Quantum-South
Quantum-South is a Uruguayan quantum computing software company founded in 2019 that builds quantum-inspired optimization algorithms for cargo loading in airlines and ships, with SaaS APIs, custom proof-of-concept services, and select financial services applications for global enterprise customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersMontevideo, Uruguay
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Quantum-South does
Quantum-South is a private Uruguayan quantum computing software company founded in November 2019 as a spin-off from the University of Montevideo. The firm builds quantum-inspired optimization algorithms — primarily QU BO/Ising formulations mapped onto D-Wave quantum annealers (via AWS Braket), IBM Qiskit, and Microsoft Quantum infrastructure — to solve combinatorial optimization problems that classical algorithms handle poorly. Its flagship products address cargo loading for commercial airlines and ships: APSO (Automatic Package Selection and Ordering) for bin-packing within Unit Load Devices, an Automatic ULD Selection and Ordering module for aircraft bay loading, and maritime cargo optimization modules. The company also offers consulting and proof-of-concept services and markets an asset portfolio optimization module for financial services.
The company serves global enterprise customers across the air cargo value chain. Named engagements include IAG Cargo, Amerijet International, Singapore Airlines Cargo, and Air France-KLM, with documented outcomes such as up to 30% capacity utilization gains at Amerijet and load plan improvements at IAG Cargo. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales (custom PoCs) with self-service SaaS API access via the IATA Open API Hub, and channel access through the IBM Quantum Network, Microsoft Quantum Network, Kipu Quantum, and an NTT DATA alliance targeting Latin America. Revenue mechanics mix professional services (consulting and bespoke PoC development) with subscription/usage-based SaaS revenue from APSO, including a freemium demo tier.
The company has accumulated roughly $350K in disclosed grant and seed funding across three rounds (notably ANII in 2022), a team of approximately 10 named professionals, and a portfolio of recognitions including 2020 Airbus Quantum Computing Challenge finalist, 2024 Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge finalist, IDB Deep Tech Report 2023 feature, and IEEE Quantum Week speaking slot. Quantum-South is positioned as the first Latin American quantum computing startup and the first LAC member of the IBM Quantum Network.
Quantum-South firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Quantum-South
- Legal name
- Quantum-South
- Website
- https://quantum-south.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Quantum-South is a Uruguayan quantum computing software company founded in 2019 that builds quantum-inspired optimization algorithms for cargo loading in airlines and ships, with SaaS APIs, custom proof-of-concept services, and select financial services applications for global enterprise customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Quantum-South industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Quantum Computing Software for Logistics Optimization
- akta.pro primary industry
- Quantum Optimization (Combinatorial & Continuous) (HDAGADAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Quantum Application Engineering & Solution Delivery Services (HDAGALAD)
Keywords
Where Quantum-South is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Montevideo
- HQ country
- Uruguay
- HQ region
- Latin America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Quantum-South business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Quantum Computing Consulting Services: Consulting services help companies understand quantum computing paradigm and how it addresses complex problems. Includes business case development, proof-of-concept design with available quantum computers, and roadmap creation for quantum era preparation.
- Software-as-a-Service (APSO): APSO product delivered as SaaS through API. Users connect via API, input container and item data, define optimization objectives, and receive optimized load plans. Subscription-based access with usage through IATA Open API Hub.
- Proof-of-Concept Development: Custom PoC development for airlines involving real business scenarios with specific aircraft freighter models, source-destination locations, and operational constraints tailored to each customer's requirements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | IATA Open API Hub - Free Demo Tier |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Quantum-South product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Quantum-South develops and sells quantum computing software that solves complex combinatorial optimization problems in cargo logistics for airlines and maritime operators. Its primary products include APSO (Automatic Package Selection and Ordering) delivered as SaaS via API, Automatic ULD Selection and Ordering for aircraft loading, Air Cargo Optimization running on D-Wave quantum annealers through AWS Braket, and Maritime Cargo Optimization. The company also offers quantum computing consulting and custom proof-of-concept development.
