Michael Lachner

Chief Executive Officer

Michael is Co-Founder and CEO of Aqarios. With over a decade of experience in computer science, he has built deep expertise in quantum computing and artificial intelligence while also working across a broader range of advanced computational technologies.

He studied informatics at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and later at the Technical University of Munich. His research experience spans multiple international universities, including Stanford University, Yale University, the University of Connecticut, the University of Twente, and more. He is also part of the Konrad Zuse School of Excellence in Reliable AI, a graduate program connecting top German universities to foster interdisciplinary AI research.

Michael joined Aqarios in August 2021, initially leading hands-on client projects at the intersection of quantum computing, optimization, and AI. In September 2022, he stepped up as CEO, leveraging his leadership skills to scale Aqarios and drive the adoption of quantum technologies in industry.

Sergii Chernobuk

Head of Platform Engineering

Sergii is the Head of Platform Engineering at Aqarios, overseeing the technical strategy and development of both the Luna and QuCUN platforms. He joined Aqarios in March 2024 and has since taken on various roles across multiple projects, thriving in leading teams and focusing on delivering impactful solutions.

With over a decade of experience in software engineering, Sergii has worked across different technologies and roles, designing, building, testing, and supporting solutions ranging from startups to enterprise microservices and large-scale products. Since joining Aqarios, he has been contributing to platforms that connect software engineering with quantum computing. His leadership fosters collaboration across teams, translating research into practical solutions to make quantum computing more accessible and impactful.

Andrei Angelescu

Business Development Manager

Andrei is Business Development Manager at Aqarios, driving strategic growth, enterprise sales, and partnerships in the quantum computing industry. With a background in project management, brand strategy, UX/UI design, product innovation and digital transformation, he applies his expertise to the entire sales pipeline for the Luna platform, further refining Aqarios’ offering and overall business strategy.

Andrei also contributes to thought leadership, content strategy, and market research efforts, positioning Aqarios as a key player in quantum optimization. His multidisciplinary experience enables him to bridge technical advancements with real-world business applications, helping enterprises leverage quantum-powered solutions.

Nico Kraus

Technical Project Manager | Quantum Algorithm Engineer

Nico Kraus is a Technical Project Manager and Quantum Algorithm Engineer at Aqarios, specializing in quantum optimization, machine learning, and finance. He bridges cutting-edge research with real-world applications, focusing on practical industry use cases and leading client projects in the financial and logistics sectors, such as the QCHALLenge project together with BMW, Siemens, BASF, SAP and LMU.

With a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and a Master’s in Computer Science, Nico has published multiple research papers in quantum computing. He joined Aqarios early on, first as a working student and later full-time in October 2022.

Nico is driven by curiosity and a commitment to scientific integrity, pushing the boundaries of quantum research while ensuring its real-world feasibility.

Mehmet Sag

Technical Project Manager | Research Associate

Mehmet is a Technical Project Manager and Research Associate in the QuCUN project, a BMBF-funded initiative that aims to lower the entry barriers to quantum computing technology and make it accessible to a wider audience. With his academic background in physics and his extensive experience as project leader in numerous innovation projects, he is perfectly placed to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications.

With his comprehensive understanding of the quantum computing landscape in Germany, Mehmet is actively driving networking and collaboration within the industry. His goal is to create synergies with other quantum computing initiatives to establish Germany as an attractive and competitive location for quantum computing.

Besides his role in the QuCUN project, Mehmet very much enjoys passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. As a lecturer in physics at the IU International University of Applied Sciences, he inspires young talents and supports their growth in the field of natural sciences and their applications.

David Bucher

Technical Project Manager | Quantum Algorithm Engineer

David works as Technical Project Manager at Aqarios, bringing over six years of specialized experience in quantum computing since his initial work in the field in 2018. His expertise spans both theoretical foundations and practical applications, having developed comprehensive knowledge through research and industry implementation.

His academic background includes both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from LMU Munich. During his Master’s studies, he specialized in novel Machine Learning-based simulation techniques for complex quantum many-body systems. Currently, David is pursuing his PhD under Professor Claudia Linnhoff-Popien in the Computer Science department at LMU Munich, where his research focuses on developing quantum algorithms for constrained optimization problems.

Since joining Aqarios in June 2022, David has successfully led multiple client projects in the intersection of quantum computing and optimization. His work particularly focuses on practical quantum approaches to real-world challenges, such as the Q-Grid project in collaboration with E.ON.

Jonas Blenninger

Technical Project Manager | Quantum Software Engineer

Jonas is a Technical Project Manager and Quantum Software Engineer at Aqarios. He has over six years of experience in software development, with more than three years focused on quantum computing.

