Quantum computing is moving from research towards commercial deployment. However, integrating quantum computers into existing computing infrastructure remains a significant challenge. Quantum systems need to work alongside classical High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, requiring software that can coordinate workloads, manage resources and ensure efficient operation across different computing architectures.
As investment in quantum infrastructure grows, so does the need for the software layer that makes these systems work together. We see an opportunity in this emerging infrastructure market, where the orchestration layer remains largely unestablished and there is room for new category leaders.
We believe hzero is addressing a critical gap in the quantum computing ecosystem by building the infrastructure that enables hybrid quantum-classical systems to operate efficiently.
What Makes hzero Different
hzero is building a vendor-agnostic orchestration platform for hybrid HPC-Quantum environments. Rather than developing hardware-specific software, its platform enables different quantum processors to integrate with classical supercomputing infrastructure.
Its capabilities span hybrid job orchestration, multi-QPU scheduling, runtime management, workload optimisation, and system monitoring. This allows quantum hardware vendors and HPC centres to manage complex computing environments through a unified software layer.
Its independence from individual hardware architectures is a key differentiator. As quantum hardware manufacturers increasingly look to outsource software development, hzero can serve multiple vendors rather than being tied to a single hardware ecosystem.
The founding team brings strong domain expertise and established industry relationships. CEO and Co-founder Bruno Taketani previously led HPC integration at IQM and advised EuroHPC, while CTO and Co-founder Martin Rüfenacht led quantum software development at LRZ. Their complementary experience across quantum computing and HPC gives the company a strong founder-market fit.
Strategic Fit with Leo Capital
We believe hzero is positioned in an important emerging layer of the quantum computing value chain. Growing government investment in quantum infrastructure, increasing deployment of hybrid HPC-Quantum systems and demand for vendor-independent software create favourable conditions for the market to develop.
We see hzero's potential to become a critical software provider as hybrid quantum computing moves towards commercial adoption. Its focus on a foundational infrastructure layer aligns with our investment thesis of backing technology companies addressing complex challenges with global market potential. We are excited to partner with Bruno, Martin and the team as they build the orchestration layer for hybrid quantum-classical computing.
