Founded by Alexander Glätzle, Sebastian Blatt and Johannes Zeiher in 2022 out of Immanuel Bloch’s Quantum Many-Body Systems division at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ), planqc convinced the jury of the German Founder Award with a novel technological approach that builds quantum computers using neutral atoms in optical lattices. This method enables highly energy-efficient, scalable, and stable systems and is rooted in decades of cutting-edge research at MPQ.
Quantum computers are regarded as a key technology of the future, expected to accelerate the development of new materials and medicines, among other applications. planqc develops quantum computers based on neutral atoms in optical lattices, which are precisely trapped and controlled using laser light.
This approach offers decisive advantages: Neutral atoms arranged in periodic lattices can provide almost unlimited numbers of qubits, allowing for high scalability. At the same time, the qubits remain particularly stable and error-resistant due to their weak interaction with the environment. planqc’s computers operate at room temperature, eliminating the need for resource-intensive cooling and facilitating their integration into existing data centers.
From basic research at MPQ to a startup
planqc’s unique technological edge is based on decades of foundational research at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU). In particular, the theoretical groundwork of Ignacio Cirac and the experimental breakthroughs of Immanuel Bloch in controlling and measuring quantum states in optical lattices laid the foundation for today’s technology. The expertise developed at MPQ in the precision control of ultracold atoms and quantum systems comprising several hundred to thousands of particles made it possible to translate this research into the direction of a market-ready technology. planqc thus stands as a prime example of successful technology transfer — in its founding supported by Max Planck Innovation, the technology transfer organization of the Max Planck Society.
“We are proud to build on the fundamental scientific breakthroughs from decades of research at MPQ with planqc and grateful for the excellent support we have received from the institute, the MPG, and the broader network of Munich Quantum Valley and universities,” explains Johannes Zeiher, Professor at LMU and group leader at MPQ. “At the same time, we hope that our path will encourage other founding teams in Munich’s outstanding quantum ecosystem to also transform their passion for basic research into innovative applications.”
“This award is an enormous confirmation for us. It shows that with our technology we can convince not only scientifically, but also from an entrepreneur‘‘s persepcetive,” says Alexander Glätzle. “We want to bring quantum computing into application together with strong partners from industry and academia, and help position Germany and Europe at the forefront of this future technology. That is precisely what this prize recognizes.”
The German Founder Award is one of the most prestigious business awards in Germany. It was initiated by ZDF, Porsche, the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, and the FAZ, and is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The award ceremony took place at the ZDF Capital Studio in Berlin.
News adapted from the MPQ website.