Mphasis, a global AI-led, platform-driven technology solutions provider, in partnership with Copa Airlines, recently hosted a Quantum Computing Challenge, an international innovation contest. The challenge brought together teams from various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India and the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge in Canada to solve a real-world airline optimization problem using next-generation quantum computing.
The challenge focused on disruption management by addressing the passenger re-accommodation problem, a critical airline process involving reassignment of passengers to alternate flights during schedule disruptions due to demand shift, seasonal routes, or cancellations. Traditionally solved through well-established mathematical optimization techniques on high-performance classical computing system, the problem was reimagined and resolved in this challenge using quantum computing with the focus on improving the speed and accuracy at scale.
Mphasis’ Airlines Vertical and NEXT Labs (company’s R&D and innovation arm) collaborated with Copa Airlines, to define the problem, identify data requirements, establish infrastructure through partner ecosystem, and define success and the evaluation criteria. Based on benchmarks shared by the Airlines, the objective was to improve the passenger re-accommodation rate, without impacting the solution runtime.
The competition was conducted in two phases. Phase -1 included 22 Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) teams evaluated jointly by Mphasis experts and IIT-Madras faculty, from which six teams were selected. In Phase 2, these six teams competed with three teams from the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge using real Copa Airlines data, and quantum infrastructure provided by Classiq, Multiverse computing and qBraid.
Participants developed end-to-end solution pipeline, including:
Identification of impacted flight segments and passengers
Passenger scoring and prioritization based on Customer Value Management (CVM) data
Ranking of alternate flight options
Optimal reassignment of passengers using quantum and classical optimization techniques
Benchmarking and performance evaluation of the proposed solutions
Mphasis, with IIT-Madras and Quantum City – the quantum ecosystem developer in Calgary, Alberta (formed through a strategic partnership with the Government of Alberta, and Mphasis), shortlisted three solutions for presentation to Copa Airlines leadership. The winning teams will receive a cash prize and a joint certificate from Copa Airlines and Mphasis.
“The Quantum Computing Challenge reflects Mphasis’ commitment to applied innovation and advancements in quantum technologies. As industries move from experimenting with quantum computing to deploying it for real-world impact, its maturity and readiness for enterprise-scale applications are becoming increasingly evident. This challenge bridges the gap between research and implementation by connecting academic talent with real business problems, showcasing how quantum optimization can improve efficiency and decision-making in airline operations,” said Srikumar Ramanathan, Chief Solutions Officer, Mphasis.
“The Quantum Computing Challenge reflects our commitment to exploring transformative technologies that can redefine the future of airline operations. The innovative solutions presented by participants worldwide was truly inspiring, demonstrating how quantum computing, combined with diverse talent and fresh perspectives, can help build more intelligent, adaptive, and connected aviation ecosystems for the years ahead,” said Julio Toro, Chief Information Officer, Copa Airlines.
Mphasis continues to advance quantum computing to solve complex business problems, by driving research, talent development, and the creation of advanced quantum solutions for real-world enterprise challenges. This multi-pronged approach reinforces Mphasis’ leadership in bridging academia, industry, and technology to unlock the full potential of quantum computing for their global clients.
Recently, the company also launched two quantum-powered offerings, QOptiDecision™ for quantum enhanced optimization that leverages hybrid quantum-classical algorithms to drive optimization and transformation across industries and qCryptsec™ for quantum-safe cybersecurity.
