dunnhumby invests in data science and Quantum Computing research at leading UK university

LONDON, UK – 18 October 2021 – dunnhumby, the global leader in customer data science, is excited to announce investment in quantum computing, sponsoring a new PhD at Durham University.

This collaboration with the Durham Quantum Light and Matter (QLM) section of the Physics Department will explore the potential of nascent quantum technology to solve data science problems.

Working with Dr Nicholas Chancellor, this exciting project will transform the way data science uses quantum computing, helping identify how this emerging technology could be applied to issues within the retail industry, with the potential to transform the way people shop. The doctorate will investigate many aspects of quantum computing, from quantum as a service to tailoring effective quantum algorithms in the face of hardware limitations.

Many commercial companies are at the start of their quantum journey, and investing in academic partnerships helps to prepare for rapid developments in quantum hardware and the growing uptake of quantum in industry, representing a unique opportunity for original research with a high potential for real world-impact.

“Quantum computing is progressing to the stage where we need to go beyond just thinking about advancing the underlying technology, but also about how to use it,” explains Dr Nicholas Chancellor. “Through this important collaboration with dunnhumby, we have greater opportunity to identify new ways quantum computing can be applied to solve issues impacting business and industry”.

Bringing the outside in

dunnhumby has sponsored a number of PhDs and master’s students in the UK and US to leverage the latest academic thinking, and ensure the business continually refreshes its approach to data science. Academic research findings have been used in dunnhumby’s products and solutions to help businesses to put the customer at the heart of decision making.

“Our academic partnership programme is all about building relationships with leading universities like Durham University,” explains Rosie Prior, dunnhumby’s Innovation and Partnerships Manager. “Through collaborating with forward-thinking institutions, we find new ways to solve business problems, and by funding doctoral research positions, we can invest in, and grow, the next generation of data scientists.”

dunnhumby recently published a white paper on quantum computing, Demystifying Quantum Computing for Commercial Companies, which is downloadable here.

About dunnhumby

dunnhumby is the global leader in Customer Data Science, empowering businesses everywhere to compete and thrive in the modern data-driven economy. We always put the Customer First.

Our mission: to enable businesses to grow and reimagine themselves by becoming advocates and champions for their Customers. With deep heritage and expertise in retail – one of the world’s most competitive markets, with a deluge of multi-dimensional data – dunnhumby today enables businesses all over the world, across industries, to be Customer First.

The dunnhumby Customer Data Science Platform is our unique mix of technology, software and consulting, enabling businesses to increase revenue and profits by delivering exceptional experiences for their Customers – in-store, offline and online. dunnhumby employs over 2,500 experts in offices throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas working for transformative, iconic brands such as Tesco, Coca-Cola, Meijer, Procter & Gamble and Metro.