YOUNG TALENT
AWARD
of the Bavarian State Ministry
of Science and the Arts
Shortlist 2026
Prof. Dr. Anna Maria Oberländer, Universität Bayreuth
Dr.-Ing.
Saskia Schimmel, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Award winner 2026:
Dr. Lukas Burgholzer, Technical University of Munich
Rationale
Dr. Lukas Burgholzer is a leading international researcher in the field of design automation for quantum computing. He embodies an impressive combination of profound theoretical understanding, excellent software engineering expertise, and entrepreneurial courage. His work lays the foundations for the quantum software of tomorrow. Particularly noteworthy is his commitment to open-source software. He is the architect and lead developer of the Munich Quantum Toolkit (MQT), which has become a tool that is being used around the world. As Technical Director of the Munich Quantum Software Stack (MQSS), he plays a key role in the Munich Quantum Valley and is driving forward the integration of quantum computers into high-performance computing centres – a project of outstanding strategic importance for Bavaria as a high-tech hub.
Award
Every year, the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts presents the High-Tech Young Talent Award for research achievements displaying a particularly high innovation potential and promising successful practical implementation of scientific results. The prize is endowed with 30,000 €.
The prize is aimed at scientists who work at a Bavarian university or research institution or at an innovative start-up in Bavaria and whose research offers innovative solutions for the economy and society, particularly in research fields that are specifically funded under the Bavarian High-Tech Agenda innovation initiative. These include, among others, the fields of AI and quantum computing, clean tech, aerospace, life sciences and sustainable infrastructure.
Selection procedure
The Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities publishes an annual call for applications, the content of which is defined in coordination with the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts within the context of the Bavarian High-Tech Agenda. Eligible scientists in the early stages of their careers are invited to submit an application at their own initiative; universities and research institutions are called upon to motivate suitable candidates to apply. The selection criteria are the quality of the research work, the potential for innovation, the prospects for implementing the research results in practice and the relevance and future-orientation of the results. A selection panel chooses the scientist to be awarded.