He studied computer science at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), where he specialized in quantum software development. For his master’s thesis, he developed CUAOA, a GPU-accelerated simulation framework for the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), improving the efficiency of quantum algorithm simulations.

Jonas first joined Aqarios in March 2022 as a working student, contributing to quantum software projects alongside his studies. After completing his master’s degree, he transitioned into a full-time role in November 2024, where he now focuses on developing and optimizing software for quantum applications. His work ensures that emerging quantum technologies can be effectively integrated into practical use cases.

Maximilian Adler

Technical Project Lead | Quantum Algorithm Engineer

As a Technical Project Lead and Quantum Algorithm Engineer, Maximilian aims to further the development of Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence. He studied both Physics and Computer Science at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, getting a Bachelor’s degree in each as well as a Master’s degree in Computer Science. He joined Aqarios in October 2022 and has since been involved in numerous different projects and has worked on a wide range of technologies, both practically and in research and development.

Maximilian Janetschek

Technical Project Lead | Junior Quantum Software Engineer

Maximilian works as a Technical Project Lead at Aqarios, where he bridges classical optimization expertise with quantum computing applications. Holding a Management & Technology degree from the Technical University of Munich, he strategically expands quantum computing’s reach into operations research, exploring synergies between quantum algorithms and classical optimization to address complex business challenges.

His background as an Optimization and Data Scientist across consultancy and industry positions brings practical insights to quantum technology adoption. Maximilian’s knowledge of optimization techniques enables him to develop robust classical benchmarks while designing more effective quantum solutions.

Since joining Aqarios in June 2024, he has made valuable contributions to research initiatives including QCHALLenge and QuCUN. Maximilian focuses on leveraging his expertise in model formulation, presolving, and classical solving techniques to enhance quantum algorithms, helping organizations prepare for the quantum advantage on the horizon.

Muhammad Umair

Technical Project Manager

Muhammad Umair is a seasoned Technical Project Manager at Aqarios, with extensive expertise in product management, IT project management, and sustainability. Holding a Master’s in Management from the Technical University of Munich, he has led digital transformation initiatives, optimized workflows, and implemented cost-effective solutions across various industries. At Aqarios, Muhammad focuses on enhancing the Luna and QuCUN platforms, driving agile project management, sustainable innovation, and advancing quantum computing solutions.

Benjamin Sühling

Software Engineer

Benjamin is a Software Engineer at Aqarios, and is contributing to the success of the Luna platform. Since joining Aqarios in July 2022, he has been focusing on backend development at the interface of Software Engineering and Quantum Computing.

Benjamin is currently pursuing his masters in Software Engineering, having spent a term abroad at UNSW Sydney.

Patrik Felbinger

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, Patrik is working on the development of the Luna Platform. He earned a degree in Information Systems and is currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Computer Science at LMU. Since joining Aqarios in November 2024, he has been developing and improving features of the Luna platform.

Llewellyn Hochhauser

Software Engineer

Llewellyn is a Software Engineer at Aqarios. He has been passionate about programming since the age of 17 and has gained over six years of professional experience. This includes four years as a dual student, one year as a working student, and transitioning to a full-time role in April 2024. He holds a B.Sc. in Flight and Vehicle Informatics (Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt) and an M.Sc. in Computer Science (Ludwig Maximilian University).

Llewellyn has expertise in AI, Android development, backend systems, and embedded systems development. Since February 2023, he has been working at Aqarios, focusing on the backend of the Luna-Platform. His work involves developing new features, optimizing performance, and enhancing system scalability.

Victor Kongsbak

Software Engineer

Victor joined Aqarios in January 2024, coming from a background in software development and cloud infrastructure. He works on projects like QuCUN and Luna, focusing on backend development, infrastructure, and DevOps with Python, FastAPI, Next.js, and cloud technologies.

Shaheryar Raza

Software Engineer

Shaheryar is a skilled software engineering professional with a strong background in full-stack development, backend architecture, and project management. Over the years, he has transitioned from a hands-on engineering role to a leadership-oriented position, blending technical expertise with strategic decision-making. Currently, while pursuing his master’s degree, Shaheryar is working as a Working Student at Aqarios, where he plays a key role in backend development.

His work focuses on building scalable microservices, optimizing API-driven architectures, and integrating customer feedback into financial technology solutions. With a deep understanding of Python, FastAPI, and cloud infrastructure, he ensures the development of high-performance systems while actively contributing to new features that align engineering efforts with business objectives.

Balancing academia and industry, Shaheryar brings a unique perspective that combines theoretical advancements with practical implementation. His passion for driving innovation and efficiency enables him to leverage agile methodologies, enhance software solutions, and contribute to the growth of high-performing engineering teams.

