1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator is a prominent funding initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC) designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, particularly those operating in the DeepTech sector. This program emphasizes innovation and aims to propel companies toward the market through a blended finance approach, combining grants and equity investments. The EIC Accelerator targets projects that demonstrate significant potential to disrupt markets, contribute to the European economy, and address pressing societal challenges.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers substantial financial support through two main components: grants and equity investments.

Purpose and Impact

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by offering a structured pathway for innovative companies to scale. The program not only provides financial resources but also facilitates access to mentorship, networks, and expertise, enabling companies to refine their business models and enhance their market readiness. By bridging the funding gap that often exists for early-stage tech startups, the EIC Accelerator aids in attracting private sector investment, fostering a vibrant innovation landscape in Europe.

Case Study: Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH

Company Overview: Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH (AQT), based in Austria, is a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program. The company specializes in quantum computing technologies, aiming to revolutionize data processing capabilities.

Project Acronym: QCDC (Quantum Computers for Data Centers)

Project Description: The QCDC project focuses on developing quantum computers specifically designed for data centers. This initiative seeks to harness the power of quantum computing to significantly enhance computational efficiency and data processing capabilities, addressing the growing demands of modern data-centric applications.

Technology Background

Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in computing technology, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex calculations at speeds unattainable by classical computers. Unlike traditional bits, which are binary and can represent either 0 or 1, quantum bits, or qubits, can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition. This property allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data in parallel, making them exceptionally powerful for specific applications, such as cryptography, optimization problems, and machine learning.

AQT's approach to quantum computing involves developing a technology platform that integrates superconducting qubits, which are particularly well-suited for scalability and operational efficiency in data center environments. By focusing on the deployment of quantum technologies in commercial settings, AQT aims to address real-world challenges faced by industries reliant on massive data processing capabilities.

Through the EIC Accelerator program, AQT has secured the necessary resources to advance the QCDC project, enabling the company to refine its technology, expand its market reach, and ultimately contribute to the evolution of data processing in the digital age. The successful execution of this project could pave the way for innovative applications across various sectors, significantly impacting the European technology landscape.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program not only provides critical funding and support to emerging companies like Alpine Quantum Technologies but also plays a vital role in enhancing Europe's position as a leader in innovation and advanced technology.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH: Funding Profile and Growth Journey

Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT), an Austrian quantum computing company founded in 2018, has established itself as a pioneer in developing general-purpose quantum computers using trapped-ion technology. Based in Innsbruck, Austria, AQT has secured significant funding to advance its innovative quantum computing solutions.

Funding Overview

AQT has raised a total of approximately $34.8 million across multiple funding rounds. According to more specific data, the company has raised $12.23 million over three documented funding rounds. The company received a notable €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in June 2022.

Funding Timeline

Spinout (December 2018)

• Investor: University of Toronto
• Amount: Not disclosed

Incubator/Accelerator (January 2021)

• Investor: Creative Destruction Lab
• Amount: Not disclosed

Grant Funding (June 2022)

• Investor: European Innovation Council (EIC Accelerator)
• Amount: €2.5 million

Investor Information

AQT has attracted support from at least four key investors:

Company Valuation and Exit Events

There is no publicly available information regarding AQT's current valuation or any exit events such as IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions. The company appears to remain privately held and in active development of its quantum computing technology.

Business Focus and Achievements

AQT specializes in quantum computing technology based on trapped-ion processors. The company's approach uses:

• Electric fields and single charged atoms trapped in vacuum chambers
• Ions representing quantum bits (qubits)
• Precisely timed laser pulses for qubit manipulation and measurement

A significant achievement for AQT has been the realization of the first European rack-mounted, trapped-ion quantum computer with cloud connectivity, integrated into high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. This development represents a major step forward in making quantum computing accessible and practical.

Current Status

As of May 2025, AQT continues to operate as an active company in the "Incubator/Accelerator" stage according to funding classifications. The company is headquartered at Technikerstrasse 17/1 in Innsbruck, Austria, and is focused on advancing its quantum computing technology for commercial applications.

Sources: - Alpine Quantum Technologies - Dealroom dashboard

• Alpine Quantum Technologies company information, funding
• Alpine Quantum Technologies - CB Insights
• Alpine Quantum Technologies Stock Price, Funding
• Alpine Quantum Technologies Company Information - Seedtable

3 The Press Releases

Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH Since Receiving EIC Accelerator Funding

Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH (AQT), based in Austria, has been a notable player in the quantum computing sector since receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in June 2022. This funding included a grant of up to EUR 2.5 million combined with equity investments through the EIC Fund, aimed at fostering innovative technologies and accelerating the development of quantum computing in Europe.

Partnerships and Collaborations

• Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA): AQT joined the Quantum Internet Alliance in November 2022 as part of a seven-year program to develop an innovative quantum internet ecosystem in Europe.
• EU Flagship Project MILLENION: AQT is a proud partner in this project, which focuses on advancing quantum technologies.
• Leibniz Computing Center (LRZ) and Munich Quantum Valley: Together, they acquired an AQT ion-trap quantum computer valued at approximately 9.8 million euros, marking a significant collaboration in quantum computing.

