BMW Group, Airbus and Quantinuum Collaborate to Fast-Track Sustainable Mobility Research Using Cutting-Edge Quantum Computers
The joint group has developed a hybrid quantum-classical workflow, focusing on the chemical reactions of catalysts in fuel cells
Munich, Germany; Toulouse, France; and Cambridge, UK, August 2nd, 2023 — Airbus, BMW Group and Quantinuum, world leaders in mobility and quantum technologies, have developed a hybrid quantum-classical workflow to speed up future research using quantum computers to simulate quantum systems, focusing on the chemical reactions of catalysts in fuel cells.
In a new technical paper, "Applicability of Quantum Computing to Oxygen Reduction Reaction Simulations“, the three partners report accurately modeling the oxygen reduction reaction ("ORR") on the surface of a platinum-based catalyst. The ORR is the chemical reaction in the process that converts hydrogen and oxygen into water and electricity in a fuel cell and it limits the efficiency of the process. It is relatively slow and requires a large amount of platinum catalyst, so there is great interest and value in better understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in the reaction.
Using Quantinuum's H-Series quantum computer, the collaboration team has demonstrated the applicability of quantum computing in an industrial workflow to enhance our understanding of a critical chemical reaction. The three companies plan further collaboration to explore the use of quantum computing to address relevant industrial challenges.
Dr. Peter Lehnert, Vice-President, Research Technologies at BMW Group stated: “Circularity and sustainable mobility are putting us on a quest for new materials, to create more efficient products and shape the future premium user experience. Being able to simulate material properties to relevant chemical accuracy with the benefits from the accelerating quantum computing hardware is giving us just the right tools for more speed in innovation for this decisive domain.”
As a pioneer in the global automotive market BMW Group recognizes the transformative potential of quantum computing and its importance in researching new materials, where it can enable faster and more efficient processes while reducing lab prototypes. Approaching and accurately simulating one of the most fundamental electrochemical processes for the first time using quantum computing marks a substantial step towards the sustainable energy transition, benefiting metal-air batteries, and other products with enhanced efficiency.
Isabell Gradert, Vice-President, Central Research & Technology at Airbus said: “We can clearly envision the benefits of the study in our quest for sustainable and hydrogen powered alternatives such as the ZEROe aircraft, which may operate on fuel cell engines. The study confirms that quantum computing is maturing at the scale we need for aviation.”
Airbus has identified hydrogen as a promising candidate to power low-carbon aircraft, because it emits no CO2 when flying, when generated from renewable energy. The company previously announced plans to start testing a hydrogen-powered fuel cell propulsion system onboard its ZEROe demonstrator aircraft in the next few years. The company has the ambition to develop the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft for market entry by 2035.
Ilyas Khan, Chief Product Officer, Quantinuum said: “We have been excited to be working for some time now to support the BMW Group and Airbus, both leaders in their fields, and both of whom recognize that quantum computing could play a pivotal role in advancing future sustainable mobility. In this pioneering work, we demonstrate how to integrate quantum computing into the industrial workflows of two of the world's most technologically advanced companies, tackling material science problems that are a prime target for progress using quantum computing."
The research team hopes that understanding the ORR reaction provides insights that help them identify alternative materials that may improve the performance and reduce the production costs of fuel cells. Modeling chemical reactions such as the ORR accurately is an intractable task for classical computers, due to the quantum properties of the chemical mechanisms involved, making such simulations a good candidate to benefit from a potential quantum advantage in the future.
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world’s largest standalone quantum computing company, formed by the combination of Honeywell Quantum Solutions’ world-leading hardware and Cambridge Quantum’s class-leading middleware and applications. Science-led and enterprise-driven, Quantinuum accelerates quantum computing and the development of applications across chemistry, cybersecurity, finance and optimization. Its focus is to create scalable and commercial quantum solutions to solve the world’s most pressing problems in fields such as energy, logistics, climate change, and health. The company employs over 480 individuals, including 350+ scientists and engineers, at eight sites across the United States, Europe, and Japan. For more information, please visit https://www.quantinuum.com. The Honeywell trademark is used under license from Honeywell International Inc. Honeywell makes no representations or warranties with respect to this service.
