Airbus, BMW Group launch quantum computing competition to tackle mobility challenges
Airbus and BMW Group have jointly initiated the groundbreaking “Quantum Mobility Quest,” a global Quantum Computing Challenge aimed at addressing the most intricate challenges in aviation and automotive sectors that conventional computers struggle to overcome.
In a statement made available to DAT, Airbus explained that the pioneering collaboration seeks to leverage quantum technologies, fostering real-world applications to create more efficient, sustainable, and secure solutions for the future of transportation.
Isabell Gradert, Vice President Central Research and Technology at Airbus, highlighted the significance of partnering with BMW Group to propel quantum technology from scientific exploration to practical applications.
“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 are seeking the best-in-class students, PhDs, academics, researchers, start-ups, 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,” said Gradert.
With this joint initiative, both Airbus and BMW are inviting top-notch individuals, including students, PhDs, academics, researchers, start-ups, and professionals globally, to participate in this challenge and revolutionize the construction and operation of aircraft.
Dr. Peter Lehnert, Vice-President, Research Technologies at BMW Group, underscored the company’s commitment to positioning itself at the intersection of quantum technology, the global ecosystem, and cutting-edge solutions.
“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,” Lehnert said.
The goal is to make substantial strides in sustainable materials, efficient designs, and user experience within BMW Group products.
With this competition, Quantum computing’s potential to significantly enhance computational power is emphasised, particularly in data-driven industries like transportation.
The challenge focuses on problem statements such as improved aerodynamics design, future automated mobility, sustainable supply chain optimisation, and corrosion inhibition, encouraging candidates to propose innovative quantum technologies for unexplored applications in the transportation sector.
Hosted by The Quantum Insider (TQI), the challenge spans two phases: a four-month theoretical framework development and a subsequent implementation phase for selected finalists.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) facilitates candidates in running their algorithms on the cloud quantum computing service.
A distinguished jury of quantum experts, in collaboration with Airbus, BMW Group, and AWS, will evaluate proposals and award a €30,000 prize to the winning team in each of the five challenges by the end of 2024.
Registration is open, and submissions will be accepted from mid-January through April 30, 2024, via www.thequantuminsider.com/quantum-challenge.
