Italy’s Planckian closes €2.7m pre-seed round to develop quantum batteries

Planckian, the world’s first company committed to developing quantum batteries, announced it has raised over €2.7 million in pre-seed funding in a round led by Eureka! Venture, with the participation of CDP Venture, Exor Ventures and strategic angel investors.

Planckian is the first joint spin-off of the University of Pisa and Scuola Normale Superiore (Italy). Company scientific efforts are led by Marco Polini and Vittorio Giovannetti, experts in condensed matter and quantum information theory. In the last decade, progress in quantum physics has led to new initiatives exploring whether quantum effects can be exploited in new technology domains besides computing, sensing and communication.

Quantum batteries are a new class of devices that harness quantum mechanics to manage energy in a revolutionary and more efficient way. Planckian’s scientific leadership has pioneered breakthroughs in this field, starting from the first fundamental design of a solid-state energy technology ruled by quantum mechanics. 

Stemming from these results and combining unique expertise in materials science and quantum information, the company is on a mission to push the boundaries of quantum technology into new realms by developing innovative technologies for energy management purely relying on qubit-based architectures.                

Qubits are at the foundation of current quantum technologies. They identify particles and physical systems, such as atoms, with two distinct states that display peculiar characteristics arising from their quantum-mechanical nature. Qubit states are usually associated with different energy levels, a low-energy level and a high-energy level.

In Planckian’s architecture, quantum effects can be harnessed so that qubits can reach their high-energy levels “collectively” and in a timespan that decreases as their number and, consequently, the energy to manage increases. Its development paves the way for future creation and adoption of breakthrough and sustainable energy technologies with unbeatable performance, being ruled by quantum mechanics rather than classical principles, such as electrochemistry.

Michele Dallari, CEO and Co-founder, Planckian: “Planckian’s pioneering effort can lead to a new chapter in the quantum revolution. Thanks to the partnership and support of outstanding investors who share the same vision and ambition, we can accelerate our ongoing efforts centered around breaking new ground in energy management and advancing quantum technologies.  We are excited about the scientific and revolutionary journey ahead!” 

Anna Amati and Massimo Gentili, Partners, Eureka! Fund: “Planckian is working towards a new approach in artificial atoms manipulation that combine in a fascinating way quantum mechanics with the latest progress in the fields of thermodynamics. With its recognized scientific excellence and expertise in deep technologies, Planckian’s leadership is uniquely positioned to bring significative advancements in quantum technologies.”

www.planckian.co