Berlin/Garching, September 10, 2025 – The quantum computer manufacturer planqc has won the German Start-up Award 2025 in Berlin in the “Up-and-Coming” category. The jury particularly recognized the strong cooperation with science and industry, the scalable business model and the future potential of “quantum computing made in Germany”. The clear scalability with the three pillars of hardware sales, cloud-based quantum computing as a service and software development was positively emphasized.
“This award is an enormous confirmation for us. It shows that our technology is not only scientifically convincing, but also entrepreneurial,” says Dr. Alexander Glätzle, CEO and co-founder of planqc, delighted with the win. “We want to bring quantum computing into application with strong partners from industry and science and help Germany and Europe to a leading position in this industry of the future. That is exactly what this prize honors.”
“This success is a credit to the entire team,” adds Dr. Sebastian Blatt, CTO and co-founder of planqc. “We want to prove that it is possible to turn cutting-edge research into successful companies in Germany. The start-up award gives us a tailwind to roll out our technology internationally and thus open up completely new opportunities for industry and society.”
planqc was founded in 2022 as the first spin-off of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics in Munich Quantum Valley. Today, the company is one of the pioneers of digital quantum computers “Made in Germany”, developing a 1,000-qubit quantum computer for the Leibniz Supercomputing Center, a 100-qubit system for the German Aerospace Center and cooperating on software projects with partners such as Airbus, ESA and Fraunhofer. In 2024, the start-up secured 50 million euros in a Series A financing round.
The German Entrepreneur Award was presented for the 23rd time in 2025. It is one of the most prestigious awards for entrepreneurial achievements in Germany and is sponsored by Sparkasse, ZDF, Porsche and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
ABOUT PLANQC
planqc develops quantum computers based on neutral atoms – the fastest way to scalable quantum processors for industrial applications. Founded in April 2022 in Garching near Munich by Alexander Glätzle, Sebastian Blatt and Johannes Zeiher, planqc is the first spin-off of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics as part of the Munich Quantum Valley initiative. The company builds on a close partnership with the Max Planck Institute and decades of cutting-edge research in neutral atom quantum technology. In the Series A financing round, planqc secured 50 million euros, led by CATRON Holding and the DeepTech & Climate Fund (DTCF). Other investors include Bayern Kapital, the Max Planck Foundation, UVC Partners, Speedinvest and funding from the BMBF.
