Quanttum: Founders of Airbus simulator establish integrator to solve high impact challenges
Their first development has been used to train thousands of commercial pilots globally. Today, they come together for their most ambitious project: improving the lives of millions of people at a low cost, starting by addressing the need for security.
Cristián Acuña and Sebastián Rioseco were brought together by a passion for airplanes, but also by the financial difficulties they both experienced trying to fulfill the necessary flight hours and obtain their pilot licenses. To solve this pain, they invested eight years in creating a simulator for the Airbus 320 model, which ended up being so realistic and advanced, that they managed to get it certified by the Civil Aviation General Directorate (DGAC) and the French company that manufactures this aircraft.
In 2013, they founded the company ASD Chile and developed a special program for the SKY airline, to use the simulator in the transition of their pilots from the Boeing 737 to the new Airbus 320.
Almost a decade later, their first invention continues to be used in professional training for commercial pilots around the world. However, Cristián and Sebastián did not reap major financial benefits, as their youth and lack of experience led them to sell the technical rights and the company at a relatively low value. Sebastián continued his career as a commercial pilot in China, where he currently resides, and Cristián finished his studies as a civil engineer and obtained a master's degree in robotics at MIT.
QUANTTUM: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND NEW TALENTS
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Today, a project brings them together again. It is Quanttum, a triple impact integrator that they just launched. The concept comes from combining research, technical development, technologies, resources, and talents to make high-value and scalable ideas a reality that address the most urgent issues in people's lives, but at a low cost.
"Humanity has the tools to solve any challenge, regardless of its complexity. What is lacking are people committed to working together to achieve that goal," explains Cristián Acuña, who for the first time abandons his low public profile u2013 it is almost impossible to find information about him in the press, on the Internet, or social networks u2013 to promote Quanttum.
"We have a pioneering model of value creation, based on collaborative work and inspired by a common purpose, addressing needs greater than our own," points out Acuña.
This vision has attracted new partners to strengthen the value proposition and the development of solutions that are generated within the integrator: Fernando Contador, as Operations Director; Ignacio Santa Cruz, as Financial Director; Sebastián Goycoolea, as Business Strategy Director and Rodrigo González, who serves as Development Director.
CAPITAL RAISING
Recently, they raised an initial capital of USD $3 million for three solutions that are in the integrator's pipeline. The first is a device that will assist people in emergency situations, which is able to remotely and autonomously activate the user's support and safety network.
"The need for security is a national issue, affecting all citizens regardless of their age or where they live. According to the National Urban Security Citizen Survey, 64.2% of people stopped walking in certain areas or places due to a feeling of insecurity," explains Acuña.
Currently, they are working on the final prototyping with manufacturers overseas that ensure the quality standard and price margins that allow obtaining a device for widespread use and at low cost, "hopefully not exceeding USD$50", he maintains. The goal of Quanttum is that, during the first year, the device reaches a million Chileans, which is why they are evaluating different strategic alliances with entities and relevant market players "who have good coverage and allow us to generate a payment structure that makes its access more universal".
The other two solutions that have already passed the technical development stage are a free application for accompaniment, guidance, and vocational motivation for young people, which integrates Artificial Intelligence and a myriad of features and resources to help them make the best decision in terms of financing and professional alternatives. They are also working on a solution that optimizes the process of desalination plants to increase water production and valorize the brine, preventing it from continuing to be a waste that is dumped into the sea.