Airbus and BMW Group have launched a global Quantum Computing Challenge titled ‘The Quantum Mobility Quest’, aimed at addressing the most complex challenges in aviation and automotive industries.
This challenge marks the first time two major industry leaders have come together to exploit quantum technologies for practical industrial applications. This collaboration seeks to develop more efficient, sustainable, and safer solutions for the future of transportation.
Isabell Gradert, Vice President Central Research and Technology at Airbus, emphasised the significance of this initiative: “This is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on quantum technology and its potential impact on our society. Partnering with an industry leader like BMW Group enables us to mature the technology as we need to bridge the gap between scientific exploration and its potential applications. We’re seeking the best-in-class students, PhDs, academics, researchers, startups, companies, or professionals in the field, worldwide to join our challenge to create a massive paradigm shift in the way aircraft are built and flown.”
Dr. Peter Lehnert, Vice-President, Research Technologies at BMW Group, also shared his perspective: “Following the success of previous editions of Quantum Computing Challenges by BMW Group and Airbus, we are gearing up for a new wave of innovation, exploring the technology capabilities for sustainability and operational excellence. The BMW Group is clearly aiming at positioning itself at the crossroads of quantum technology, the global ecosystem, and cutting-edge solutions. By doing so, we strongly believe in major advances when it comes to sustainable materials for batteries and fuel cells, to generate unique and efficient designs, or to enhance the overall user experience in the BMW Group Products.”
Quantum computing holds the promise of vastly improved computational power, capable of handling complex operations that challenge even the most advanced current computers. This technology is particularly relevant for data-driven industries like transportation, where it can play a key role in simulating various industrial and operational processes and shaping the future of mobility products and services.
Participants in the challenge can address one or more of the following problem statements: enhancing aerodynamics design with quantum solvers, advancing future automated mobility with quantum machine learning, creating a more sustainable supply chain with quantum optimisation, and improving corrosion inhibition with quantum simulation. Candidates are also encouraged to propose their own quantum technologies with potential applications in the transportation sector.
Hosted by The Quantum Insider (TQI), the challenge is divided into two stages: a four-month phase for developing a theoretical framework for one of the problem statements, followed by a second phase where finalists implement and benchmark their solutions. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is providing candidates with access to their Amazon Braket quantum computing service to run their algorithms.
A jury comprising leading quantum experts, along with experts from Airbus, BMW Group, and AWS, will assess the submissions. The winning team in each of the five challenges will be awarded a €30,000 prize by the end of 2024.
Registration is open, and submissions will be accepted from mid-January through April 30, 2024, here: www.thequantuminsider.com/quantum-challenge
