Start-up Funding Linq receives EXIST Transfer of Research
September 17, 2025
published by hei_INNOVATION
A team from Heidelberg University is laying the technological groundwork for the next stage in the development of quantum computers. The project “Linq” is being funded with €1.35 million over two years by an EXIST Transfer of Research.
Linq is paving the way for the first practical quantum computer. The team is developing system-critical hardware that reliably combines lasers, light control, and ultra-fast signals - compact, energy-efficient, and suitable for industrial use. This allows many quantum components to be controlled in parallel and stably, which reduces key hurdles to scaling. Laboratory ideas are being transformed into robust products from the university environment, including a modular system for quantum laboratories and pilot plants. The aim is to reduce complexity, increase reliability, and bring quantum computing from the experimental stage to practical application.
The founding team includes Rasmus Bankwitz, who is pursuing a doctorate in engineering at Heidelberg University, and Julius Römer, a doctoral student in physics at Heidelberg University. The team is rounded out by Jade Robinson, who previously worked as a project manager at Amazon and holds a degree in economics from Cambridge University. Prof. Wolfram Pernice from the Kirchhoff Institute for Physics is mentoring the project.
The idea for Linq originated during Rasmus Bankwitz's doctoral studies at Heidelberg University in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics in Garching. Since light and signal control proved to be a decisive bottleneck, he developed a compact prototype from a pragmatic laboratory solution that reliably combines laser and control. Strong feedback from partner laboratories and initial successful tests provided the impetus to develop a product line.
“hei_INNOVATION helped us enormously: Amina Daca and Michael Gerards provided us with excellent coaching and supported us in every way they could, from submitting the application to final approval,” emphasizes the founding team. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) as part of the EXIST Transfer of Reserach program. The funding period is two years, and the total funding amount is €1.35 million.
The EXIST Transfer of Research supports outstanding reserach oriented projects that involve expensive and high-risk resource development. The EXIST funding programme is financed by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energie (BMWE).
