Universidad de Montevideo and Quantum-South collaborate to boost developments in quantum technologies in Uruguay.

Montevideo, December 8th, 2021.

Universidad de Montevideo and Quantum-South signed a collaboration agreement to allow scientific and technological collaboration in fields of common interest, particularly in quantum computing. The research activities at the university led to different quantum initiatives which included the birth of a startup focused on quantum computing application. Both organizations will continue working together for the development of quantum computing capabilities in Uruguay.

The Rector of Universidad de Montevideo, Dr. Juan Manuel Gutiérrez Carrau, met on Friday, November 5th at the headquarters of the Universidad de Montevideo with the Dean of the Engineering School of the Universidad de Montevideo (FIUM), PhD Martín Tanco; the FIUM Research Director, PhD Rafael Sotelo; and one of the founders of the FIUM’s Quantum Computing group, Martin Machin, to sign a collaboration agreement between the University and the software company Quantum-South.

Quantum-South is a startup founded by Universidad de Montevideo professors and students, that works on optimization applied to logistics and finance using quantum computing. The objective of the agreement consists of science and technology cooperation between both entities, focusing specifically on the scientific and technological development of quantum computing applications.

Dr. Rafael Sotelo said that in 2019 “we set up a multidisciplinary team at Universidad of Montevideo with professors and students of Civil, Telecom, Industrial and Computer Science Engineering to participate in the global Airbus Quantum Computing Challenge. We worked on Problem Number 5 for Aircraft Loading Optimization, made a submission and became one of the 5 finalists”.
Airbus jury members evaluated the proposals to determine both the scientific and quantum computing merits and the potential to translate into aerospace specific applications.
From Airbus' perspective, the proposals exceeded expectations and found them impressive with high potential. "The clarity of the formulations, despite the tight deadline, was really impressive" said Lee-Ann Ramcherita, Innovation and Marketable Services at Airbus Flight Physics.
Thierry Botter, Head of Airbus Blue Sky, concluded that "the quality of the submitted proposals also reflected the high potential for future industry-academia collaboration".

In 2020 Universidad de Montevideo joined the Microsoft Quantum Network, a broad community made up of individuals and organizations collaborating with Microsoft to advance a comprehensive quantum ecosystem, develop practical solutions, and accelerate quantum education community. Being the first university in Latin America to join this network, Universidad de Montevideo uses Microsoft’s quantum development resources, including Q# and the Quantum Development Kit, to deliver quantum programming courses for students in the Telematics and Computing Engineering Programs and Masters in Applied Research in Engineering programs.

During 2020 Quantum-South participated in an acceleration program in Europe with IoT Tribe (London and Madrid) and shaped the structure and focus of the company. Since then, Quantum-South is being positioned as the only quantum computing company focusing on logistics for air cargo. In this journey Quantum-South is partnering with the top quantum computing hardware and platforms and addressing the main cargo companies.

Martin Machin stated that Quantum-South will offer internships and end-of-degree projects to Universidad de Montevideo students, both in Engineering and in other careers.

Within the framework of technical assistance between institutions, the following activities are contemplated:

1. Organization and participation in congresses and academic and professional symposia in the area at the national, regional and international levels.

2. Publication of academic and professional articles in the area at a national, regional and international level.

3. Lectures or seminars by Quantum-South professionals on topics of their specialty to Universidad de Montevideo students or the general public.

4. Joint research and development projects.

5. Reciprocal loan of laboratory equipment.

6. Participation of Quantum-South professionals in courses or seminars conducted by Universidad de Montevideo.

7. Reciprocal technical and logistical assistance, including the formation of work teams on specific engineering topics.

“I am delighted that Universidad de Montevideo and Quantum-South are taking a leadership role together to develop quantum computing capabilities in Uruguay for the global market. Building such capabilities positions Uruguay and Universidad de Montevideo in the innovation and quantum technology map. We are very happy to contribute to the early development and adoption of quantum computing technologies and we are excited to be able to do this from Uruguay. Universidad de Montevideo started this journey a few years back and this is another important step on that.” – Dr Martin Tanco, Engineering School Dean, Universidad de Montevideo.

Universidad de Montevideo and Quantum-South are currently executing a project with partial funding from the National Research and Innovation Agency (ANII), entitled "Load optimization software for the transport industry, using quantum computing."

Contact:
Quantum-South
Martin Machin
mmachin@quantum-south.com
Av. Ing. Luis P. Ponce 1307
11300 Montevideo - Uruguay

About Universidad de Montevideo

The Universidad de Montevideo was launched in 1986 as the Instituto de Estudios Empresariales de Montevideo (IEEM) in the Uruguayan Stock Exchange building. The institute was a pioneer in offering Master´s Degree Programs in Business Law, International Trade Law, and Economic Administrative Law in Uruguay. In 1992, the IEEM Business School launched a Master´s Degree Program in Business Administration.

Legally established as a non-profit organization, IEEM was authorized to operate as a private university when the Uruguayan government issued the decree 308/995, which established the requirements for the authorization and career recognition of private universities. Since then, the UM has grown and developed a solid national and international reputation based on its rigorous educational programs, renowned faculty, insightful publications and in-depth research projects.

In 1995, the University introduced the first undergraduate degree in Business Administration. Today the Universidad de Montevideo offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees within five Schools, the IEEM Business School and the Center for Biomedical Science.

https://www.um.edu.uy/
Contact information: info@um.edu.uy

Prudencio de Pena 2544
11300 Montevideo - Uruguay

About Quantum-South

Founded in 2019, Quantum-South works with complex optimization problems for cargo in airlines and ships leveraging quantum computing software. Quantum South was born in Universdad de Montevideo and is the first quantum start-up in Latin America. Quantum-South aims to achieve better results than conventional solutions available today and help companies to improve revenues and reduce costs. Quantum-South also works in solving financial sector problems where the quantum utility provides better solutions.

https://www.quantum-south.com
Contact information: info@quantum-south.com

Av. Ing. Luis P. Ponce 1307
11300 Montevideo - Uruguay

This release was published on openPR.