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.
About Airbus
Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide the most efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers the most modern and fuel-efficient airliners. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum, the world’s largest integrated quantum company, pioneers powerful quantum computers and advanced software solutions. Quantinuum’s technology drives breakthroughs in materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next-gen quantum AI. With over 500 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, Quantinuum leads the quantum computing revolution across continents.
With the industry's most advanced quantum systems and proven ability to scale, Quantinuum is on track to deliver utility-scale quantum computing by early 2030s
November 6, 2025 – Broomfield, CO – Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing, has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as a contractor to advance to Stage B of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI).
DARPA is using QBI to evaluate the technical likelihood that a utility scale quantum computer will be available no later than 2033. A multi-stage program, Stage B follows a six-month Stage A effort in which Quantinuum developed and delivered a detailed concept design for a utility scale system called “Lumos.”
Last year, Quantinuum released its public roadmap through the end of the decade with Apollo—a universal, fully fault-tolerant quantum computer—scheduled for launch in 2029. Lumos is a new addition to the roadmap as Quantinuum outlines plans to develop increasingly larger systems into the 2030s.
“This selection recognizes the strength and maturity of our roadmap and the work our teams have already delivered,” said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum. “Lumos extends our roadmap into the next decade and gives DARPA a concrete, de-risked path for achieving utility-scale quantum computing by 2033. We look forward to partnering with DARPA and our ecosystem partners to advance this important national objective.”
Stage B will be a year-long, performance-based evaluation by DARPA’s Test and Evaluation team in which Quantinuum will develop a detailed R&D roadmap for Lumos to validate technical assumptions, verification methods, and scaling plans to meet the 2033 objective.
Yesterday, Quantinuum deployed its latest generation system, “Helios,” on schedule with its roadmap. With the highest fidelity physical qubits and logical qubits of any commercial system, and a next-generation software stack featuring a modern, high-level programming language, Helios is designed to accelerate quantum computing adoption. The system has already been used to simulate high-temperature superconductivity and magnetism at unprecedented scales—two applications with relevance to critical, industrial utility.
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 630 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
For more information, please visit www.quantinuum.com
New collaboration to position Singapore as a leading global hub for quantum computing
Quantinuum to bring state-of-the-art Helios quantum computer to Singapore in 2026 and establish R&D and Operations Centre to advance talent development and commercial innovation
Singapore, November 6th, 2025 – Singapore’s National Quantum Office (NQO), a national platform hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and Quantinuum, the world’s leading quantum computing company, today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate quantum computing in Singapore.
The partnership marks a key milestone under Singapore’s National Quantum Strategy, led by NQO, and will advance quantum hardware, software and talent development through Singapore’s National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH). The NQCH and Quantinuum will work together to strengthen Singapore’s position as a top global quantum computing hub, accelerate innovation with industry users across pharmaceuticals, materials science and finance, and nurture world-class talent.
Singapore to Become First Country Outside of the United States to Host the World-Class Quantinuum Helios System
The installation of the Helios system in Singapore, expected to be completed in 2026, will give researchers direct access to Quantinuum’s Helios computing capabilities, supporting deeper research collaboration and innovation. Effective immediately, researchers will gain cloud access to Helios that enables key research and capability building.
As a full-stack offering, Helios is one of the most advanced commercial quantum computers today. The Helios platform unites a fully connected physical and logical qubit architecture with industry-leading fidelity and a next-generation software stack featuring a modern, high-level programming language, Helios is designed to accelerate quantum computing adoption.
