Quantum annealing hardware is available today. The question for logistics ML teams is whether it solves their specific combinatorial problems faster than classical alternatives. This workshop provides the evidence.
Quantum annealing for combinatorial search across feature selection spaces, promotion bundling configurations, and hyperparameter grids. Covers D-Wave architecture, QUBO formulation, benchmarks against classical solvers, and quantum-inspired alternatives.
Logistics ML pipelines face combinatorial explosions in three recurring areas: selecting predictive features from high-dimensional datasets, optimising promotion bundles across product catalogues, and tuning hyperparameter grids for demand forecasting models. Classical approaches (grid search, random search, Bayesian optimisation) scale poorly as the discrete search space grows. Quantum annealing, specifically D-Wave's Advantage system with 5000+ qubits, offers a fundamentally different approach: encoding these problems as QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimisation) and exploiting quantum tunnelling to traverse the energy landscape. Published benchmarks show competitive results on certain problem structures, though classical solvers including simulated annealing and Fujitsu Digital Annealer remain strong competitors. Quantum-inspired classical solvers are deployable immediately without hardware access. This workshop works through the formulation process for logistics-specific problems, examines the benchmark evidence honestly, and provides a decision framework for when annealing adds value versus when classical alternatives suffice.
Full-day session structure with scheduled breaks. Content is configurable to your team's ML stack, problem types, and existing optimisation infrastructure.
| # | Session | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Classical Hyperparameter Search and Its Limits Grid search, random search, and Bayesian optimisation at scale | |
| 2 | Quantum Annealing Fundamentals for Combinatorial Search D-Wave architecture, QUBO formulation, and embedding |
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| Break, after 50 min | ||
| 3 | Logistics Applications: Feature Selection, Bundling, and Tuning Where annealing adds value in retail and logistics ML pipelines |
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| 4 | Interactive Demonstration: Annealing Pipeline Full-day format only |
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| Break, after 60 min | ||
| 5 | Benchmark Evidence and Honest Assessment What works today, what does not, and quantum-inspired alternatives |
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| 6 | Vendor Landscape and Integration Practical deployment considerations |
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| 7 | Q&A and Pilot Planning | |
Workshops are designed and delivered by QSECDEF in collaboration with sector specialists. All facilitators have direct experience in both quantum technologies and logistics systems.
Workshop design and delivery
QSECDEF brings world-leading expertise in post-quantum cryptography, quantum computing strategy, and defence-grade security assessment. Our advisory membership spans 600+ organisations and 1,200+ professionals working at the intersection of quantum technologies and critical infrastructure security.
Domain expertise and operational validation
Logistics workshops are co-delivered with sector specialists who bring direct operational experience in logistics organisations. This ensures workshop content is grounded in regulatory, operational, and technical realities specific to the sector.
Sessions are configured around your ML pipeline architecture, problem types, and existing optimisation tools. Get in touch to discuss requirements and schedule a date.
Contact UsQuantum technologies are evolving quickly and new developments emerge regularly. This page was last updated on 15/03/2026. For the most current information about course content and suitability for your organisation, we recommend contacting us directly.