Technology Advancements

• Quantum Volume of 128: AQT demonstrated a Quantum Volume of 128 on its 19-inch rack-compatible Quantum Computer system PINE, setting a record for universal quantum computers in Austria.
• Cloud-Accessible Quantum Computing: AQT is developing a cloud-accessible quantum computer under the QCDC project, aiming to provide European cloud-accessible quantum computing solutions.

Team Updates

Rainer Blatt: Co-founder of AQT, Rainer Blatt was awarded the Herbert Walther Prize in 2023, recognizing his contributions to quantum physics.

Recent Developments

• European Tender for Trapped-Ion Quantum Computer: AQT was awarded a tender to deliver a quantum computer to the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center in Poland, with a total value of 12.28 million euros.
• Quantum Hub Tirol: AQT is part of efforts to establish Tyrol as a strategic hub connecting quantum research with industry applications.

Sources

• AQT Receives 2.5 M EURO Innovation Funding
• Press - AQT
• Quantum Computers for Data Centers | QCDC
• News - AQT

4 The Technology Advancements

Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements

Since receiving European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in June 2022, Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT) has solidified its position as a leader in trapped-ion quantum computing. Headquartered in Innsbruck, Austria, the company has achieved significant technological and commercial milestones.

Core Capabilities

AQT’s 19-inch rack-mounted trapped-ion quantum computers operate at room temperature, consume under 2 kW of power, and integrate directly into existing high-performance computing (HPC) data centers. The systems are accessible via cloud platforms like ARNICA, enabling research and industrial applications in finance, chemistry, logistics, and cybersecurity.

Technological Advancements

• Quantum Volume Milestone: In February 2023, AQT demonstrated a quantum volume of 128 on its PINE system, setting a European record for universal quantum computers at the time.
• Hardware Refinements: The company optimized modularity and expandability for seamless HPC integration, with systems fitting into two standard server racks without specialized cooling infrastructure.
• Cloud Accessibility: Enhanced cloud deployment through ARNICA ensures reproducibility and universal gate-set operations for users globally.

Market Demonstrations & Deployments

• LRZ Munich Installation: Delivered a fully operational system to the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) in December 2023, marking Europe’s first on-premises HPC-quantum hybrid integration. Researchers now run hybrid algorithms combining classical supercomputers with AQT’s quantum hardware.
• EuroQCS-Poland Contract: Awarded a €12.28 million contract in July 2024 to deploy a quantum computer at Poznań Supercomputing Center by mid-2025. This system will support pan-European research across scientific and industrial domains.
• Quantum Tour 2025: Actively engaging global stakeholders through demonstrations in cities like Tokyo, Amsterdam, Copenhagen , highlighting real-world use cases.

Research & Development Outputs

While specific patents or whitepapers are not explicitly cited:

• Collaborated with d-fine and Fraunhofer AISEC on securing quantum machine learning for Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) as of April 2025.
• Ongoing projects include portfolio optimization risk analysis decryption methods using their hardware under EIC-funded initiatives .

---

Sources
AQT Official Website | EuroQCS-Poland Announcement | Quantum Tour 2025 | EIC Funding Update | LRZ Integration Report

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH: Partnerships and Advancements

Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH, an Austrian company, has been actively involved in advancing quantum technology through strategic partnerships since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. These collaborations are pivotal in positioning the company as a leader in ion-trap quantum computing and enhancing its technological capabilities.

Partnerships and Collaborations

New Partners and Customers

While specific new customers are not detailed in the available information, AQT's strategic partnerships with entities like Classiq and Quanscient highlight its commitment to expanding its network. The company's focus on integrating its technology with HPC environments and cloud services is likely to attract a broader range of customers across research and enterprise sectors.

Nature and Purpose of New Relationships

These partnerships are designed to advance quantum readiness and interoperability within the quantum ecosystem. By combining expertise in software and hardware, AQT and its partners aim to drive the development of practical quantum applications in various sectors, including research and enterprise.

Market Positioning and Technology Advancements

AQT's partnerships will position the company as a leader in ion-trap quantum computing, enhancing its market presence through innovative solutions and scalable technologies. The integration with leading software platforms like Classiq's algorithm design tools will improve the usability of AQT's hardware, facilitating broader adoption across industries. Furthermore, these collaborations are expected to accelerate technology advancements by fostering a unified workflow that supports complex computational tasks.

Scaling and Growth

AQT's collaborations are crucial for scaling its operations by providing access to a broader range of hardware and software solutions. The integration with HPC environments and cloud services will enable AQT to offer more comprehensive solutions, expanding its customer base and enhancing its technological capabilities.

