Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Capgemini’s Quantum Lab has been announced as one of the winning teams at the QInnovision World Challenge 2025, recognizing their pioneering work in hybrid quantum-classical optimization for urban mobility systems. Their project, “Hybrid Quantum-Classical Optimization for Multi-Modal Passenger and Vehicle Routing Problems,” delivered a novel framework to tackle one of the most complex challenges in modern logistics and smart city planning.
The award was presented during the Quantum Innovation Summit (February 25–27, 2025) in Dubai, where leading researchers, technologists, and policymakers gathered to shape the future of quantum technologies. After advancing through a highly competitive selection process, Capgemini’s multi-national, cross-disciplinary team was shortlisted and invited to participate in the final presentations and the exclusive Quantum Futures Forum alongside other global leaders. The winning team included Christian Metzl, Kirill Shiianov, David David, Juan Manuel Aguiar Hualde, Kees Wagemans, Chris van den Oetelaar, and Hans Kattouw.
Capgemini’s solution addresses the Passenger Routing Problem (PRP) through a layered decomposition strategy. They break down multi-modal transport networks into smaller Vehicle Routing Problems (VRPs) and Traveling Salesman Problems (TSPs), solvable by hybrid quantum-classical methods. The technical core leverages the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), Quantum Annealing (QA), and Digital Annealing, integrated with reinforcement learning and advanced machine learning models, allowing real-time adaptation to changes in urban transit networks. Their experimental setup combined QAOA-driven MaxCut graph partitioning with quantum-enhanced TSP solving, demonstrating the potential for near-term quantum advantage in scalable, dynamic routing optimization.
“We joined forces to tackle routing problems with hybrid-quantum-classical approaches, and we are grateful that QInnovision recognized our contribution to advancing quantum computing for real-world applications,” stated the Capgemini Quantum Lab team. “The QInnovision World Challenge 2025 provided a valuable environment for translating theoretical quantum techniques into practical industry-driven solutions.”
The QInnovision World Challenge 2025, organized by the Vernewell Group as part of the Quantum Innovation Summit and powered by Aqora, brought together global quantum expertise to tackle real-world optimization problems. Aqora, a platform supporting quantum technology adoption, provided the technical and operational framework for the challenge. The original task, supported by leaders inluding, AWS and NVIDIA, involved reimagining the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) as a MaxCut optimization suitable for quantum algorithms using CUDA-Q acceleration. Capgemini extended the assignment significantly, proposing a modular, multi-layered solution designed for real-world smart city environments.
The competition’s evaluation panel, composed of leading figures from academia, research institutions, and the quantum industry, ensured that awarded projects demonstrated both technical excellence and potential for real-world deployment. Capgemini’s approach distinguished itself by balancing quantum theoretical innovation with direct industrial applicability.
The Capgemini Quantum Lab’s achievement underscores the rising importance of hybrid quantum-classical methods as practical early paths to quantum advantage in logistics, mobility, and other large-scale optimization domains.
More about the team:
Capgemini Quantum Lab
Capgemini’s Quantum Lab is a dedicated innovation hub and global network of 40+ experts focused on quantum technologies such as quantum computing, quantum algorithms, quantum communication incl. post-quantum security, and quantum sensing. Its main goal is to prepare Capgemini and its clients for a quantum-powered future by advancing cutting-edge research and practical applications in these areas, often through active industry collaborations, and by providing technology consulting services. The lab coordinates research initiatives and pilot projects to develop business-driven quantum solutions for sectors like life sciences, finance, automotive, aerospace and for the public sector. As part of Capgemini’s broader innovation strategy, the Quantum Lab exemplifies the company’s commitment to investing early in breakthrough technologies and delivering cutting-edge solutions to clients.
Members
Client Partner & Enterprise Architect
Capgemini
Christian Metzl is a seasoned business and technology consultant focused on innovation in automotive and mobility. As Client Partner and Enterprise Architect, he drives technology-business alignment for sustainable impact. He strongly advocates the application of quantum technology to address critical business challenges.
Data Scientist
Capgemini
Chris van den Oetelaar specializes in quantum hybrid solutions. He uses his algorithm expertise to cut problems into manageable chunks for early quantum adoption.
Senior Data Scientist
Capgemini
Juan Manuel Aguiar Hualde holds a PhD in condensed matter physics and specializes in quantum computation applied to material science with a focus on material discovery for sustainability and carbon capture.
Quantum Chemistry / Quantum Computing Professional
Capgemini
David David comes with a strong academic background in theoretical chemistry (PhD) and several years of experience as a software engineer. He is excited to explore and develop quantum computing technology to meet the needs of industry.
Quantum Technology Specialist
Capgemini
Kirill Shiianov comes with an academic background in condensed matter physics. He aspires to make the best use of near-term quantum computing hardware. His focus is on hardware-efficient routines, especially for quantum-hybrid optimisation algorithms.
Data Scientist
Capgemini
Kees Wagemans is a data scientist specializing in deep learning, with a keen interest in physics-based artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Kees loves exploring the synergies between machine learning and quantum computing.
Senior Data Scientist
Capgemini
Hans Kattouw is an optimization expert with a master’s in mathematics. In his work he focuses on planning and scheduling problems and has affinity with quantum as well.
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