Martina Matusko Joins planqc to Build Quantum Computer with Neutral Atoms
Summarize this article with:
planqc has welcomed Martina Matusko as a Quantum Hardware Engineer to advance the development of its neutral-atom quantum computer. Matusko will be responsible for operating and further developing the quantum machine, focusing on trapping atoms to push the boundaries of quantum technology. A physicist from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Matusko brings expertise gained through a PhD in quantum metrology and a background in both mathematics and physics to the Munich-based quantum computing company. She joined planqc after hearing founder Sebastian’s vision for building a quantum computer, a mission that perfectly aligned with her interests. “It is incredibly fulfilling to contribute to a technology that pushes the boundaries of what we think is possible,” says Matusko, who was motivated to pursue science by a desire to challenge limiting stereotypes surrounding women in STEM.
Neutral Atom Qubit Development at planqc planqc is advancing neutral-atom quantum hardware while highlighting the importance of collaborative and inclusive environments. Martina Matusko, Quantum Hardware Engineer at planqc, explained that her role centers on the practical realization of this vision. “Together with my colleagues, I’m building a quantum computer based on neutral atoms. My main responsibility is operating and developing our quantum machine. I spend my days trapping atoms and pushing the experimental setup forward to advance our quantum technology.” This hands-on work is critical to overcoming the significant engineering challenges inherent in manipulating and controlling individual atoms. Martina also shares her vision for empowering the next generation in science and reflects on the joy of doing what you truly love. Currently, I’m one of two women in a fairly large Quantum Hardware team in Garching, but I honestly never notice it. I’m treated as a colleague, as an equal, and when you work in such an environment, you don’t think about gender statistics. This emphasis on inclusivity extends to the company’s broader vision for the field, with a strong belief that diversity of roles is essential for success. “Building a quantum computer is such a complex task that it simply wouldn’t be possible without many different kinds of expertise coming together,” Matusko stated. The ambition at planqc extends beyond simply building a functional quantum computer; the company aims to create a technology that will have a tangible impact on real-world problems. “For me, this is more than just a job – I truly see myself as part of the mission,” Matusko shared.
From Physics PhD to Quantum Hardware Engineering The pursuit of practical quantum computing currently manifests across several competing hardware platforms, each with unique advantages and engineering hurdles. While superconducting circuits and trapped ions receive much of the current attention, a growing contingent of researchers and companies, including planqc, are focused on harnessing the potential of neutral atoms as qubits. Matusko’s trajectory illustrates a growing trend: the increasing demand for physicists with doctoral-level training to transition into direct hardware roles. Having earned her PhD in quantum metrology from France with her partner, she deliberately sought a position applying those skills to building a functional quantum computer. “I always knew I wanted to come back to Munich, where I had already built my life,” she explains, detailing how attending a talk by planqc founder Sebastian sparked her decision to join the company. This wasn’t a simple career shift; Matusko previously worked as a software developer after completing her master’s degree, a period that clarified her passion for the intellectual challenges inherent in scientific research. “I realized how much I missed the intellectual challenges and curiosity-driven nature of science, the constant learning, and pushing my own limits,” she recalls. Her current work at planqc centers on the physical realization of qubits using neutral atoms, a method that utilizes the inherent properties of these atoms for quantum information processing. Matusko’s days are spent directly operating and developing the quantum machine, a task requiring meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of experimental physics. The company’s focus on neutral atoms stems from the potential for scalability and inherent coherence properties, though achieving stable and controllable qubits remains a significant challenge. “Every person plays a crucial part in making progress possible,” she asserts, adding that the work transcends a mere job. For me, this is more than just a job – I truly see myself as part of the mission.
Challenging Gender Stereotypes in STEM Fields Her journey reveals not only the technical challenges of building neutral-atom quantum computers but also the persistent societal hurdles faced by women pursuing careers in science, technology, and innovation. Matusko’s early experiences were marked by discouraging comments questioning a woman’s place in education and STEM, fueling a determination to dismantle those preconceived notions. “From a young age, I often heard comments like ‘Women belong in the kitchen,’ or ‘Why invest in a girl’s education if she’ll just get married?’ and ‘Girls aren’t good at science,’” she recalls, explaining how these statements paradoxically strengthened her resolve. This personal motivation evolved into a broader commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, one where future generations of girls are empowered to pursue their passions without facing similar biases. Matusko emphasizes that genuine progress extends beyond simply meeting diversity quotas; it necessitates a fundamental change in how girls are raised and encouraged. “No girl should ever hear the kind of things I heard growing up, like ‘girls aren’t good at science,’” she asserts, highlighting the damaging impact of such stereotypes on young aspirations. She notes that while she personally dismissed these comments, many women have abandoned their scientific dreams due to internalized doubt. This underscores the importance of cultivating self-worth and limitless possibilities from an early age, allowing women to enter male-dominated fields organically, driven by genuine interest rather than a need to prove a point. Matusko’s experience at planqc offers a contrasting example of a supportive and equitable workplace. Currently one of two women on a large Quantum Hardware team, she reports being treated as an equal, a colleague, and not defined by her gender. This atmosphere, she believes, is crucial for fostering innovation and collaboration. However, she acknowledges that not all environments are so welcoming, recounting instances of inappropriate comments and challenges faced earlier in her career. Learning to confidently address such situations, she explains, is vital for ensuring voices are heard and respect is maintained. “Confidence and self-respect don’t make such behavior acceptable, but they do make a difference in how we handle it and in ensuring our voices are heard,” Matusko stated. I hope the next generation of girls grows up with the confidence to explore, to make mistakes, to be curious, without ever doubting whether they belong in science. Martina Matusko, Quantum Hardware Engineer Interdisciplinary Collaboration Drives Quantum Innovation planqc’s ascent in the quantum computing arena isn’t solely attributable to technological prowess; a deliberate fostering of interdisciplinary collaboration is demonstrably central to its progress. The company recognizes that constructing a functional quantum computer demands expertise extending far beyond the traditional boundaries of physics and engineering, necessitating a cohesive integration of diverse skillsets. The article asked Matusko, “What is your name, current role, and your connection to planqc?” She responded, “I’m Martina Matusko, a Croatian from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I work as a Quantum Hardware Engineer at planqc. Together with my colleagues, I’m building a quantum computer based on neutral atoms. My main responsibility is operating and developing our quantum machine. I spend my days trapping atoms and pushing the experimental setup forward to advance our quantum technology.” It is incredibly fulfilling to contribute to a technology that pushes the boundaries of what we think is possible. Martina Matusko, Quantum Hardware Engineer Source: https://planqc.eu/news/meet-martina-matusko-quantum-hardware-engineer-at-planqc Tags: