Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech has a long history in the Industrial Doctorates Plan, has developed eight strategic, collaborative and applied research projects since 2020. From the ID Plan we have publicized its successes, but this is a special occasion: it has been the winner of the award for the best startup at the 4YFN Awards, the highest recognition that a startup obtains at the Mobile World Congress (MWC). The company's own profile in X has defined with a tweet the dimension of this recognition: "we can officially say that we are the best digital startup on the planet and for the planet".
Qilimanjaro, linked as a spin-off to the University of Barcelona (UB), the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) and the Institute of High Energy Physics (IFAE), stands out as one of the leading companies in quantum computing in Europe. His solid career in applied research projects in this field demonstrates his firm commitment to lead the construction of the first commercial quantum computer. After this award, which is an important recognition of his career and technological proposal, he will see his position as a leader in the field of quantum computing consolidated. In addition, it will allow you to obtain greater visibility and access new financing and collaboration opportunities.
In an interview with Marta Pasqual, senior quantum engineer in the business theory team in Barcelona, she explained Qilimanjaro's work in the creation of quantum algorithms and hardware to facilitate access to quantum computing to industries and research centers, using an analog computing model different from existing quantum solutions. Its main objective is to democratize access to quantum computing, opening the doors to a new era of technological innovation accessible to all. Its transformative vision seeks to make this technology a tool at the service of progress and resolution of real problems in various sectors.
The 4YFN Awards ceremony was held on Wednesday 28 February at Banco Sabadell Stage at the Mobile World Congress (MWC). This competition, designed to discover the best digital startups worldwide, aims to offer definitive recognition to startups during MWC Barcelona 2024. An award that ensures an international exhibition for the selected startups.
During the 4YFN Awards ceremony, the finalist startups competing with Qilimanjaro were Bitsensing (South Korea), Mica AI Medical (Israel), Ocean Econstructures (Spain) and Whispp (Netherlands). All of them had the opportunity to present their projects to a diverse audience made up of professionals from the sector and interested in general. Qilimajaro, as the winner, was awarded 20,000 euros by the GSMA Foundry, in addition to other benefits such as an opportunity to speak on the main stage of 4YFN Barcelona 2025 and a free exhibition stand for the startup for four days at 4YFN MWC Barcelona 2025.
The selection process for these awards includes a preliminary remote evaluation of the entries, the publication of a list of the "Top 50 Startups", and the selection of five finalists who are invited to present their projects on stage during the final of the 4YFN Awards. In addition, the awards event is held during MWC Barcelona, offering a meaningful platform for startups to connect with industry leaders and investors.
The recognition of Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech at the 4YFN Awards 2024 marks a crucial moment for the company, and also for the quantum computing sector. This award not only reaffirms the leadership and innovation capacity of this Barcelona start-up, but also highlights its ability to face global challenges through quantum technology. With this momentum, Qilimanjaro is well positioned to continue advancing its mission to democratize access to quantum computing, opening new avenues of research and development in various industries.
