Modovolo Deploys BQP Quantum-Inspired Software to Accelerate Drone Design

Drone manufacturer Modovolo has completed a commercial deployment of quantum-accelerated simulation software from developer BQP, aiming to significantly compress the design cycle for its next-generation unmanned aerial systems. The integration marks a key step in applying advanced computational methods to real-world engineering challenges.

Optimizing a New Generation of Hardware

The collaboration focuses on integrating BQP's flagship platform, BQPhy, into Modovolo’s engineering pipeline. According to details from the deployment, the software is being used to optimize a patent-pending line of 3D-printed propellers. BQPhy runs on a solver engine called QuantumNOW, which applies quantum-inspired algorithms to existing high-performance computing (HPC) and GPU infrastructure.

This technology allows Modovolo's engineers to run tens of thousands of design simulations, a substantial increase from the handful of variations possible with conventional computational fluid dynamics and structural optimization tools. Previously, Modovolo's internal methods, which relied on traditional genetic algorithms, could take days to produce a single design that was often discarded.

Market and Technology Context

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This deployment highlights a growing trend in the aerospace and defense sectors toward adopting advanced computational tools. The move allows companies to explore a much wider design space, potentially leading to more efficient and capable hardware.

The broader market for this technology is expanding rapidly. According to a 2026 report from McKinsey, global investment in quantum technology startups has reached $12.6 billion. Separately, Deloitte projects that U.S. aerospace and defense spending on advanced computational tools and AI will reach $5.8 billion by 2029.

BQP previously partnered with NVIDIA and Classiq to demonstrate workflows combining quantum and classical computing. Both BQP and Modovolo are portfolio companies of NY Ventures.