Global technology provider Mphasis, in partnership with Copa Airlines, has hosted an international Quantum Computing Challenge aimed at solving airline passenger re-accommodation problems using advanced quantum and classical optimization techniques. The contest involved multiple phases, starting with 22 IIT teams in India and progressing to a final round with selected teams from the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge in Canada, utilizing Copa Airlines data.
The challenge sought to enhance disruption management processes, particularly how passengers are reassigned during flight cancellations and schedule disruptions. The competition was structured to develop solutions that improve re-accommodation rates without increasing runtime, leveraging quantum computing infrastructure provided by partners like Classiq, Multiverse Computing, and qBraid.
Participants’ Solutions
Teams crafted end-to-end solutions including flight impact analysis, passenger prioritization based on customer value, ranking alternative flights, and optimal reassignment using hybrid quantum-classical algorithms. Three top solutions were selected for presenting to Copa Airlines leadership, with winners set to receive awards and joint certificates from the airline and Mphasis.
"The Quantum Computing Challenge reflects Mphasis’s commitment to applied innovation and advancements in quantum technologies. As industries mature in deploying quantum computing, this initiative bridges research with real-world applications, particularly in airline operations," said Srikumar Ramanathan, Chief Solutions Officer at Mphasis.
Julio Toro, Chief Information Officer at Copa Airlines, emphasized that the competition demonstrated the potential of quantum technologies to build smarter aviation systems which are adaptive and interconnected. Mphasis continues to develop quantum-powered offerings like QOptiDecision™ for optimized decision-making and qCryptsec™ for cybersecurity, advancing industry transformation.
