About planqc: With neutral atom qubits, planqc is on the fast track towards industry-relevant quantum computers.
planqc is one of the leading companies in the development of digital quantum computers. Utilizing a unique technology based on neutral atoms as qubits, planqc is pursuing the fastest path toward building industry-relevant quantum computers. As a full-stack quantum technology provider, planqc covers the entire value chain—from hardware and quantum operating systems to quantum computing applications and quantum-inspired software solutions.
planqc at a glance
Our journey
Founded in 2022 by quantum physicists Dr. Alexander Glätzle, Dr. Sebastian Blatt, and Dr. Johannes Zeiher as the first spin-off of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics within the framework of the Munich Quantum Valley, planqc builds on internationally acclaimed cutting-edge research.
The successful transformation from fundamental science to market-ready products is considered groundbreaking and “offers hope for Germany as a high-tech location” (Handelsblatt). This achievement has been honored with numerous accolades, including the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024, the German Startup Award 2023, and the recognition as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum.
-
Foundation
planqc is founded as the first spin-off from the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics within the Munich Quantum Valley initiative, and secures its seed funding from UVC Partners and Speedinvest.
-
First major contract
Wins a €29M contract from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to build the first digital neutral-atom quantum computer, and welcomes Amadeus Capital and APEX Ventures as new investors.
-
New headquarters and growth
Opens its headquarters in Garching near Munich, launches the MAQCS project to develop a 1,000-qubit quantum computer for the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), and closes a €50M Series A round led by CATRON Holding and DTCF.
-
Expanding industry collaborations
Expands industry collaborations with partners including Airbus, ESA, Fraunhofer institutes and d-fine—applying quantum technology to materials discovery, climate modeling, and mobility optimization.
planqc’s founders
CEO Alexander Glätzle
brings experience as a Senior Research Fellow in Oxford and Singapore, as well as a background in management consulting.
CTO Sebastian Blatt
spent over a decade at top international institutions such as Harvard and the University of Colorado, and is known for his work on the world’s most precise atomic clocks.
Principal Scientist Johannes Zeiher
is a faculty member at the LMU Munich and a group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics. He previously conducted research at the University of California, and is known for his work on highly excited Rydberg atoms.
Board members
-
Ann-Kristin Achleitner
Co-founder & Member of the supervisory board
-
Markus Wagner
Co-founder & Business strategist
-
Benjamin Erhart
Member of the supervisory board
-
Hermann Hauser
Member of the supervisory board
-
Ismet Paketci
Member of the supervisory board
-
Torsten Löffler
Member of the supervisory board
-
Simon Kreitmair
Member of the supervisory board
-
Evgeny Slavin
Board observer
-
Wolfgang Neubert
Board observer
-
Walter Baumann
Board observer
Scientific advisors
-
Immanuel Bloch
Scientific Advisor
-
J. Ignacio Cirac
Scientific Advisor
-
Artur Ekert
Scientific advisor
-
Dieter Jaksch
Scientific Advisor
-
Markus Müller
Scientific Advisor
Making quantum matter – out of Europe.
With its “Made in Germany” quantum computer, planqc is becoming the nucleus of a new high-tech industry. By building its own manufacturing capabilities and closely collaborating with a network of leading suppliers in photonics, optics, and vacuum technology, the company is strengthening a strategic technology ecosystem.
planqc is a prime example of successful technology transfer from world-class research to industrial value creation and plays a key role in ensuring German and European technological sovereignty.
We are hiring. Join us!
Quantum engineers
Contact us via our jobs page
Electronic engineers
Contact us via our jobs page
Mechanical engineers
Contact us via our jobs page
Software engineers
Contact us via our jobs page