Deepening Collaboration through Quantinuum’s R&D and Operations Centre in Singapore
Quantinuum will establish a new R&D and Operations Centre in Singapore to collaborate with Singapore’s research and innovation ecosystem. The Centre will serve to unify Quantinuum staff and local researchers and industry partners in co-developing end-to-end middleware and applications that bridge classical and quantum systems. Through these efforts, the Centre aims to accelerate the translation of quantum technologies into commercially relevant solutions, while building long-term R&D capabilities in quantum computing and its applications.
Strengthening Singapore’s Quantum Ecosystem through Industry Collaboration and Talent
The partnership will foster a thriving quantum ecosystem in Singapore through industry programs and talent development. These include internships and co-organized workshops and conferences to accelerate skills transfer and build a strong pipeline of quantum specialists.
Quantinuum will collaborate with industry end-users in Singapore to co-develop advanced quantum computing applications that address real-world challenges. Initial programs under the strategic partnership will target areas such as:
- Computational biology, bioinformatics, and drug discovery
- Financial modeling and optimization
- Advanced materials and chemistry
- Combinatorial optimization
Collectively, the initiatives aim to nurture a community of researchers, engineers and developers equipped to advance quantum computing and strengthen collaboration across Singapore’s research and industry ecosystem.
A Strategic Journey of Collaboration between Singapore and Quantinuum
- Mr. Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director of the National Quantum Office: “This partnership marks an important step in building Singapore as a leading quantum computing hub. Through the National Quantum Computing Hub, we are advancing quantum-enabled applications in sectors such as healthcare, materials science, and finance. Working with Quantinuum will accelerate this progress, deepen local capabilities, and position Singapore as a leading quantum computing hub in the region, driving real-world outcomes.”
- Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO of Quantinuum: “Singapore has demonstrated remarkable foresight in recognizing the transformative power of quantum computing in this next phase of technological progress. Quantinuum is proud to work in partnership with Singapore to advance the frontiers of quantum computing, providing direct access to the most powerful computational capabilities ever developed. Together, we’re strengthening a hub that will accelerate the commercialization of quantum computing, enabling industries to rapidly turn breakthrough technology into real-world solutions.”
- Mrs. Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, and Minister-in-Charge of Cybersecurity & Smart Nation Group: “Singapore continues to invest significantly in quantum to strengthen our digital growth and security. We do this by collaborating with global partners on frontier tech, developing, and attracting world-class talents, and uplifting our local workforce and enterprises. Together, we hope to shape a more prosperous and safe future for Singapore and the world – where technology serves the public good.”
This strategic partnership builds on Quantinuum’s ongoing collaboration with Singapore’s quantum ecosystem, following two earlier agreements inked in 2024. These collaborations, which also involved the A*STAR Bioinformatics Institute (A*STAR BII) and Duke-NUS Medical School, laid the groundwork for this next phase of collaboration.
For media queries and clarifications, please contact:
Quah Sheryl
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Corporate Communications
Mobile: +65 9113 7937
Email: Sheryl_Quah@a-star.edu.sg
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 630 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution. For more information, please visit www.quantinuum.com
Quantinuum Helios, Powered by Honeywell, reflects that the Helios ion trap was manufactured by Honeywell. The Honeywell trademark is used under license from Honeywell International, Inc. Honeywell makes no representations or warranties with respect to this service.
About the National Quantum Office
The National Quantum Office (NQO) was established with the support of the National Research Foundation (NRF) to drive the development and implementation of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) strategy for Quantum in Singapore. The Office was set up in April 2022 and is hosted by A*STAR, the Implementing Agency for Quantum. NQO, as a control tower, supports fundamental and translational research in Quantum through various strategic programmes that it oversees. It partners both public and private sectors to create a vibrant RIE quantum ecosystem in Singapore. For more information, visit https://nqo.sg.
About the National Quantum Computing Hub
The National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH) is Singapore’s national initiative for advancing quantum software and applications. The hub is building foundational capabilities, providing access to quantum computers, and driving public-private partnerships.
