BMW Group has formally extended its ongoing collaboration with Quantinuum to explore the use of quantum computing in developing advanced materials for next-generation vehicles.
The two companies have been collaborating since 2021 on joint research targeting complex industrial chemistry challenges related to future mobility solutions. Their work has evolved from developing foundational algorithms to conducting simulations of molecular systems.
The multi-year partnership is set to become one of the longest-running commitments between a commercial company and a quantum computing provider in the industry, Quantinuum said in its announcement.
Dr Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum, said the company is focused on driving commercial adoption of quantum computing by collaborating closely with industry leaders on high-impact applications.
BMW Group researchers are using Quantinuum’s trapped-ion architecture, a type of quantum computing technology that provides the precision needed to accurately simulate molecular systems.
As part of the partnership, BMW Group will gain access to successive generations of Quantinuum’s quantum computers. This includes the current Helios system, as well as the upcoming Sol system planned for 2027 and Apollo system planned for 2029. This approach will allow the teams to validate their progress at each phase while working toward solutions that can be applied in industrial settings, Quantinuum explained.
“We have been exploring quantum computing for many years,” said Dr Martin Tietze, vice president of new technologies at BMW Group.
“Together with partners such as Quantinuum, we translate advances in quantum hardware into real?world applications, including materials optimisation, supporting the development of future vehicle generations.”
According to Quantinuum, its progress towards large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing systems is expected to allow BMW to apply that computing power to research on catalyst chemistry.
The work specifically targets oxygen reduction reaction processes at platinum catalysts, to potentially reduce costs and improve energy efficiency.
