Planqc was founded by a team of scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics and the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and is the first spin-off of the initiative Munich Quantum ValleyPlanqc's technology relies on so-called optical lattices, which can trap thousands of atoms in a stationary light pattern. Quantum information is stored in the electronic states of strontium atoms. This combination of quantum technologies should make it possible to rapidly scale to thousands of qubits with superior gate fidelity, which would be a prerequisite for an industrially relevant quantum advantage. Planqc is currently working on a quantum processor based on neutral atoms with up to 400 qubits encoded in strontium atoms.
“Our ambitious goal is to realize a digital, fully programmable and error-corrected quantum computer that can operate outside of artificial laboratory environments,”
says Sebastian Blatt, CTO and co-founder of Planqc.
His startup raised €4.6 million from UVC Partners and Speedinvest in the summer of 2022. Amadeus APEX Technology Fund has now also joined the ranks of investors. The amount of the investment is not yet known. Renowned entrepreneur Hermann Hauser will join Planqc's advisory board on behalf of the new investor. He is best known as the founder of the British company Acorn, which developed, among other things, the ARM processor. As an investor, Hauser has also supported deep-tech companies such as Solexa (DNA sequencing technology) and the chip manufacturer CSR.
“With its unique technology, Planqc has a huge competitive advantage”
Hermann Hauser explained:
"I am delighted to join the advisory board of this exciting company. With its unique technology, Planqc has a tremendous competitive advantage in scaling its quantum computers to tens of thousands of qubits. At the same time, Planqc achieves superior gate fidelity by leveraging the technology of the world's best atomic clocks. I very much look forward to working with this world-class team."
Alexander Glätzle, CEO and Co-Founder of Planqc, says:
"We are deeply honored that Dr. Hermann Hauser has placed his trust in us and joined our Advisory Board. He is a highly valued partner and companion who knows like no other how to translate world-class science into groundbreaking new products and company growth. We are confident that he will provide us with important impetus as we scale Planqc's quantum computing platform and develop new products and solutions."
And Benjamin Erhart, General Partner at UVC Partners and one of Planqc's early investors, says:
"Planqc is a shining example of how we not only have excellent scientists in Germany, but also how the joint efforts of startups and initiatives like Munich Quantum Valley are already bearing fruit. The fact that a world-leading venture capitalist like Dr. Hermann Hauser is joining our project underscores this. We hope that such a great collaboration will serve as a model not only at the national level, but also internationally and in other research areas, to create a world we all want to live in."