Product overview
Quantum-South is a quantum computing software company offering a portfolio of optimization products for the cargo and financial services industries. The core offering consists of quantum-inspired optimization solutions for air cargo (including APSO for package selection and ordering and Automatic ULD Selection and Ordering for aircraft loading optimization) and maritime cargo optimization, with a Financial Services module for asset portfolio optimization. All products leverage quantum algorithms delivered via SaaS APIs, with consulting services to help companies adopt quantum computing technologies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Automatic Package Selection and Ordering (APSO) Quantum optimization tool for solving Bin-Packing Problems in cargo logistics. Delivered as SaaS via API to airlines, cargo handlers, and warehouse operators to optimize package selection and ordering within containers, ULDs, trucks, and aircraft, supporting multiple optimization objectives including revenue, weight, volume, and priority.
- Air Cargo Optimization on D-Wave Air cargo optimization application running on D-Wave quantum annealing platforms through AWS Braket, optimizing load of containers and ULDs in freighters and passenger aircraft with targets including revenue, priority, center of gravity, shear force, and volume.
- Maritime Cargo Optimization Quantum computing optimization algorithms applied to maritime cargo operations, providing loading plan optimization for vessels considering vessel capacity, container sizes and weights, and operational constraints.
- Financial Services Optimization Quantum computing research and development for financial services problems, including asset portfolio optimization leveraging the same quantum optimization approaches used for cargo logistics.
- Quantum Computing Consulting Consultancy services helping companies understand quantum computing paradigms and how they can address complex optimization problems. Includes business case development, proof of concept design with available quantum computers, and roadmap creation for the quantum era.
- Enhanced Air Cargo Optimization Solutions Comprehensive air cargo optimization software leveraging quantum-inspired algorithms for Unit Load Device (ULD) and pallet load optimization, aircraft load optimization, and fuel optimization through center of mass positioning.
Quantifiable outcome
- Capacity utilization increased by up to 30% (Amerijet International case study)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Quantum-South
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Quantum-South technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature5 records
Quantum-South partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.
- NTT DATAcoreFormalized alliance between NTT DATA and Kipu Quantum (with Quantum-South as Kipu Quantum's Latin American partner) to commercialize quantum computing for Latin American industries including banking, insurance, logistics, and retail.
- Kipu QuantumcoreStrategic partnership between Kipu Quantum (German quantum software company) and Quantum-South to transform industries across Latin America. The collaboration focuses on developing and deploying advanced quantum solutions for telecommunications, banking and financial services, and logistics. Kipu Quantum brings unique application- and hardware-specific quantum algorithms with novel algorithmic compression methods that can solve industry problems with 1,000-5,000 physical qubits.
- IATA (International Air Transport Association)coreAPSO (Automatic Package Selection and Ordering) API published on IATA's Open API Hub, the industry repository for airline organizations. Enables industry-wide discovery, collaboration, and integration of Quantum-South's quantum optimization solutions through the trusted industry platform.
- IBM Quantum NetworkcoreQuantum-South became the first Latin American company to join the IBM Quantum Network, gaining access to IBM's quantum computing systems, Qiskit Runtime, and a network of quantum expertise. This enables development, testing, and running of proof-of-concept solutions for cargo logistics optimization using IBM's quantum technology.
- Quantum BrilliancesecondaryPartnership between Quantum Brilliance (Australian quantum computing startup using synthetic diamond quantum accelerators) and Quantum-South to jointly develop and market products in shipping logistics optimization. Companies performing PoC implementations with air and marine cargo companies to demonstrate quantum computing potential for complex logistics problems.
- Microsoft Quantum NetworkcoreMember of Microsoft Quantum Network, university research and curriculum partner. Provides access to Microsoft quantum computing resources, tools, and ecosystem for product development.
- D-Wave SystemscoreQuantum-South uses D-Wave quantum annealers (accessible through Amazon Braket) for solving cargo optimization problems. D-Wave's 2000Q and Advantage quantum computers provide the hardware platform for running quantum annealing algorithms developed by Quantum-South.
- Pawsey Supercomputing CentreminorPartnership with Pawsey Supercomputing Centre and Quantum Supercomputing Innovation Hub as part of the Quantum Pioneer Program to demonstrate quantum utility through co-development projects with Australian companies.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Quantum-South competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Kipu Quantum: German quantum software company developing application- and hardware-specific quantum algorithms for industry problems. Kipu Quantum is Quantum-South's explicit strategic partner for the Latin American market and competes in the same quantum optimization space with algorithmic compression methods targeting 1,000-5,000 qubit problems.
