Strategic Initiative Overview

Mphasis Limited, in partnership with Copa Airlines, hosted an international Quantum Computing Challenge focused on solving real-world airline optimization problems using quantum computing technology. The challenge specifically addressed disruption management through passenger re-accommodation problems during schedule disruptions caused by demand shifts, seasonal routes, or cancellations.

Challenge Structure and Participants

The competition was conducted in two phases:

  • Phase 1: Involved 22 teams from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), evaluated jointly by Mphasis experts and IIT-Madras faculty, resulting in six selected teams
  • Phase 2: The six IIT teams competed with three teams from the University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge using real Copa Airlines data

Technical Infrastructure and Solution Development

Quantum infrastructure was provided by partner companies Classiq, Multiverse Computing, and qBraid. Participants developed end-to-end solution pipelines 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 proposed solutions

The objective was to improve passenger reaccommodation rate without impacting solution runtime, based on benchmarks shared by the airlines.

Selection Process and Winners

Mphasis, with IIT-Madras and Quantum City (the quantum ecosystem developer in Calgary formed through strategic partnership with Government of Alberta and Mphasis), shortlisted three solutions for presentation to Copa Airlines leadership. The winning teams received cash prizes and joint certificates from Copa Airlines and Mphasis.

Management Commentary

Srikumar Ramanathan, Chief Solutions Officer of Mphasis, stated: "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."

Julio Toro, Chief Information Officer of Copa Airlines, commented: "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."

Mphasis Quantum Initiatives

Mphasis continues to advance quantum computing through research, talent development, and creation of advanced quantum solutions for real-world enterprise challenges. The company recently launched two quantum-powered offerings:

  • QOptiDecision™: Quantum enhanced optimization that leverages hybrid quantum-classical algorithms to drive optimization and transformation across industries
  • qCryptsec™: Quantum-safe cybersecurity solution

Partnerships and Ecosystem Development

The challenge was conducted in collaboration with Quantum City, which is building an ecosystem for quantum science and technology in Alberta through strategic partnership with the Government of Alberta and Mphasis as its first industry partner.

Corporate Background

Mphasis is an AI-led, platform-driven technology solutions provider with BSE code 526299 and NSE symbol MPHASIS. Copa Airlines is a leading passenger and cargo airline in Latin America and subsidiary of Copa Holdings, operating one of the youngest fleets in the industry consisting of Boeing 737-800 NG and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.