NQCH pursues practical quantum advantage across high-impact fields, including quantum chemistry, computational biology, finance and optimisation. The Hub also runs a programme to develop talent for the emerging quantum industry.
NQCH is a joint effort by Singapore’s Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC), and the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore.
For more information, visit: nqch.sg
Helios launches with customers Amgen, BMW Group, JPMorganChase, and SoftBank Corp.
New York City, November 5, 2025 – Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing, today announced the launch of Helios, the world’s most accurate general-purpose commercial quantum computer, designed to accelerate quantum computing adoption by enterprises. With the highest fidelity† of any commercial system and a first-of-its-kind real-time control engine, Helios enables developers to program a quantum computer in much the same way they program heterogeneous classical computers. A new, modern Python-based programming language called Guppy allows developers to seamlessly combine hybrid compute capabilities — quantum and classical — in a single program. Helios is now available to customers through Quantinuum’s cloud service and on-premise offering.
“The next computing inflection point starts today,” said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO of Quantinuum. “For the first time enterprises can access a highly accurate general purpose quantum computer to drive real world impact, transforming how industries innovate – from drug discovery to finance to advanced materials.”
Helios unlocks the ability to enhance GenAI models with quantum generated data, thereby unlocking AI’s full potential in areas such as data analysis, material design, and quantum chemistry. To accelerate GenQAI, Quantinuum is expanding its partnership with NVIDIA, integrating NVIDIA GB200 with Helios via NVIDIA NVQLink to create applications for targeted end markets. In addition, Quantinuum will switch to NVIDIA accelerated computing for Helios and future systems, using Quantinuum Guppy alongside the NVIDIA CUDA-Q platform to perform real-time error correction critical to its roadmap.
Quantinuum announced a growing community of early users and collaborators, including leaders in life sciences, materials, and energy sectors:
- Amgen: an investor and research collaborator, exploring hybrid quantum-machine learning to advance data-driven discovery in biologics.
- BlueQubit: AI image recognition using real-world driving video data.
- BMW Group: advancing sustainable mobility through materials research on fuel cell catalysts.
- JPMorganChase: researching potential capabilities for advanced financial analytics.
- SoftBank Corp.: exploring organic materials for next-gen batteries, optical switches, and solar cells.
Today, Quantinuum also signed a strategic partnership agreement with Singapore’s National Quantum Office (NQO) and National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH) that includes access to Helios in country to accelerate commercial applications of quantum computing in the areas of computational biology and bioinformatics, financial modeling and optimization, advanced materials and chemistry, and combinatorial optimization. To support this strategic partnership, Quantinuum is establishing a world-class R&D and Operations Centre in Singapore.
Finally, as part of its strategy to expand the commercial reach of quantum computing, Quantinuum is introducing two new ecosystem programs. Q-Net, a new user group, will serve as a forum for customer feedback and collaboration, while a new startup partner program will invite developers to build and scale third party applications on Helios.
A blog post with more details on Helios can be read here. Visual assets and scientific papers can be downloaded here.
† Fidelity: In quantum computing, fidelity is a metric that determines the accuracy of system’s computation. The lower a system’s error rate, the higher its fidelity. Helios has the highest fidelities ever released to the market. Its key performance specifications are outlined below:
- Physical qubits (PQ): 98 PQ at 99.921% 2-qubit gate fidelity, and 99.9975% 1-qubit gate fidelity.
- Logical qubits (LQ):
- 94 LQ (error detected) globally entangled with better than physical performance;
- 50 LQ (error detected) with better than physical performance in a magnetism simulation; and
- 48 LQ (error corrected) with better than physical performance (99.99% state prep and measurement fidelity).
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 630 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution. For more information, please visit www.quantinuum.com.
Quantinuum Helios, Powered by Honeywell, reflects that the Helios ion trap was manufactured by Honeywell. The Honeywell trademark is used under license from Honeywell International, Inc. Honeywell makes no representations or warranties with respect to this service.