Kick-off for major financing round: TGFS invests in SaxonQ and scalable quantum computing from Saxony 

05 November 2025

TGFS Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen is investing in SaxonQ GmbH, a Leipzig-based deep tech start-up that develops mobile quantum computers based on diamond chips with NV technology. SaxonQ was founded in 2021 by Prof. Dr. Marius Grundmann and Prof. Dr. Jan Meijer from the University of Leipzig. The company is currently managed by Prof. Marius Grundmann and Dr. Frank Schlichting, an industry-experienced CEO with extensive management responsibility in the fields of IT, semiconductors, automotive, and energy. The combination of scientific expertise, management experience, and quantum computer products already delivered shows that SaxonQ is already in a position to effectively advance the industrial application of quantum computing in a rapidly growing market.

SaxonQ develops and manufactures compact, mobile quantum computers that can be operated at room temperature – a key unique selling point. Conventional quantum computers require extreme cooling to ‑273 °C, ultra-stable laboratory environments, and specialized, complex infrastructure. This leads to high investment and operating costs, limited mobility, and difficult integration paths into existing process chains. In addition, instability, susceptibility to vibration, and complex calibrations pose major hurdles to reliable use in real production or application environments. SaxonQ addresses these challenges with its advanced NV technology. Here, the qubits, the computing units of the quantum computer, are stably embedded in diamond chips. The system operates without cooling at room temperature and enables robust performance even outside laboratories. The compact, mobile unit, which will be continuously miniaturized in the coming years, can already be operated in any office via a standard power outlet.

„Our technology significantly lowers the barriers to entry for the use of quantum hardware and could be a real game changer for applications in AI, logistics, and medical research. The first systems are already in productive use, including at Fraunhofer IWU and the German Aerospace Center. And the scientific environment here in Leipzig, the cradle of quantum mechanics, couldn’t be better for advancing quantum technologies with the best minds,“ explains Prof. Marius Grundmann.

Dr. Frank Schlichting adds: „Quantum computing is already a reality. We are probably the first company to demonstrate real-world applications ranging from quantum chemistry to image processing live at the Hannover Messe. TGFS’s commitment demonstrates its confidence in our team and our roadmap: The goal is to develop the first chip-sized quantum computer that is scalable and versatile for broad industrial application. TGFS and SaxonQ share a common vision regarding the importance of quantum computing as a key technology far beyond Saxony, which enabled us to complete the investment quickly, pragmatically, and in a goal-oriented manner.“

With this investment, TGFS is providing targeted impetus for SaxonQ’s next phase of development, thereby strengthening a local deep tech company in the development and scaling phase. At the same time, SaxonQ is currently preparing a larger round of financing to further advance technological development and miniaturization, achieve the integration of quantum processors on a chip, and further develop the underlying production technology, such as single-ion implantation. The aim is to further accelerate the development and industrial application of quantum computing in Saxony and secure the region’s innovative edge. The active use of the technology and recent awards underscore the excellent starting position for further growth.

“With SaxonQ, we are consciously investing in a key technology that further strengthens Saxony’s position as a region of innovation,” explains Sören Schuster. “The systems already in use impressively demonstrate that quantum computing is not just a research topic, but a reality. This is exactly what we are building on: we see considerable potential in further development — from new architectural approaches to the expansion of production capacities — in order to sustainably advance applications in AI, energy, logistics, and medicine from Saxony.”

Your contact person
Sören Schuster | Managing Director TGFS
M +49 172 2001097
soeren.schuster@cfh.de

TGFS deal team
Sören Schuster and Paul Michalke