Airbus Quantum Challenge 3.0

Quantum leap for aerospace innovation

GLOBAL QUANTUM COLLECTIVE

At Airbus, we view quantum technologies to propose an exponential leap for technology development in aerospace.

Airbus has taken the lead in initiating a collective of like-minded partners in research, the startup scene and academic experts, to fast track and mature the science for concrete applications across the aerospace sector.

Quantum Computing Challenge Visual

Quantum as the next game changer for aerospace

Our vision

As an early pioneer and end-user, we are exploring three core areas to enhance product performance and solve the industry's most complex challenges.

Quantum computing: To solve complex calculations in physics and optimisation that are beyond the scope of even the most powerful classical computers.
Quantum communication: To develop ultra-secure communication channels for a new age of cybersecurity.
Quantum sensing: To create navigation and environmental monitoring tools with unprecedented accuracy.

Our approach is fundamentally hybrid, anticipating a future where quantum computers tackle highly specific, high-impact tasks while classical systems handle what it’s good at: processing and structuring mass data sets.

What is the Quantum Challenge 3.0?

This edition of the challenge focuses on a specific and critical capability: "equation solvers" powered by quantum. Accurately predicting aerodynamic flows at the edge of an aircraft's operating envelope is essential for sizing its primary structure, which currently requires state-of-the-art High-Performance Computing (HPC) to resolve complex, multi-scale problems.

Goal: To find novel modeling solutions that can resolve these flow problems with significantly more degrees of freedom than classical computing.
Impact: Success will unlock new design capabilities for the next generation of aircraft, helping meet challenging quality and environmental requirements.

We invite transformative innovations to redefine our technical benchmarks. Accurately modeling aerodynamics is key for peak efficiency. Can you develop alternative solutions that radically boost our design capabilities?
— Isabell Gradert, VP Central Research & Technology Airbus

Quantum Challenge Golden App

Quantum equation solvers for aerodynamic flows

Quantum Challenge 3.0

As of 2026, the Airbus Quantum Challenge enters its third iteration, backed by a larger, more diverse consortium. We are keen to join our quantum peers:

Cleveland Clinic (USA)
HSBC (|UK)
E.ON (Germany) and
Volkswagen (Germany)

This cross-industry partnership will enrich and accelerate our shared journey into groundbreaking science, driven by industrial needs like decarbonisation and safety.

The evolution of the Airbus Quantum Challenge

2019: The Quantum Computing Challenge

Our initial challenge focused on the theoretical feasibility of applying quantum computing to flight physics and the aircraft lifecycle.

2024-2025: The Airbus BMW Quantum Mobility Quest

In partnership with BMW, this quest broadened our scope to practical industrial applications across transportation, addressing categories like Quantum Simulation, Quantum Solvers for aerodynamics, and Quantum Machine Learning. This initiative was part of a wider effort to strengthen ties with the scientific community and attract new talent, ensuring that the next generation of aerospace and automotive engineering is built on a quantum-literate foundation.

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