---

Sources: - Partnerships - AQT - Alpine Quantum Technologies

• Alpine Quantum Technologies: Home - AQT
• About - AQT - Alpine Quantum Technologies
• Classiq and AQT Announce Partnership for Seamless Ion-Trap Quantum Integration
• Classiq and AQT Partner to Streamline Ion-Trap Quantum Computing Integration
• News - AQT - Alpine Quantum Technologies
• Ion-trap quantum computer ready for novel research and development at the LRZ
• Ion-trap quantum computer ready for novel research and development at the LRZ

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Alpine Quantum Technologies: Growth Trajectory Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT), a leader in trapped-ion quantum computing systems based in Austria, has significantly expanded its operational and strategic footprint since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in 2022. While specific headcount figures are not publicly disclosed, the company’s growth is evident through major contract wins, partnerships, and infrastructure milestones.

Team Growth & Hiring

• Strategic Expansion: AQT has secured multiple high-value contracts since 2022, including a €12.28 million agreement to deliver a quantum computer to Poland’s Poznan Supercomputing Center and a €9.8 million system for Munich Quantum Valley. Such projects necessitate technical and operational scaling, though exact hiring figures remain undisclosed.
• Recent Collaborations: Partnerships with Quanscient (Finland) and involvement in EU projects like MILLENION suggest ongoing recruitment for cross-disciplinary roles in quantum algorithm development and hybrid computing integration.
• Key Positions: Roles likely focus on engineering (trapped-ion hardware), software development (quantum-classical hybrid systems), and project management to support deployments at supercomputing centers.

Leadership & Vision

• Award-Winning Founders: Co-founders Rainer Blatt (Herbert Walther Prize recipient) and Peter Zoller (Tyrolean Decoration of Honor) remain active leaders, with no reported management changes post-EIC funding. Their expertise continues to drive AQT’s technical roadmap.
• Operational Scaling: The company emphasizes modular, rack-mounted quantum computers requiring minimal infrastructure (~2 kW power consumption), enabling rapid deployment at client sites—a model demanding specialized logistics teams as orders grow.

Future Implications of Team Dynamics

New hires would bolster AQT’s ability to execute concurrent installations across Europe while advancing research into quantum machine learning security frameworks (e.g., their 2025 collaboration with Fraunhofer AISEC). The focus on hybrid quantum-HPC systems further necessitates talent bridging traditional supercomputing and quantum architectures.

---

Sources

• Press - AQT - Alpine Quantum Technologies
• News - AQT - Alpine Quantum Technologies
• AQT was awarded a European tender for a trapped-ion quantum computer

7 The Media Features and Publications

Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH Overview

Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH (AQT), based in Austria, has been at the forefront of quantum computing innovation since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. The company specializes in ion-trap quantum technology, offering cutting-edge solutions for various industries.

Media Features and Publications

AQT has been featured in several publications highlighting its advancements in quantum computing. For instance, the company's partnership with Classiq for seamless ion-trap integration was announced in December 2024, emphasizing its commitment to tackling real-world challenges. Additionally, AQT's collaboration with T-Systems to provide access to ion-trap quantum computers via the T-Systems Quantum Cloud has been noted. The company was also recognized for landing a significant contract with the Munich Quantum Valley for a trapped-ion quantum system.

Podcasts and Interviews

Currently, there are no specific details available about podcasts or interviews featuring AQT's team. However, the quantum computing community frequently engages in various podcasts and interviews, such as those hosted by Quantum Computing Report, which explore the latest developments in quantum technology.

Conference and Fair Participation

AQT actively participates in conferences and exhibitions. Notably, the company will be exhibiting at the ISC High Performance 2024 event in Hamburg, Germany, focusing on high-performance computing, machine learning, data analytics, and quantum computing. Additionally, AQT's co-founder, Rainer Blatt, has delivered keynotes at significant events, such as the Optica Quantum 2.0 Conference, discussing ion-trap based quantum computing.

Event Involvement

AQT's involvement in events extends beyond exhibitions. The company was part of the Long Night of Research in Austria, showcasing its expertise in quantum technology to a broader audience. Moreover, AQT's participation in workshops and conferences helps bridge the gap between quantum innovations and practical applications.

Conclusion

Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH continues to make significant strides in the quantum computing sector, with a focus on ion-trap technology and strategic partnerships. Its involvement in conferences, partnerships, and media coverage highlights its growing influence in the quantum community.

---

Sources: - Press - AQT - Alpine Quantum Technologies

• News - AQT - Alpine Quantum Technologies
• New research project strengthens the security of quantum machine learning
• Press Releases Archive - AQT - Alpine Quantum Technologies
• Trapped-Ion Quantum Computer Now Available in Munich Quantum Valley
• Podcasts - Quantum Computing Report
• Optica Quantum 2.0 Conference and Exhibition
• Public Relations Writing: Form & Style
• Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH Director of Quantum Technologies Juris Ulmanis is a 2024 IQT The Hague Speaker
• Best 10 Quantum Computing Podcasts for 2025