Airbus and BMW Group have unveiled the winners of “The Quantum Mobility Quest,” a first-of-its-kind global Quantum Computing Challenge aimed at making a significant step toward integrating quantum technologies into mobility solutions. The competition identified quantum approaches for improving efficiency, sustainability, and safety in aviation and automotive industries. Winners were selected across five categories, each addressing distinct challenges in the sector.

The initiative, launched in December 2023 and hosted by The Quantum Insider, attracted over 100 global submissions. In addition to a €30,000 prize for each winner, finalists were granted access to Amazon Web Services (AWS) quantum computing resources and mentorship from quantum and mobility experts at Airbus and BMW, according to Alex Challans, CEO of Resonance, which operates The Quantum Insider.

“We were delighted to see the level of engagement and interest in the Quantum Computing Challenge”, said Challans. “The submissions not only validate the promise of quantum but also highlight the critical role of collaboration across industries and academia to unlock its full potential.”

Five Winning Teams and Their Contributions

The winners of the challenge – which spanned five categories, each addressing critical mobility challenges – include:

• Quantum Simulation (University of Southern California, U.S.)
  This team used quantum technologies to enhance the understanding of material behavior, such as energy absorption and binding properties, enabling the development of stronger, lighter materials.
• Quantum Solvers (University of Hamburg, Germany)
  By combining quantum and classical computing, the team solved complex equations to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce noise pollution in aircraft design.
• Quantum-Powered Logistics (4colors Research, U.K.)
  This startup minimized CO2 emissions and logistical costs using quantum-powered optimization, addressing the mobility sector’s complex supply chain challenges.
• Quantum Machine Learning (Quandela, France)
  Quandela applied quantum techniques to generate realistic scenarios, such as converting daytime driving data into nighttime conditions, improving autonomous vehicle reliability.
• Open Category (TU Delft University, Netherlands)
  The team focused on optimizing carbon fiber layering to reduce fuel consumption, leveraging carbon fiber’s lightweight properties for aviation and automotive 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 Central Research and Technology at Airbus. “Quantum technology is no longer confined to only fundamental research. Even if it might still be a long way off, it’s clearly advancing towards industrial applications, and we must collaborate with the best experts in the world so that we can fully leverage its potential as soon as it becomes viable,” she added.

Leveraging Unique Resources and Collaboration

Airbus and BMW worked with AWS to provide candidates access to Amazon Braket, so that the teams could run algorithms on cutting-edge quantum hardware. Additionally, participants benefited from mentorship sessions with mobility and quantum experts, gaining insights into real-world applications of their solutions.

The competition’s structure included two phases: an initial four-month theoretical framework development phase and a subsequent implementation phase for finalists. This rigorous format ensured both creativity and practicality in submitted solutions.

In addition to the main categories, the competition introduced a “Reverse Track,” where quantum technology providers proposed innovative tools and use cases for mobility. These proposals, benchmarked against feasibility and industry relevance, aimed to uncover new opportunities for quantum’s role in transportation.

The Jury: Blending Expertise Across Disciplines

The jury comprised world-leading quantum experts and professionals from Airbus, BMW Group, and AWS, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives in evaluating submissions. Their combined expertise highlighted the global importance of quantum innovation in transportation.

• Mathieu Costes, a partner at Airbus Ventures, brings a venture capital perspective with a focus on startups poised to disrupt aerospace and sustainability.
• Elham Kashefi, a professor at the University of Edinburgh, pioneers research into the intersection of quantum technology and industrial applications, delivering solutions in quantum computing and networks.
• Helmut Katzgraber, AWS’s Global Practice Lead in quantum computing, combines academic and industrial expertise in computational physics, optimization, and quantum algorithms.
• Jonathan Legh-Smith, Executive Director of UKQuantum, bridges the gap between quantum innovation and national strategies for quantum technologies.
• Seth Lloyd, professor at MIT, was the first to develop a realizable model for quantum computation, focusing on quantum information and complexity in the universe.
• Sandra Luber, a professor at the University of Zurich, advances computational methods in chemistry, physics, and materials science, with a focus on quantum simulations.
• Markus Reiher, a professor at ETH Zurich, applies quantum computing to molecular and material sciences, emphasizing chemical reaction networks and machine learning integration.
• Juan Ignacio Cirac Sasturain, director of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, has shaped foundational theories in quantum computing and communication.
• Scott Walbrun, principal investor at BMW i Ventures, brings experience in venture capital and mobility innovation, supporting startups across energy, robotics, and AI.

These jurors, along with experts from Airbus, BMW and AWS, evaluated proposals based on their innovation, feasibility, and potential to impact aviation and automotive industries.

Implications for Future Mobility

Airbus and BMW view quantum computing as a transformative tool for mobility, addressing sustainability, safety, and operational challenges. While the field remains in its early stages, initiatives like the Quantum Computing Challenge demonstrate the potential for quantum technologies to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

According to BMW, the results will guide the development of new quantum applications in vehicle and aircraft design, manufacturing, and operations. 

“Quantum technology has the power to redefine innovation across industries. This year’s Airbus and BMW Group Quantum Computing Challenge underscores the importance of cross-industry partnerships in accelerating the journey from groundbreaking research to practical applications,” said Robert Bruckmeier, General Manager Computing & Network Artificial Intelligence at BMW Group. “While we are still in the early stages, the progress made in this challenge reaffirms our belief in quantum technology’s potential to drive extraordinary advancements for the automotive industry.”

Quantum Innovation Is Global Innovation

With winners from the U.S., Germany, the U.K., France, and the Netherlands, the challenge highlights the global nature of quantum research. As these solutions are refined, they could serve as blueprints for integrating quantum tools into broader industrial contexts.

Airbus and BMW plan to sustain the momentum by fostering global collaborations and investing in further research. By addressing today’s mobility challenges with quantum-inspired approaches, they aim to prepare the industry for a future where quantum computing plays a central role in transportation innovation.