Cambridge, UK – 4colors Research has been selected as a semifinalist in the XPRIZE Quantum Applications Competition, a three-year, $5 million global challenge designed to generate quantum computing algorithms that address real-world problems. Sponsored by Google Quantum AI and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), the competition seeks to demonstrate quantum advantage in practical applications through its "Quantum for Real World Impact" mission.
4colors Research was chosen as one of 20 teams from more than 130 global submissions. The project builds on the company's success in the 2024 Airbus-BMW Quantum Computing Challenge, where 4colors Research demonstrated an innovative approach to quantum logistics optimization. It aligns with 4colors Research's mission to advance optimization algorithms across both classical and quantum computing paradigms.
Mathematical optimization underpins structured decision-making across nearly every economic sector. It serves as a general-purpose engine that translates complex real-world challenges into algorithmically solvable models, addressing problems in packing, routing, scheduling, allocation, and resource planning. Optimization is already deeply embedded in mission-critical applications such as power system scheduling and energy dispatch, production planning, manufacturing operations, and supply chain and logistics management.
"Over the years, powerful classical solvers have been developed to tackle such problems, relying on decades of progress in mathematical optimization, algorithm design, and computational engineering," said Dr. Marcin Kaminski, Founder and CEO of 4colors Research. "However, the growing complexity and scale of real-world systems continue to push the limits of current solvers, motivating the search for new computational approaches that can enhance solver performance—particularly in generating high-quality solutions faster."
The project explores how quantum computing can be systematically integrated into large-scale mathematical optimization, with a focus on achieving practical quantum advantage in real-world industrial settings. The proposed framework augments mature classical optimization pipelines with quantum computing capabilities, allowing quantum routines to target specific computational bottlenecks—yielding measurable benefits even on near-term NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) hardware.
This data-driven approach leverages artificial intelligence to characterize algorithm behavior, predict performance, and guide solver configuration. Benchmarks on realistic industrial instances from energy and logistics validate the framework and demonstrate how quantum routines can be integrated with classical solvers to deliver better solutions more efficiently.
"This recognition validates our approach to achieving practical quantum advantage and advancing mathematical optimization more broadly," said Dr. Kaminski. "Because optimization technologies are deeply embedded in industrial workflows, mathematical optimization is uniquely positioned to both benefit from quantum acceleration and propagate any resulting gains across the broader economy and society."
The recognition comes after a recent grant award from Innovate UK, the United Kingdom's innovation agency, to commercialize the company's algorithmic technology for supply chain and logistics optimization. 4colors Research has also been selected by Airbus to deliver a proof-of-concept project using its quantum computing technology to optimize Airbus's production planning, supply chain, and logistics processes.
XPRIZE is the recognized global leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity's greatest challenges. For over 30 years, the unique model has democratized crowd-sourced innovation and scientifically scalable solutions that accelerate a more equitable and abundant future.