Kipu Quantum is accelerating the real-world application of quantum computing with its energy-efficient, problem-specific quantum algorithms. By tailoring quantum software to the hardware’s capabilities, they dramatically reduce the resources needed for complex computations. Their technology is designed for sectors like pharmaceuticals, logistics, and energy. As a Berlin-based pioneer, they are unlocking the next era of computational performance.
What inspired the founding of your company – and what personal story is behind your idea?
Kipu Quantum was born from a personal realization: the tools we rely on today, classical computing is not enough to solve some of the world’s most complex problems. Our CEO, Daniel Volz, experienced this firsthand during his time at Cynora, where he worked on simulating chemistry processes. It quickly became clear that classical computing wasn’t powerful enough to model chemistry.
Later, while leading the quantum initiative at BASF, Daniel gained deep insight into the state of the field. Despite enormous potential, it became obvious that with conventional approaches, useful quantum computing would remain out of reach without major hardware breakthroughs—many of which wouldn’t arrive before 2045.
Realizing this, Daniel decided to take a different path. He partnered with Tobias Grab, a seasoned deep tech entrepreneur and long-time friend, and Enrique Solano, a world-renowned quantum physicist with a breakthrough vision. Unlike many in the field, Enrique had developed a radically new way to design quantum algorithms—ones that could already work on today’s commercial quantum processors, not just in theory, but in practice.
Together, they founded Kipu Quantum with a bold mission: to cut through the hype and deliver quantum advantage now, creating real value for industry and society with the most advanced algorithms on commercial quantum hardware.
What makes your solution particularly innovative from a technical perspective – and where do you see its greatest societal impact?
Kipu Quantum is leading the way in developing quantum solutions that are precisely tailored to both specific real-world applications and the quantum hardware they run on. One of our key innovations lies in designing ultra-compact algorithms— up to 10,000 times shorter than conventional approaches. Most quantum algorithms today are simply too long and complex to run on existing quantum computers. We’ve solved that by radically reducing their size, making them compatible with today’s devices.
The real-world impact? It’s huge. Our technology opens the door to real solutions at quantum advantage level in logistics, materials science, finance, AI, and energy, where classical computing reaches its limits.
How would you describe your company’s philosophy – what drives your team and what is your long-term vision?
At Kipu Quantum, our philosophy is clear: Quantum computing must prove its value today—not in 20 years. We reject the idea that quantum will become useful only in a distant future, like nuclear fusion has often been described. Instead, we build solutions that already outperform classical methods in optimization, machine learning or simulation.
We only work with real quantum computers, not emulations or so-called “quantum-inspired” tools. For us, a quantum computing product must run on commercially available quantum hardware and deliver clear benefits—whether that’s faster results, better accuracy, lower energy consumption, or reduced costs.
This idea guides our strategy, inspires our team, and shapes our long-term goal: to lead the world in quantum computing by making the era of quantum advantage real and scalable. We’re not waiting for some far-off future—we’re focused on what we can achieve now.
Why is Berlin the right place for you and what do you appreciate most about the local deep tech ecosystem – also with regard to your field of technology?
Berlin stands at the crossroads of deep tech, academic excellence, and bold innovation. It’s the right place for Kipu Quantum because this city fosters thinkers who challenge convention and builders who dare to act now.
We appreciate the local talent, research institutions, and government initiatives that recognize quantum computing as a strategic frontier. Berlin gives us the visibility,
Which technological or societal developments do you currently find most exciting – and why?
We are at the dawn of the quantum era, and that’s the most exciting development of our time. The idea that commercial quantum computers are now solving problems of industrial relevance—problems previously thought unsolvable—is not just thrilling, it’s history in the making.
Societally, we are entering an age where technology must prove its usefulness now, not decades later. The pressure to demonstrate value today aligns perfectly with our company philosophy—and we welcome it.