planqc: "Austria offers enormous advantages due to its excellent research landscape in quantum physics"

Interview with Alexander Glätzle, CEO of planqc 

In 2024, planqc landed major contracts, such as the one from the German Aerospace Centre, and raised € 50 million in a Series A funding round. How did planqc achieve success so quickly although it was first founded in 2022?  

As a spin-off of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, we were able to build upon decades of cutting-edge research. Thanks to our technology based on neutral atoms, we already made a great impression on people at an early stage. Building on this, we were able to convince partners such as the German Aerospace Centre and the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre of the efficiency and performance of our technological approach. We also succeeded in gaining the trust of both public and private investors. 

What does planqc specialise in and what solutions do you offer your customers? 

planqc specialises in the development of quantum computers based on neutral atoms. This technology enables high scalability and quality in order to realise demanding applications in research and industry. Our aim is to provide customers with early access to this technology - be it through computing time in the cloud, the development of algorithms or strategic consulting. In this way, we prepare companies to secure competitive advantages in the coming quantum age. Specifically, quantum computers can leverage enormous potential in various industries, for example faster and more targeted drug development, more precise weather models or more powerful AI models in general. 

Your headquarters are located in Garching near Munich. What motivated you to open an office in nearby Innsbruck? 

Innsbruck was the No. 1 candidate for our first subsidiary right from the start. On the one hand, Austria features an impressive tradition in quantum computing, which has been showcased pioneers such as Schrödinger. On the other hand, Innsbruck is regarded today as a centre of internationally renowned experts in the field of quantum computing. As someone who did his doctorate in Innsbruck, I appreciate the excellent scientific environment and the opportunities it offers. This proximity to leading research institutions enables us to tap into the existing talent pool and drive our growth. 

What support did you receive when setting up business operations, including from the Austrian Business Agency? 

The Austrian Business Agency gave us a lot of support when locating in Austria, in particular by putting us in touch with local research institutions and partners. This made it much easier for us to get started in Austria and helped us to realise our goals more quickly. 

What advantages does Austria offer as a business location, especially for companies in the field of quantum computing, also in terms of partnerships with universities and research institutions? 

Austria offers enormous advantages due to its excellent research landscape, especially in the field of quantum physics. Universities such as the one in Innsbruck are among the world's leading institutions in the field. In addition, the well-developed infrastructure for research and development creates an ideal basis for the collaboration between science and industry. All this makes Austria a highly attractive business location for companies such as planqc. 

You yourself were born in Austria, completed your doctorate at the University of Innsbruck and then spent time in Oxford, Harvard, Melbourne and Singapore to conduct research and also worked as a management consultant and founder in Munich. What qualities does Austria have in general, including as a place to work and live? 

For me, Austria is my home and a place that has shaped me and ignited my passion for science. This is where I took my first steps in research, in an environment that promotes excellence and at the same time conveys a strong sense of community. Austria manages to combine tradition and innovation, creating a fertile environment for scientists, entrepreneurs and startups. 

Read more about quantum technologies in Austria