Quantum-South, the Uruguay-based start-up that unveiled a quantum computing application for air cargo optimization in May, has joined the IBM Quantum Network, the first Latin American firm on IBM’s roster of almost 200 companies and universities.
This move could vastly expand what the company is able to accomplish as it continues to pursue quantum-based solutions for the air and maritime cargo industry, including the potential for greater efficiency in logistics.
By joining the IBM Quantum Network, Quantum-South will have access to IBM’s quantum computing systems, as well as access to the company’s network of quantum expertise and Qiskit Runtime, which can allow Quantum-South to optimize workloads and efficiently execute them on quantum systems at scale. In addition, Quantum-South said it will continue providing workforce training to its employees, enabling them to investigate how new potential breakthroughs can be applied to the cargo industry, leveraging IBM Quantum technology.
Quantum-South works with use cases that require processing and searching large amounts of data, and using IBM Quantum resources will be able to develop, test, and run proof of concepts of potentially more-effective solutions for cargo logistics, such as efficient container cargo management and fuel optimization scenarios for airplanes, among others.
The company also plans to evolve capabilities it has developed in financial services and around use cases focused on asset portfolio optimization.
“Based on our research and product development strategy, we plan to use IBM Quantum technology and resources to continue building and deepening competencies in quantum computing to apply it to cargo industry use cases”, said Dr. Rafael Sotelo, Co-Founder of Quantum-South, who spoke at IQT’s Quantum Enterprise event in May.
“Establishing a quantum industry will require participation around the globe, and needs to befocused on advancing key industry applications,” added Aparna Prabhakar, Vice President, Partner Ecosystem, IBM Quantum. “As the first member of the IBM Quantum Network in Latin America, Quantum-South is well positioned to build on our promising work in the area of logistics and optimization.”
The IBM Quantum Network continues to grow. Also in recent days, Italy’s Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) and Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) both joined CERN’s hub on the network.
Dan O’Shea has covered telecommunications and related topics including semiconductors, sensors, retail systems, digital payments and quantum computing/technology for over 25 years.