Quantum Maritime Industry Challenge 2025
Orchestrated by Vernewell In Collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy | Powered by Abu Dhabi Ports Group
Accelerating Commercial Quantum Adoption in Maritime Systems
The Quantum Maritime Industry Challenge 2025 invites established solution providers in quantum computing and hybrid quantum-AI systems to propose cutting-edge approaches to real-world optimisation problems across the maritime value chain. This challenge aligns with the UAE’s strategic ambition to operationalise next-generation technologies for national and global advantage, under the leadership of Abu Dhabi Ports Group.
Hosted as a flagship track of the Quantum Maritime Conference 2025, the Industry Challenge offers a platform to present pre-commercial solutions, receive strategic visibility, and access post-event collaboration and deployment pathways with Abu Dhabi Ports and ecosystem partners.
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Ai Partner
Mission
To identify, validate, and scale commercially viable quantum-enabled solutions that can demonstrate measurable improvements in maritime logistics, emissions performance, operational resilience, and smart infrastructure.
Who Should Apply
Quantum technology companies
Hybrid quantum-classical software developers
Deep tech startups with maritime-relevant optimisation tools
AI firms integrating quantum-inspired architectures
Quantum technology companies
Hybrid quantum-classical software developers
Deep tech startups with maritime-relevant optimisation tools
AI firms integrating quantum-inspired architectures
Participants must demonstrate readiness to engage in feasibility assessment, simulation testing, and business case co-development.
Challenge Framework
Step 1: Challenge Briefing
A curated technical overview is shared with shortlisted applicants. Data access will be granted in stages, with initial analysis performed on non-sensitive synthetic or structured datasets. Full datasets will be provided following execution of NDAs and Data Sharing Agreements.
Step 2: Proposal Submission
Applicants submit a concise technical dossier addressing:
- Feasibility of execution (hardware/software, scalability)
- Estimated delivery timeline
- Evaluation of data sufficiency and assumptions
- Projected KPIs (efficiency, cost, processing gains, etc.)
Step 3: Showcase & Selection
Top proposals are showcased at Quantum Maritime Conference 2025. Abu Dhabi Ports and strategic evaluators select partners for post-event contracting.
Step 4: Co-Development & Deployment
Challenges Tracks
Smart Customs Anomaly Detection
Port Energy Load Forecasting
Crane & Berth Scheduling
Target: ≥15% productivity gain, 10-minute reduction in truck turnaround
Vessel Routing & Emissions Reduction
Target: ≥10% CO₂ savings on benchmarked voyages
Vessel Routing & Emissions Reduction
Target: ≥10% CO₂ savings on benchmarked voyages
Crane & Berth Scheduling
Target: ≥15% productivity gain, 10-minute reduction in truck turnaround
Port Energy Load Forecasting
Smart Customs Anomaly Detection
Strategic Impact for Winners
Efficiency-Driven Contracting
Proposals will be assessed for projected return on optimisation and benchmarked against key operational metrics.
Technology Visibility
Selected companies will gain prominent exposure through QMC25 channels, including press announcements, technical showcases, and investor briefings. Demonstration sessions will include media, procurement officials, and regulatory stakeholders.
Access to ADQ Pathways
Top-performing participants may be invited to engage with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) for infrastructure investment discussions, enabling scale-up opportunities across the UAE’s logistics and technology ecosystem.
Outcome
If the proposed benchmark and feasibility are accepted, Abu Dhabi Ports will sign a structured delivery contract with the participant for execution within a designated operational track.
Note: A full solution is not required at the proposal stage—only the submission of technical feasibility, projected KPIs, and delivery planning to inform contracting decisions.
Terms & Conditions
Governing the Quantum Maritime Use Case Challenge (Enterprise Track)
Organized by Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA) and Vernewell Management Consultancies (VMC)
Eligibility
Participation is limited to legally registered entities with demonstrated capabilities in quantum computing or hybrid quantum-classical solutions. Proof of corporate registration and technical portfolio may be requested by the organizers at any stage.
Proposal Ownership and Usage
Confidentiality and Data Sharing
All synthetic or anonymized datasets provided by VMC for the challenge shall remain the proprietary and confidential property of the data owner. Participants are not permitted to share or publish any part of the provided datasets without prior written authorization. Participants’ proprietary models and materials will be similarly protected under confidentiality. Parties will have to sign a mutual nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and Data Sharing Agreement prior to receiving proprietary datasets.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on their:
- Technical feasibility and clarity
- Realistic timeline and scalability
- Quantifiable performance indicators (e.g., optimization rate, resource efficiency)
- Commercial potential and relevance to port operations
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on their:
- Technical feasibility and clarity
- Realistic timeline and scalability
- Quantifiable performance indicators (e.g., optimization rate, resource efficiency)
- Commercial potential and relevance to port operations
Only those proposals that demonstrably exceed competing entries in performance and alignment with strategic goals and proposed benchmark are accepted and subject to sign a delivery contract with Abu Dhabi Ports for execution.
Post-Conference Commercial Engagement
Shortlisted participants may be invited to co-develop their solutions under a formal contracting process. Commercial terms and implementation milestones shall be determined through separate negotiations. No commercial rights or obligations shall arise from participation alone.
Intellectual Property and Commercial Terms
Participants must warrant that any algorithms, codebases, or solutions proposed are free from third-party ownership constraints or license restrictions that would inhibit deployment. Solutions developed post-selection may be subject to shared development frameworks, with commercial terms to be agreed upon by all parties involved.
Media, Visibility, and Access
Only participants selected for demonstration or award will be granted media exposure and access to decision-makers during the Quantum Maritime Conference. Press coverage and technical sessions will be curated in collaboration with VMC and ADMA.
Liability and Disclaimers
ADMA and VMC shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from or related to participation in the challenge. Participants assume full responsibility for the integrity and legality of their submissions and associated data. Participation in the challenge does not imply any warranty, representation, or guarantee by ADMA or VMC regarding future commercial outcomes, partnerships, or funding. Neither ADMA nor VMC shall be held liable for technical failures, miscommunications, or delays during the challenge process.
Disqualification and Legal Recourse
Any false claims of ownership, breach of confidentiality, or failure to meet milestone requirements may result in immediate disqualification. ADMA and VMC reserve the right to seek legal recourse under applicable UAE law.
Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Abu Dhabi courts.