SKU clustering, demand segmentation, and calendar effect isolation as graph partitioning problems. QAOA circuit design, MaxCut formulations, and honest benchmarks against classical alternatives.
Full-day workshop on QAOA for logistics combinatorial optimisation. Covers SKU clustering, demand segmentation, and calendar effect isolation as graph partitioning problems with honest NISQ benchmarks against classical competitors.
Many logistics decisions are discrete: which SKUs belong in the same replenishment cluster, which customers share ordering patterns, whether a demand spike is promotional or seasonal. These are graph partitioning and binary assignment problems where the Quantum Approximate Optimisation Algorithm (QAOA, Farhi et al. 2014) offers a structured quantum approach. QAOA uses alternating problem and mixer unitary layers with variational parameters optimised classically to find approximate solutions to combinatorial problems. This workshop teaches participants to formulate three logistics problems as MaxCut instances, implement QAOA circuits in Qiskit, and benchmark results against spectral clustering, k-means, and Goemans-Williamson relaxation. The workshop is direct about NISQ limitations. Qubit connectivity constraints force SWAP gate insertion that inflates circuit depth. Barren plateaus in the variational landscape make parameter optimisation difficult at moderate depths. For logistics-scale instances (hundreds of SKUs), classical methods currently match or exceed QAOA quality. The value of this workshop is understanding precisely what QAOA can do as hardware improves, so organisations can identify which of their discrete logistics problems will benefit first.
Full Day Workshop structure with scheduled breaks. Content is configurable to your organisation's SKU portfolio, customer segmentation needs, and analytical maturity.
| # | Session | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Discrete Logistics Decisions as Combinatorial Problems SKU clustering, demand segmentation, and calendar effect isolation as graph problems | |
| 2 | QAOA Theory and Circuit Design Farhi, Goldstone, and Gutmann (2014): the variational approach to combinatorial optimisation |
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| Break, after 60 min | ||
| 3 | Logistics Applications of QAOA Three specific problem formulations for logistics operations |
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| 4 | Interactive Demonstration Running QAOA on a logistics clustering problem |
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| Break, after 90 min | ||
| 5 | NISQ Constraints and Scaling Reality Where QAOA stands on current hardware and the path forward |
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| 6 | Integration and Research Roadmap When QAOA becomes practical for logistics operations | |
| 7 | Q&A and Action 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 SKU portfolio, customer segmentation needs, promotional calendar complexity, and existing analytical infrastructure. 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.
