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.
Doha, Qatar, May 20th, 2025 — Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, has inked a strategic agreement with Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing and developer of the world’s highest-performing quantum computer. The partnership aims to strengthen Qatar’s quantum computing ecosystem by supporting Quantinuum’s recently announced expansion into the region, which was highlighted last week by the President of the United States during his historic state visit to Qatar.
Through this partnership, Invest Qatar will provide tailored support services to Quantinuum, including access to key stakeholders, sector-specific insights and opportunities for collaboration with local innovation and research institutions. Invest Qatar will also promote initiatives that drive quantum computing adoption and raise awareness of Quantinuum’s contributions to Qatar’s tech landscape.Through this partnership, Invest Qatar will support Quantinuum’s expansion into the country to apply quantum technologies for the benefit of key sectors in Qatar, while enhancing local research and development (R&D) capabilities, to create high-skilled jobs and train the next generation quantum workforce in Qatar. This includes facilitating connections with key stakeholders, enabling collaboration in R&D, and aligning with national initiatives aimed at advancing quantum technologies.
As part of the agreement, Quantinuum will play a central role in advancing Qatar’s quantum capabilities by launching a range of targeted initiatives, including knowledge-sharing platforms, educational seminars and technical workshops delivered by Quantinuum’s global experts. The partnership also envisions launching joint research projects with Qatari academic and research institutions, exploring opportunities for local integration of quantum technologies and facilitating access to Quantinuum’s cutting-edge quantum computing infrastructure. Additionally, internship opportunities will be offered to students from Qatar-based universities, providing direct experience in real-world quantum computing applications.
Commenting on the partnership, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar, said: “This partnership with Quantinuum reflects our continued commitment to positioning Qatar at the forefront of next-generation technologies. By combining global expertise with local ambition, we aim to cultivate a thriving quantum ecosystem that drives innovation, supports economic diversification and empowers future talent. We are pleased to work with Quantinuum to unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing for Qatar and the wider region.”
Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO, Quantinuum, said: “Launching our presence in Qatar opens an exciting new chapter in a region ready to lead in quantum computing. Building on our recently announced expansion into the country through our joint venture with Al Rabban Capital, and our ongoing partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa University, this collaboration with Invest Qatar reinforces our commitment to the growth of Qatar’s quantum computing ecosystem. As part of the deepening strategic ties between the U.S. and Qatar, we’re enabling direct access to our world-leading quantum hardware and software, creating value for academia and industry in Qatar while training the next generation of quantum developers and researchers to strengthen the region’s position as a global hub for advanced technologies.”
About Invest Qatar
The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) is responsible for overseeing investment promotion activities, aimed at attracting foreign direct investment to Qatar. Established in 2019, Invest Qatar’s mission is to strengthen Qatar’s position as an ideal investment destination, while facilitating investments that foster economic diversification and development.
As the gateway to investment solutions, Invest Qatar connects investors to an integrated ecosystem of business and licensing platforms. The Agency partners with investors throughout their journey, from exploration and setup to expansion, ensuring their long-term growth by providing comprehensive insights into Qatar’s business landscape, sector-specific market knowledge and tailored investment facilitation.
For more information, please visit www.invest.qa
@InvestQatar | #InvestQatar
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 550 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
Doha, Qatar, May 14th, 2025 — Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing, is establishing a Qatari-incorporated Joint Venture with Al Rabban Capital, a division of Al Rabban Holding Company, one of Qatar’s most prominent companies. The Joint Venture will accelerate quantum computing adoption in Qatar and the region, strategically positioning the U.S. and Qatar as global leaders in the quantum revolution. This first of its kind quantum technology partnership was highlighted by the President of the United States during his historic state visit to Qatar.
The Joint Venture has three core objectives: enabling access to Quantinuum’s world-leading quantum technologies in the region; co-developing quantum computing applications tailored to regional needs in areas such as New Energy, Materials Discovery, Precision Medicine, Genomics, and Financial Services, with new opportunities emerging in the era of Generative Quantum AI (GenQAI); and, training the next generation of quantum computing developers in Qatar and the region.
Quantinuum is steadily expanding its global presence to meet the growing international demand for its technology and applications. The company’s expansion into the Gulf region, starting with Qatar, follows its successful growth across the U.S., U.K., Europe and Indo-Pacific. This Joint Venture reflects a shared commitment by the U.S. and Qatar to strengthen strategic ties, spur bilateral investment in future-defining industries, and foster technological leadership and shared prosperity.
Quantinuum’s Joint Venture with Al Rabban Capital builds on its partnership announced last year with Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2), Qatar’s premier quantum research hub.
“This is a defining moment in Qatar’s ambition to become a regional hub for advanced technologies like quantum computing,” said Abdulaziz Khalid Al Rabban, Chairman, Al Rabban Capital. “We're partnering with Quantinuum to deliver world-class quantum solutions, driving economic growth in Qatar and the region.”
“This Joint Venture demonstrates our shared vision to lead in transformative technologies,” said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO of Quantinuum. “Together with Al Rabban Capital, we’re accelerating the commercial adoption of quantum computing in Qatar and the region whilst serving U.S. and Qatari strategic interests.”
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across key industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 550 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
For more information, please visit: https://www.quantinuum.com
About Al Rabban Capital
Al Rabban Capital (ARC) is a Qatari investment and advisory firm driving business growth across Qatar and the GCC. ARC enable market entry and expansion through joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and deep local insight. ARC supports both public and private sector initiatives with tailored, end-to-end solutions. Beyond capital, ARC provide strategic guidance, governance, and access to a robust regional network. ARC’s focus includes AI, quantum tech, healthcare, and sustainability, with a commitment to impactful growth.
For more information, please visit: https://www.alrabbancapital.com
Broomfield, CO, April 3rd, 2025 — Quantinuum, the industry leader in quantum computing with the world’s most powerful quantum computer, has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research and development agency of the United States Department of Defense, to participate in the first stage of the agency’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI).
QBI aims to assess the feasibility of building an industrially useful quantum computer by 2033. Successful QBI performers will advance through stages A, B, and C; Stage A requires performers to describe their utility-scale quantum computer with a path to near-term realization, where utility-scale means the computational value exceeds costs.
As validated in a recent independent benchmarking study by a group of institutions at the forefront of quantum computing research, Quantinuum’s quantum systems are the highest performing in the industry. Last year, Quantinuum published its development roadmap, outlining a path to a universal, fully-fault tolerant quantum computer by 2029. Beyond this public roadmap, Quantinuum plans to scale to even larger machines in the early part of the 2030s, aligning with the objectives of QBI.
“We are honored to collaborate with DARPA and look forward to working closely with their test and evaluation team as they assess our roadmap and technological approach,” said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum. “With our roadmap firmly on track, we are confident in our ability to deliver on DARPA’s objectives for QBI.”
Microsoft and NVIDIA will take part in Quantinuum’s Stage A effort, building on their long-standing collaborations with Quantinuum in advancing commercially scalable quantum computing.
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 550 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.