Airbus and the BMW Group have announced the winners of their Quantum Computing Challenge, which aimed to explore the transformative potential of quantum technology in the field of mobility solutions. The announcement took place during the Q2B conference, held in Santa Clara, California, where advancements in quantum computing were showcased.
Launched in December 2023, the challenge, hosted by The Quantum Insider, sought innovative quantum solutions for improving the design, manufacturing, and operational processes of aircraft and vehicles. A panel comprising experts from both academia and industry evaluated over 100 global entries, ultimately recognising five winning teams, each of whom received €30,000 for their contributions towards addressing significant mobility challenges.
The winners were selected across five specific categories related to quantum technology applications:
Quantum Simulation: The University of Southern California emerged victorious with a project demonstrating how quantum technologies can enhance the understanding of material behaviours, particularly in energy absorption and binding properties.
Quantum Solvers: A team from the University of Hamburg, Germany, combined quantum and classical computing methods to tackle complex equations aimed at reducing aircraft noise and improving aerodynamic efficiency.
Quantum-powered Logistics: The UK start-up 4colors Research developed a novel quantum-based approach that focuses on minimising CO2 emissions and cutting supply chain costs within the mobility sector.
Quantum Machine Learning: France’s Quandela presented research illustrating how quantum computing could advance scenario generation, particularly in converting limited data from daylight into realistic models for nighttime conditions, thereby enhancing the reliability of autonomous systems.
Golden App (open category): TU Delft from the Netherlands impressed judges with an innovative solution in quantum composite design, optimising carbon fibre layering to effectively lower fuel consumption in the aviation and automotive sectors.
Isabell Gradert, Vice President of Central Research and Technology at Airbus, commented on the results, stating, "The teams have achieved outstanding progress, and the results of this challenge confirm that quantum technologies have the potential to shape the next generation of aircraft."
Robert Bruckmeier, General Manager of Computing at Network Artificial Intelligence at BMW Group, emphasised the broader implications of the challenge, noting, “Quantum technology has the power to redefine innovation across industries... progress made in this challenge reaffirms our belief in quantum technology’s potential to drive extraordinary advancements for the automotive industry.”
Finalists were granted access to quantum resources through Amazon Web Services and closely collaborated with experts from both Airbus and BMW. The challenge highlights the vital role of cross-industry partnerships in translating quantum innovations from theoretical research into practical applications in the mobility sector.
Source: Noah Wire Services