Quantum Base Alpha


Quantum Base Alpha is a start up based in the Institute of Physics Accelerator in London and Brighton.  We are conducting research and development on using quantum inspired algorithms to solve critical issues facing humanity.


Our first project is tackling aircraft carbon emissions by optimising existing flight path algorithms using Quantum inspired techniques .


Quantum computing offers the possibility of technology exponentially more powerful than present .


It will change the entire world by solving problems that seem intractable today.


In October 2019 Google announced "quantum supremacy" where its quantum processor performed a specific task faster than any existing clasical supercomputer .


Microsoft, Intel, IBM and China amongst others are also heavily investing in the field.


We have recently been awarded an Innovate UK Fast Grant to acclerate our work.






Our Research & Development


QBA is a verified member of the DRIVA (Digital Research & Innovation Value Accelerator) project.


This is a £1.3m University of Brighton research project funded by the European Structural Investment Fund and Arts Council England that aims to provide technology SMEs supported and authorised access to Gatwick Airport’s big data.


Using access to this proprietary data we are working to help reduce the take-off and landing emissions at Gatwick Airport .


Current Quantum Computers ( NISQ noisy intermediate scale quantum) are highly affected by interactions with the real classical world and hence are prone to error ( noise.)


Approaches using hybrid quantum-classical systems are showing promise in being useful in assisting with real world problems in the near term whilst also giving a platform for further development as Universal Quantum Computing evolves.


Using classical supercomputing together with exisiting Quantum hardware devices essentially allows the NISQ portion to focus on the intractable part of the problem . 


One such technique,amongst others,is Parametised Quantum Circuit Machine Learning neatly summarised here.


Once our project to investigate using these techniques is completed we will take best practices and methodologies of utilising Quantum Computing together with current Supercomputing and apply them to other industrial areas with currently unsolvable problems.


The Gatwick issue : an example


The UK  Government has passed laws that require all greenhouse gas emissions to be net zero by 2050.


Pre Covid 19 UK aviation growth was projected to be 85% by 2050. 


No technology presently exists than can cope with that and deliver net zero Carbon.


By 2050 Global Green House Gas (GHG) emissions are projected to be as high as 1.7 Billion Metric Tons of CO2 equivalent. Clearly even a 1% reduction would make a significant difference.


Hence the importance of investigating the potential of Quantum Computing in this area.

433,385 Metric Tonnes CO2 emissions per year at Gatwick alone.


Though the London hub is the busiest in the world there are over 41,000 other Airports globally.

Other  emissions such as hydrocarbons and particulates hazardous to life

Currently needs a Carbon offset of 7.1 Million trees being grown for 10 years...for Gatwick alone.

Source : Gatwick Airport Carbon Report 2019 US Environmental Protection Agency