Quantum computing scale-up eleQtron secures €57 million in one of the largest Series A funding rounds worldwide
- One of the largest Series A funding rounds in quantum computing worldwide.
- Companies of Schwarz Group as lead investor.
- Additional participation from new and existing investors, including Earlybird.
- More than €54 million in signed contracts underline strong commercial demand.
Siegen/Hamburg, May 5, 2026 – Deep-tech company eleQtron, a developer of trapped-ion quantum computers, has successfully closed a €57 million Series A funding round. This funding round marks a significant step towards the industrial scaling of eleQtron’s technology and underscores the growing momentum in the global race to commercialise quantum computing. It ranks among the largest Series A funding rounds in quantum computing worldwide and clearly positions eleQtron as one of the most ambitious European players in the international arena.
The round is led by Schwarz Digits, the IT and digital division of Schwarz Group, an international leader in the retail industry. The EIC Fund of the European Innovation Council (EIC) is also among the key investors.
Additional participation comes from existing investors such as Earlybird, as well as new investors including French VC firm Ankaa Ventures, laser equipment specialist Precitec, and development banks NRW.BANK (Düsseldorf) and IFB Hamburg. The funding package also includes individual grants.
eleQtron already has an order backlog of more than €54 million, underlining growing commercial demand and placing the company among the few quantum computing players with meaningful commercial traction.
The new capital will be used to build scalable production capacity, expand cloud-based access to eleQtron’s systems, and further advance development its hardware platform.
In parallel, eleQtron is advancing its proprietary MAGIC technology (Magnetic Gradient Induced Coupling), which enables highly precise control of trapped ions using miniaturized microwave technology — providing a clear path toward scalable quantum computers.
“Quantum computing is transitioning from a research-driven technology to an industrially usable infrastructure. With this funding, we are accelerating that transition and building systems that will solve real-world industrial problems,” said Jan Henrik Leisse, CEO and Co-founder of eleQtron.
Scaling technology for industrial applications
Founded in 2020, eleQtron combines research-based technology development with a strong focus on industrial scaling and commercialization. Quantum computing is increasingly being recognized as a critical component of digital infrastructure — comparable to data centers, networks, or AI platforms. This investment strengthens eleQtron’s position as a provider of scalable quantum computing systems for industrial applications. With the capital from the consortium around the companies of Schwarz Group as lead investor, the commercialization of the product’s transition from the laboratory environment to industrial practice will now be significantly accelerated.
“Digital sovereignty is a top priority for us and our partners. Following our strategic decisions in the areas of cloud and artificial intelligence, the investment in eleQtron is a logical building block. We want to ensure that we remain independent in key technologies and actively shape forward-looking, secure IT infrastructures right here in Germany,” says Christian Müller, Co-CEO of Schwarz Digits.
“eleQtron combines a clearly differentiated technology with a compelling approach to scaling and commercializing quantum computing. In particular, the combination of proprietary technology and cloud-based access demonstrates how research can translate into real-world applications. We are excited to continue supporting the company in its next phase of growth,” said Dr. Hendrik Brandis, Co-Founder & Partner, Earlybird.
“Quantum computing is entering a crucial phase of industrialisation. Companies such as eleQtron, which combine scientific excellence with a clear focus on scalable systems, are key to translating Europe’s strengths into globally competitive technologies,” emphasises Svetoslava Georgieva, Chair of the EIC Fund Board.
About eleQtron
eleQtron was founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the University of Siegen and develops quantum processors based on trapped ions. Its proprietary MAGIC technology (Magnetic Gradient Induced Coupling) enables highly precise and scalable control of qubits using microwaves. eleQtron employs more than 100 people and partners with leading European research and computing centers to advance the industrial use of quantum computing.
About Schwarz Digits
Schwarz Digits is the IT and digital division of Schwarz Group and offers impressive digital products and services that meet the high German data protection standards. With the aim of achieving the greatest possible digital sovereignty, Schwarz Digits provides the IT infrastructure and solutions for the extensive ecosystem of Schwarz Group’s companies and develops it for the future. Schwarz Digits’ sovereign core services include Cloud, Cyber Security, Data and AI, Communication and Workspace. In addition, Schwarz Digits creates optimal conditions for the development of trend-setting innovations for end customers, companies, and public sector organizations.
About EIC Fund
The European Innovation Council Fund from the European Commission is a deep tech investor across all technologies. The EIC Fund aims to fill a critical financing gap, to support companies in the development and commercialisation of disruptive technologies. With its large network of capital providers and strategic partners it shares risk and crowds in market players.
More information: https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-fund
Press contact
Anja Bräuning
Corporate Communications & Marketing
+49 163 8070609
anja.braeuning@eleqtron.com
Andreas Grafemeyer
Public Relations, The Trailblazers
+49 170 9150679
andreas@thetrailblazers.de
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