planqc Secures “Made in Europe” Award in Commercialising
planqc has been awarded the 2026 Made in Europe Award in the Commercialising category for its progress turning academic neutral-atom research into commercial quantum systems. The recognition highlights planqc’s role in bringing European-built hardware and software to market and underscores a broader push for regional technological independence.
Advancing Quantum Systems for Europe
planqc is developing two flagship neutral-atom quantum computers: a 100-qubit system for DLR (German Aerospace Center) and a 1,000-qubit system planned for LRZ (Leibniz Supercomputing Centre), both slated to be online in 2027. These platforms aim to support applied research and industry use cases, while providing developers with cloud and on-premise access models.
To move from prototypes to applied solutions, planqc is collaborating with major industry and research partners including Airbus, the European Space Agency, BMW, and Fraunhofer institutes. These partnerships focus on application development, benchmarking, and integrating quantum workflows into existing engineering and scientific pipelines.
Building Sovereign Quantum Capability
Born from work at the Max Planck Institute and Ludwig Maximilian University and nurtured within Munich Quantum Valley, planqc represents a direct pathway from European research into domestic supply chains and commercial products. The company emphasizes local development across hardware, control software, and system integration to reduce reliance on external providers.
“We are committed to a sovereign European path in quantum technology,” said Dr. Alexander Glätzle, planqc CEO, framing the award as recognition of both technical progress and strategic autonomy.
Future Outlook and Impact
planqc’s award signals momentum for Europe’s quantum ecosystem: investors, researchers, and industry can point to a working example of research-to-market success. If the 2027 timelines hold, the new systems could accelerate domain-specific quantum applications in aerospace, automotive, and scientific computing while reinforcing Europe as a center for commercial quantum innovation.
