planqc
planqc develops neutral-atom quantum computers, algorithms and high-performance computing integrations. It is based in Garching bei München, in the Munich area.
Europe's most interesting startup stories. Every week.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
About planqc
PlanQC GmbH was established in 2022 from research at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics and LMU. Both its registered address and operating headquarters are in Garching bei München. The company also has facilities in Ulm and Innsbruck. The company builds quantum computers using individual neutral atoms as qubits. Optical lattices and laser pulses arrange and control the atoms. Its work covers hardware, control software, algorithms and integration with existing computing infrastructure; cloud access is described as a future offering. Published cases examine materials, climate research and industrial applications. The first MAQCS components reached the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre in September 2026. The complete 1,000-qubit system is scheduled for 2027: the initial shipment does not establish full operation. The 2022 seed round raised €4.6 million. A €50 million package announced in 2024 includes an unseparated grant and is therefore excluded from the verified equity subtotal.
The Story
The company emerged in April 2022 from MPQ and LMU research. Early announcements name Glätzle, Blatt, Zeiher and Reichsöllner alongside Achleitner and Wagner; today's site presents three scientific founders and two co-founders in governance roles.
How planqc works
Business Model
B2B delivery of quantum systems, integrations and algorithm development through projects with companies and research institutions.
Revenue Model
Contracts for system and algorithm development and delivery; software pricing, revenue and future cloud terms remain unverified.
Products & Services
Key Products
- Neutral-atom quantum computers
- Quantum operating system
- Quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms
Core Use Cases
- Quantum system deployment at computing centres
- Algorithms for materials and surface simulation
- Research into quantum methods for climate models
Market & Clients
Key Customers
DLR and LRZ feature in quantum system projects. Airbus Defence and Space, d-fine, MQS and ExoMatter are QuantiCoM partners; not all are verified paying customers.
Geographic Presence
How planqc competes
Competitive Advantages
- Neutral-atom architecture with optical control
- Joint design of hardware, software and algorithms
How planqc grows
Growth Strategy
Integrate MAQCS into operational infrastructure in 2027 and develop error correction through the LOGIQC consortium selected for QCC.
Distribution Model
Direct projects with companies and research centres, on-premises systems and HPC integration; cloud access is still described as forthcoming.
Key Risks
- MAQCS still requires integration and stable operation at the computing centre; the announcement describes a future transition from TRL 5 to TRL 6–7.
Strategic Insights
- MAQCS provides evidence of the transition from demonstrator to installation at a computing centre.
- KLIM-QML benchmarks quantum methods against classical approaches; advantage remains a research question.
Funding & Investors
Total Funding
Funding Rounds
- 2022 - Seed: €4.6M
Lead: UVC Partners, Speedinvest
Key Investors
Founding Team
Founders
Key Executives
- Alexander Glätzle - CEO
- Sebastian Blatt - CTO
- Johannes Zeiher - Principal Scientist
Key Metrics
Similar Startups
Helsing
Munich company founded in 2021 building autonomous systems and AI software for defence, from the HX-2 drone to the SG-1 underwater system. $1.8B Series E in 07/2026, at $18B.
Read AnalysisRobCo
Munich company founded in 2020 out of TUM research offering manufacturers modular industrial robots with software and a monthly fee. Valued above $1B in the October 2026 transaction.
Read AnalysisQuantum Systems
German company based in Gilching making vertical-takeoff drones and autonomous systems with mission software. $1.2B Series D signed on 02/07/2026 at about $8B post-money.
Read AnalysisSources
- Contact and legal addresses — planqc
- About planqc — planqc
- Seed da 4,6 milioni — UVC Partners
- Ingresso Amadeus APEX Technology Fund — UVC Partners
- Finanziamento Series A da 50 milioni — planqc
- Selezione LOGIQC per QCC — planqc
- Prime consegne hardware MAQCS a LRZ — planqc
- Neutral Atom Quantum Computing — planqc
- Full Stack Quantum Platform — planqc
- QuantiCoM QALPHAD e AMQS — planqc
- KLIM-QML — planqc