Planqc secures the German founder award 2025 in the startup category. The jury appreciated the clear scalability of the business model, which rests on three pillars: hardware sales, cloud-based quantum computing as a service, and software development. With this, the company demonstrated how “quantum computing made in Germany” can be put into practice.
Quantum computers from Garching
Planqc develops quantum computers that compute with neutral atoms as quantum bits – an approach that operates with particular energy efficiency since the systems run at room temperature.
“This award is an enormous confirmation for us. It shows that we can convince not only scientifically but also entrepreneurially with our technology. We want to bring quantum computing into practice together with strong partners from industry and science and help Germany and Europe achieve a leading position in this pioneering industry. That is exactly what this award recognizes”,
says Alexander Glätzle, CEO and co-founder of Planqc.
The startup was founded in 2022 as the first spin-off of the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics in Munich Quantum Valley. Today, Planqc is among the pioneers of digital quantum computers in Germany. Together with the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre and the German Aerospace Center, the startup is working on systems with up to 1,000 qubits, which are to be developed by 2027. Additionally, Planqc cooperates with partners such as Airbus, ESA, and Fraunhofer on software projects.
“This success is the achievement of the entire team. We want to prove that it is possible in Germany to transform cutting-edge research into successful companies. The founder award gives us the momentum to roll out our technology internationally and create entirely new opportunities for business and society”,
explains Sebastian Blatt, CTO and co-founder of Planqc.
The German founder award is among the most prestigious business awards in Germany and is presented by ZDF, Porsche, Sparkasse, and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Further information about the award and this year’s presentation can be found here.
