Jena, 08.04.2026 – The Jena tech scene is recording a significant merger: The Bavarian drone and software manufacturer Quantum Systems has acquired the Thuringian AI startup Spleenlab. This was announced by the companies during a partnership presentation in Jena. The goal is to secure the locations in Thüringen long-term and expand them significantly.
- Event: Acquisition of Spleenlab GmbH by Quantum Systems (Gilching).
- Company: Spleenlab provides AI-based software for autonomous systems.
- Technology: Real-time environment perception for GPS-independent navigation of drones.
- Outlook: The locations in Thüringen (including Jena) will be maintained. The number of employees is expected to grow from the current 50 to between 70 and 75 by the end of the year.
AI Software from Thüringen Controls Bavarian Drones
The acquisition is the result of several years of cooperation between the two companies. Quantum Systems, based in Gilching, Bavaria, specializes in the development and production of civilian and military surveillance drones. Spleenlab, which was founded in 2018 in Saalburg-Ebersdorf and now also operates a branch in Jena, provides the crucial digital heart: a learning software based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Thuringian software enables unmanned systems to perceive their surroundings in real-time. The decisive advantage of this technology is that navigation can occur completely independently of satellite signals (GPS). The AI independently and precisely calculates the aircraft’s position in space.
Diverse Applications Beyond the Military
As Martin Karkour from Quantum Systems emphasizes, the technology is about much more than just military applications. Autonomous drones and systems are increasingly needed in civilian sectors. Areas of application include agriculture, complex surveying tasks, the use of autonomous vehicles in logistics, and the monitoring and protection of critical infrastructure.
Growth and New Jobs for Jena
To fully integrate Spleenlab, Quantum Systems acquired the shares previously held by Beteiligungsmanagement Thüringen GmbH (bm|t) from Erfurt. Tobias Rüdiger, co-founder and managing director of Spleenlab, emphasized that capital injections from the Thüringer Aufbaubank subsidiary in recent years significantly enabled the startup’s growth.
For the business location of Jena, the takeover brings concrete growth prospects. Both company locations in Thüringen are not only to remain but also to be reinforced with personnel. According to management, Spleenlab currently employs over 50 people. By the end of 2026, the team is expected to grow to at least 70 to 75 employees.
Background: Jena as a High-Tech Location
The successful development and acquisition of Spleenlab underscores Jena’s importance as a dynamic technology hub. In addition to the world-famous traditional industries of optics and photonics (such as Zeiss or Jenoptik), the city on the Saale is increasingly establishing itself as a center for digitalization, e-commerce, and Artificial Intelligence. A decisive location advantage is the close networking of the local economy with the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität and the Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule. These academic institutions steadily supply tech companies with highly qualified specialists from the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and serve as a valuable incubator for innovative startups.
Source:
Artificial Intelligence: AI and drones – what companies in Jena are planning
Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.