planqc is a German quantum computing company founded in 2022 as the first spin-off of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics within the Munich Quantum Valley initiative. The company builds full-stack quantum computers using neutral atoms as qubits, trapped in optical lattices (artificial crystals of light). This approach enables room-temperature operation, long coherence times, high-fidelity gate operations, and a clear path to scaling to thousands of fault-tolerant qubits.

planqc covers the entire quantum value chain: from highly scalable neutral-atom hardware and a quantum operating system, to quantum algorithms, applications, and quantum-inspired software solutions. Its flagship project, MAQCS (Multicore Atomic Quantum Computing System), is a 1,000-qubit machine being built for the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) under a €20M federal grant, with first hardware delivered in September 2026. The company is also building a 100-qubit system for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) under a €29M contract.

planqc has secured more than €80M in total funding and contracts, including a €50M Series A in 2024. It collaborates with Airbus, ESA, BMW, Infineon, Fraunhofer institutes, and d-fine on real-world applications spanning aerospace materials, climate modeling, logistics optimization, and automotive manufacturing. The company operates three locations in Germany and Austria and has been recognized with the German Founder Award 2025, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024, and the Made in Europe Award 2026.