Parth Ghinaiya

Software Engineer

Parth is a Software Engineer with experience building highly scalable, robust, secure, and reusable systems with the best practices to architect, design, and develop solutions using backend programming frameworks, Cloud Solutions, and
similar technologies.

Faaz Abidi

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer at Aqarios, Faaz contributes to the development of the QuCUN platform, a collaborative project aimed at establishing a central hub for quantum computing applications in Germany. His role involves enhancing both the frontend and backend to provide users with seamless access to quantum computing resources and use cases. By working in the QuCUN team, he helps create a platform that bridges the gap between theoretical quantum research and practical applications, enabling businesses to explore and implement quantum solutions effectively.

Abuzar Rasool

Full-Stack Developer

Abuzar brings a strong background in full-stack development to his role at Aqarios, where he has contributed to a wide range of projects. With experience in creating intuitive user interfaces and building reliable backend systems, he has developed a knack for tackling complex technical challenges and delivering solutions that work seamlessly across different parts of an application.

In his role at Aqarios, Abuzar is deeply involved in the development of the QuCUN platform. He works closely with the team to improve both the frontend and backend, focusing on making sure the platform is not only functional but also scalable and user-friendly. His contributions help ensure that QuCUN meets the needs of its growing user base, making quantum computing a more practical and accessible tool for everyone.

Moatez Ben Romdhan

Junior Marketing Manager

As a Junior Marketing Manager at Aqarios, Moatez focuses on enhancing the company’s visibility and engagement through strategic marketing initiatives. His work includes digital marketing, content creation, and brand communication, ensuring that Aqarios’ message reaches the right audience effectively.

With experience in SEO optimization, social media management, and marketing strategy, Moatez specializes in translating complex topics into accessible content. He is dedicated to strengthening Aqarios’ presence in the technology sector by optimizing communication channels and supporting outreach efforts.

Since joining Aqarios, Moatez has contributed to various projects, including event marketing, community engagement, and the development of structured marketing processes. His work plays a vital role in positioning Aqarios as a key player in the quantum technology landscape.

Barsa Samanta

HR Generalist

As an HR Professional at Aqarios, Barsa plays a key role in managing and optimizing human resources functions to support organizational growth. With 5 years of experience, she specializes in talent acquisition, employee engagement, HR compliance, and performance management.

Her expertise ensures a positive workplace culture by streamlining HR operations and fostering a collaborative environment. Passionate about innovation, she contributes to HR strategies that support emerging fields like Quantum Computing, helping Aqarios attract, develop, and retain top talent in this cutting-edge industry.

Daniel Porawski

Junior Quantum Algorithm Engineer

Eager to explore the transformative potential of quantum computing, Daniel joined Aqarios in November 2023. With a B.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science from Saarland University and experience as a student research assistant at DFKI, he contributes to several customer projects at Aqarios, focusing on data analysis and research.

Jonas Stein

Technical Project Manager | Senior Quantum Algorithm Engineer

As a Technical Project Manager and Senior Quantum Algorithm Engineer, Jonas strives towards an early industrial application of quantum computing through tailored quantum algorithms. With more than six years of experience in quantum computing, his expertise ranges from its industrial application to theoretical foundations showcased in over 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Stemming from a background in computer science and mathematics, Jonas is currently finalizing his PhD in the group of Prof. Claudia Linnhoff-Popien at LMU Munich. His research focuses on exploring industrial quantum applications in the domains of machine learning, optimization and the simulation of classical physical systems.

Since joining Aqarios in 2021, Jonas has successfully led multiple projects exploring quantum optimization and machine learning for industrial use cases. Further, he takes on a leading role in project acquisition.

Lev Kuznetsov

Software Engineer

Lev Kuznetsov is a Software Engineer at Aqarios with about 4 years of experience in the field. He started at Aqarios in July 2023 as a working student and later moved to a full-time position, focusing on the backend development of the Luna platform. With a background in robotics and IoT, Lev brings fresh ideas and approaches to the Luna team. Leveraging Python frameworks alongside PostgreSQL and asynchronous message protocols, Lev designs scalable solutions that enhance system reliability and performance.

Nelly Bierwirth

Executive Assistant

As an Executive Assistant at Aqarios, Nelly plays a key role in supporting our team and ensuring the smooth operation of day-to-day activities. Currently studying North American Studies with a minor in Computer Science at LMU Munich, Nelly brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the role, combining cultural insight with strong organizational skills.
Nelly is dedicated to optimizing internal processes and contributing to the strategic mission of Aqarios. Through her work, she helps streamline operations, fostering a collaborative and efficient atmosphere that supports both the team and organizational growth.