While many quantum computer approaches rely on downstream error correction, Peak Quantum takes a different path: error resistance is integrated directly into the physical architecture of the qubits. This hardware-based approach is designed to significantly reduce complexity and shorten the path to industrially usable quantum computers.
The company, founded in 2024, is a spin-off of the Walther Meißner Institute (WMI) in Garching, one of Europe’s leading research facilities for superconducting quantum chips. At the same time, Peak Quantum is part of Munich Quantum Valley and is supported by UnternehmerTUM – two central pillars of Munich’s deeptech ecosystem.
€2.2 million pre-seed – investors back European quantum hardware
The current funding round is led by Cloudberry Ventures (UK). Other investors include United Founders, QAI Ventures, Golden Egg Check, and several business angels with industry backgrounds. Mahir Sahin, General Partner at Cloudberry Ventures, says:
“Europe has a real opportunity to lead in quantum hardware development. Peak Quantum is making a decisive contribution to this. The company isn’t just developing chips. It’s building the infrastructure for a comprehensive European ecosystem for quantum computers.”
This brings the company’s total funding to over five million euros. Part of the total funding also comes from public grants, including under the EU Chips Act. The combination of venture capital and government support underscores the strategic importance of quantum hardware for Europe.
SUPREME pilot line: infrastructure for quantum chip manufacturing in Europe
A central pillar of the strategy is the establishment of the European pilot manufacturing facility “SUPREME”, scheduled to start in April 2026. Peak Quantum was selected to operate this pilot line. Peak Quantum COO Thomas Luschmann adds:
“If Europe wants to play a leading role in quantum computing, it must develop and manufacture the hardware itself. With the pilot line, we’re helping ensure that this key technology is created in Europe.”
The goal is to build scalable infrastructure for the development and production of quantum chips that will potentially also be open to external partners. This positions the startup not just as a chip developer, but as an infrastructure provider for a European quantum ecosystem.
Focus on robust rather than numerous qubits
CEO Leon Koch clearly positions the technological approach:
“The quantum computer industry has focused too long on scaling the number of qubits. But more qubits don’t help if each individual one is unreliable. With this current funding, we’re accelerating our technological development and laying the groundwork for industrial manufacturing. Our focus is on further developing our chip designs and on initial pilot projects with partners from industry and research.”
Alexander Schult, co-founder & managing director of Peak Quantum, describes the funding as follows:
Quantum computing is becoming a strategic key technology for economic strength and capacity for action. Technological sovereignty is not created through use, but through development, production, and control of one’s own core technologies. Europe must aspire to build industrial competence here – not just conduct research. With Peak Quantum, we’re creating the foundation for scalable quantum hardware in Europe and working to turn scientific excellence into strategic infrastructure. This funding is an important step along this path.
Advantages of the approach at a glance:
- Reduced system complexity through integrated error protection
- Better scalability of quantum processors
- Faster industrial applicability
- Potentially lower operating costs
Significance for Munich and European ecosystem
With its focus on hardware and manufacturing infrastructure, Peak Quantum addresses a key gap in the European quantum computing market. While software and algorithms often take center stage, developing proprietary chip technology is considered crucial for technological sovereignty.
“The founding team is characterized by a purposeful, performance-oriented mindset, with foresight and attention to detail. This is the kind of ambition that makes you a global market leader,”
says Bettina Scheibe, managing partner at United Founders.
Peak Quantum combines scientific excellence with a clear industry-oriented approach: error-resistant quantum hardware and proprietary manufacturing infrastructure. The funding and planned pilot line underscore the ambition to secure a stronger role for Europe in the global competition for quantum computers.
