Airbus and BMW Group have advanced the integration of quantum computing into mobility solutions, underscoring its transformative potential. At the Q2B conference, the companies unveiled the winners of the Quantum Computing Challenge, a global initiative aimed at identifying and developing quantum-powered innovations for mobility applications.
Quantum computing promises to revolutionize industries by tackling complex computational challenges, from optimizing supply chains and manufacturing to enhancing the engineering of vehicles and aircraft. Even today, quantum-inspired algorithms—designed to run on classical high-performance computers—are paving the way for the next generation of mobility solutions while offering insights into the transformative impact future quantum algorithms could have.
Advancing Toward Industrial Applications
“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,” said Isabell Gradert, Vice President of Central Research and Technology at Airbus. “Quantum technology is no longer confined to fundamental research. Although practical applications may still be a way off, we are clearly moving closer to industrial readiness. Collaborating with the best experts globally is essential to fully harness this potential when it becomes viable.”
Robert Bruckmeier, General Manager of Computing & Network Artificial Intelligence at BMW Group, echoed this sentiment: “Quantum technology has the power to redefine innovation across industries. This year’s Quantum Computing Challenge highlights the value of cross-industry partnerships in accelerating the transition from groundbreaking research to real-world applications. While we are in the early stages, the progress demonstrated reaffirms our belief in quantum technology’s capacity to drive extraordinary advancements for the automotive industry.”
Revolutionizing Aircraft and Automotive Design
The challenge results will guide Airbus and BMW Group in exploring quantum applications to revolutionize the design, manufacturing, and operation of aircraft and vehicles. Five winners were selected, one for each competition category:
- Quantum Simulation – A team from the University of Southern California (U.S.) showcased how quantum technologies can provide deeper insights into material behaviors, such as energy absorption and binding properties.
- Quantum Solvers – Researchers from the University of Hamburg (Germany) demonstrated how quantum computing, paired with classical computing, can solve complex equations to minimize aircraft noise and enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
- Quantum-powered Logistics – UK-based start-up 4colors Research used quantum algorithms to optimize supply chain logistics, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and associated costs.
- Quantum Machine Learning – French start-up Quandela explored how quantum computing could improve critical scenario modeling, such as generating realistic nighttime conditions from limited daytime data. This innovation holds potential for enhancing the reliability of autonomous systems in diverse environments.
- Golden App (Open Category) – A team from TU Delft (Netherlands) presented a quantum composite design solution. Their work on optimizing carbon fiber layering techniques offers substantial real-world benefits, such as reducing fuel consumption through weight-saving materials in aviation and automotive applications.
Global Collaboration and Resources
Finalists were granted access to quantum computing resources via Amazon Web Services (AWS) to test their algorithms. They also collaborated with aerospace, automotive, and quantum experts from Airbus and BMW Group.
Launched in December 2023 and hosted by The Quantum Insider, the Quantum Computing Challenge inspired over 100 submissions from the global quantum community. A jury of leading quantum experts from academia and industry selected the winners, each of whom received €30,000 in recognition of their innovative contributions.
Through initiatives like this, Airbus and BMW Group aim to accelerate the transition of quantum solutions from research to real-world applications, shaping the future of mobility.