantum architectures, infrastructure requirements, international developments, and policy considerations.