- Multiverse Computing: Spanish quantum software company applying quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms to finance, logistics, and manufacturing. Closely comparable to Quantum-South in target verticals (financial services optimization, logistics) and business model (SaaS + consulting on top of quantum hardware from D-Wave, IBM, and others).
- 1QBit: Canadian quantum software company building optimization and machine learning applications on quantum hardware. Directly comparable as a quantum application development firm serving enterprise customers with optimization products and consulting services.
- Zapata Computing: US-based quantum software company focused on quantum workflows and enterprise optimization. Orquestra platform and quantum-inspired optimization algorithms for industrial customers make it directly comparable to Quantum-South's quantum optimization product offering.
- QC Ware: US-based quantum software company developing enterprise quantum applications and providing quantum computing access via its cloud platform. Directly comparable as a quantum software vendor serving Fortune 500 enterprise customers with optimization-focused products.
Broad incumbents
- D-Wave Systems: Canadian quantum hardware and software company commercializing the quantum annealer that Quantum-South relies on. While primarily a hardware provider, D-Wave also sells its own optimization solutions (e.g., for cargo and logistics), making it both a critical infrastructure partner and a potential competitor.
- Gurobi Optimization: US-based mathematical optimization solver vendor widely used in logistics and supply chain applications. The dominant classical optimization incumbent whose performance Quantum-South must beat to drive quantum adoption in enterprise cargo planning.
- IBS Software: India-based airline operations and cargo management software vendor with iCargo platform used by many major airlines. Represents the established cargo management software incumbent whose customers Quantum-South targets and whose integration pathways Quantum-South must navigate.
Emerging players
- Classiq: Israeli quantum software company providing a quantum algorithm development platform. Comparable as a quantum software vendor targeting enterprise customers, though Classiq focuses on the developer tooling layer rather than vertical-specific optimization applications.
- Hexaly (formerly LocalSolver): French optimization software vendor providing a mathematical solver for combinatorial optimization problems including bin-packing. Hexaly represents the classical optimization incumbent that Quantum-South's quantum approach must outperform to justify adoption in cargo loading.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Quantum-South social profiles
Digital presenceQuantum-South financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Quantum-South leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Quantum-South funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Quantum-South M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Quantum-South
What does Quantum-South do?
Quantum-South develops and sells quantum computing software that solves complex combinatorial optimization problems in cargo logistics for airlines and maritime operators. Its primary products include APSO (Automatic Package Selection and Ordering) delivered as SaaS via API, Automatic ULD Selection and Ordering for aircraft loading, Air Cargo Optimization running on D-Wave quantum annealers through AWS Braket, and Maritime Cargo Optimization. The company also offers quantum computing consulting and custom proof-of-concept development.
Is Quantum-South a public or private company?
Quantum-South is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Quantum-South founded?
Quantum-South was founded in 2019. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Quantum-South based?
Quantum-South is headquartered in Montevideo, Uruguay, in the Latin America region.
How does Quantum-South make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Quantum Computing Consulting Services are the primary driver. The others are software-as-a-Service (APSO) and proof-of-Concept Development.
Who are Quantum-South's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Kipu Quantum, Multiverse Computing, 1QBit, Zapata Computing and QC Ware. Broad incumbents are D-Wave Systems, Gurobi Optimization and IBS Software. Emerging players are Classiq and Hexaly (formerly LocalSolver).
Does Quantum-South have an API?
Yes. APSO (Automatic Package Selection and Ordering) is delivered as a Software-as-a-Service through an API. Users can connect to the API, input data manually, or upload CSV files containing container information, item data, maximum weight, and optimization objectives. The API returns optimized load plans for cargo loading scenarios. The APSO API is published on IATA's Open API Hub under the cargo category for demo testing with limited AWBs for free testing; users can contact sales to scale up testing. Developer documentation is at api.developer.iata.org/category/Cargo.
What industry is Quantum-South in?
Quantum-South's product category is Quantum Computing Software for Logistics Optimization. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAGADAB, Quantum Optimization (Combinatorial & Continuous), with a secondary code of HDAGALAD, Quantum Application Engineering & Solution Delivery Services.