The Novo Nordisk Foundation announces Nadia Carlsten as CEO of the Danish Centre for AI Innovation, overseeing the construction of the Gefion supercomputer aimed at advancing research and innovation across multiple sectors.
Denmark Launches AI Supercomputer Initiative with New Leadership
COPENHAGEN, Denmark – The Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) have announced the appointment of Nadia Carlsten as the CEO of the Danish Centre for AI Innovation A/S (DCAI). This organization will operate Denmark’s first AI supercomputer, Gefion, aimed at advancing AI-based research and innovation in critical areas.
The construction of Gefion is a collaborative effort with tech giant NVIDIA and was first revealed in March. This initiative is expected to significantly impact fields such as healthcare, life sciences, quantum computing, and the green transition by providing enhanced research capabilities and innovative solutions.
Nadia Carlsten steps into her new role with extensive experience in the AI and quantum technologies sector, including leading the development of Amazon’s initial quantum computing services and contributing to product strategies at SandboxAQ. Carlsten holds degrees from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, endorsed Carlsten’s appointment, highlighting her strong scientific background and global perspective. “Her global outlook will help ensure that the knowledge and innovation developed at DCAI will have impact far beyond Denmark,” Thomsen stated.
Echoing these sentiments, EIFO CEO Peder Lundquist remarked on Carlsten’s impressive business acumen and leadership in technology management: “She is the perfect candidate to ensure that DCAI will be a powerful platform for Danish businesses and for transforming groundbreaking AI-based research into commercially profitable solutions.”
Carlsten expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Gefion is not just one of the world’s most advanced AI supercomputers; it will also be a catalyst for further innovation.”
Carlsten will oversee the hiring of additional DCAI employees and manage the organization’s operations and finances. The facility will offer Danish public and private sector entities, including universities and companies, access to this state-of-the-art NVIDIA supercomputer and associated software and training.
The DCAI plans to initiate a pilot phase later this year, allowing mature AI projects to begin using Gefion and providing feedback. Broader availability is anticipated for the first half of 2025, with subsequent phases to support AI projects dealing with sensitive data.
Founded in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation focuses on improving health and sustainability through research and innovation. EIFO, Denmark’s national promotional bank, and export credit agency, facilitates financial solutions and invests in initiatives promoting global business, technological advancement, and green transition.
This significant development places Denmark at the forefront of AI research and innovation, with expectations set high for the transformative potential of the Gefion supercomputer.
