- Quantum computing startup eleQtron has appointed former Apple, Intel, and Tesla executive Kaoru Naganuma as Chief Product Officer to lead its product development and industrial scaling efforts.
- Naganuma brings extensive experience in turning advanced technologies into market-ready products, marking a strategic shift for eleQtron toward product maturity, engineering, and industrial implementation of its MAGIC-based quantum computing technology.
- The hire underscores eleQtron’s focus on developing industrially viable quantum computers capable of solving real-world problems, as the company aims to transition from scientific innovation to commercial impact and strengthen Germany’s role in the quantum technology sector.
PRESS RELEASE – The quantum computing startup eleQtron from Siegen is setting the stage for its next phase of growth: with Kaoru Naganuma, eleQtron gains an experienced technology and product strategist as the new Chief Product Officer (CPO). Naganuma brings international experience from leading tech companies such as Apple, Intel, and Tesla – and will now be responsible for product development and industrial scaling at eleQtron.
„With Kaoru Naganuma, we are bringing aboard an absolute top expert who knows like few others how to turn technological innovations into market-ready products – scalable, user-oriented, and with industrial ambition. This is exactly what we need now to consistently translate our MAGIC technology into robust applications”, says Jan Leisse, CEO and co-founder of eleQtron.
New Phase for eleQtron – Focus on Product Maturity & Industrial Suitability
With Kaoru Naganuma joining, eleQtron is sharpening its focus on product maturity, engineering, and industrial implementation. In close cooperation with the CTO team, his area of responsibility will cover the entire value chain, from concept development to prototyping, to series production and market launch.
„There aren’t that many opportunities in life to work on projects that could change the course of humanity. Quantum computing has enormous potential to solve problems we have never solved ever before, and so I’m beyond excited to work at eleQtron to make real world applications for quantum come true”, says Kaoru Naganuma.
Scaling with Vision and Substance
eleQtron has a clear goal: to develop industrially viable quantum computers that solve real-world problems – reliably, precisely, and at scale. Kaoru Naganuma will further drive this transformation process, sharpen the focus on market requirements, and strengthen the interface between research and application.
„We are at a turning point where scientific excellence must now translate into industrial impact,” explains Dr. Michael Johanning, CTO of eleQtron. “Kaoru’s product and strategy experience is the perfect catalyst for this.”
eleQtron remains committed to its scientific excellence and high-quality standards, but now, with renewed energy, is focused on the market, customers, and applications. The goal: to make an impact. For the industry and for a future that relies on technological expertise from Germany.
