Los Angeles Section

AIAA Los Angeles Section Lunch 'n Learn 11/14

(A hybrid event: In-person and online attendance)

Friday, November 14, 2025, 12 PM PST (GMT -0800) (U.S. and Canada)

Disclaimer: The views of the speakers do not represent the views of AIAA or the AIAA Los Angeles Section.

Tentative Agenda: (All Time PST (GMT -0800)) (U.S. and Canada)

1130 Check-in, Networking

1200 Welcome and Introduction

1205 Presentation and Q&A

1305 Additional Q&A (if needed) / adjourn.

Quantum Computing for Aerospace: Optimizing Aircraft Utilization

Within aerospace, there are many complex optimization challenges. Quantum computing is already starting to address some real-world demanding scenarios. At this webinar, D-Wave's VP Quantum Technology Evangelism will discuss the use cases within aerospace that quantum computers and quantum hybrid technology are best suited to solve.

One example is assigning aircraft to an airline's flight schedule. There are many constraints in this process-including time windows that must be met at different airports, airplane maintenance schedules, and much more. At Vueling, a low-cost Spanish carrier, this is currently a slow and manual process, and is subject to scheduling errors and other issues. Recently, Lighthouse DIG, a technology services firm, explored the use of D-Wave technology to automate this process. The result of this work was validation that D-Wave's hybrid quantum computing is already capable of addressing real-world optimization problems in the aviation sector. Parfait Atchadé, Chief Quantum Innovation Officer (CQIO) at Lighthouse DIG and a Research Affiliate at the MIT Media Lab, will discuss this project and the results.

Murray Thom

VP of Quantum Technology Evangelism at D-Wave

Murray Thom, VP of Quantum Technology Evangelism at D-Wave, has more than 20 years of experience in the quantum computing industry. A globally recognized speaker and thought leader, Murray helps businesses and organizations around the world understand quantum computing and the transformational impact it can have for them today. In previous roles at D-Wave he was responsible for the development and delivery of the Leap quantum cloud service and the Ocean open source tools. He has led teams engaged in customer projects related to applications, algorithms, and performance testing. He has even assembled a few early quantum computers by hand.

Parfait Atchade

Co-Owner and Chief Quantum Innovation Officer at Lighthouse DIG and Research Affiliate at the MIT Media Lab

Parfait Atchade-Adelomou is Co-Owner and Chief Quantum Innovation Officer at Lighthouse DIG and Research Affiliate at the MIT Media Lab. Holding a PhD in Quantum Computing, he specializes in quantum algorithms, hybrid optimization, and AI-driven modeling. He builds innovative solutions that help organizations and cities solve complex challenges, bridging the gap between advanced research and practical impact. His mission is to scale quantum and AI technologies from the lab into real-world applications that transform industries and society.