Universal Quantum Joins Institute to Advance Endometrius Therapeutics

Universal Quantum has partnered with the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) to explore quantum computing applications, beginning with research into endometriosis, a condition affecting 10% of women globally. The collaboration aims to accelerate the discovery of non-hormonal, shelf-stable therapeutics, particularly for underserved populations, by simulating bio-molecular systems on quantum processors. Universal Quantum, a European firm building systems designed to scale to millions of qubits, joins academic, industry, and institutional partners within the OQI, which was launched to support quantum use cases aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Quantum Computing Focuses on Endometriosis

Universal Quantum has initiated a collaborative project with the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) to explore the application of quantum computing to endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately 10 per cent of women globally. The project primarily focuses on investigating whether quantum simulations can expedite the discovery of non-hormonal, shelf-stable therapeutics, with a particular emphasis on improving access for underserved populations in rural and economically developing regions. This research represents a commitment to applying quantum computing purposefully, recognising that advancements in women’s health have historically been overlooked.

As part of this undertaking, Universal Quantum will work with biomedical, computational chemistry, and women’s health experts to simulate bio-molecular systems using quantum processors, integrating these insights into existing drug discovery workflows. The OQI, launched by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) in collaboration with organisations including the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and CERN, serves as a neutral platform for exploring and supporting quantum use cases with global public benefit. Universal Quantum’s membership in the OQI reflects a dual commitment to developing scalable, fault-tolerant quantum hardware and ensuring responsible governance and deployment of the technology, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Universal Quantum is pursuing a fully industrialised path to large-scale ion-trap quantum computing, building systems designed to scale to millions of qubits, with a focus on real-world impact and ethical application. The company acknowledges that solving complex challenges like endometriosis will require a multi-faceted approach, and that quantum computing is one component of a broader solution, necessitating collaboration and the integration of domain-specific knowledge. This project is part of a wider effort to apply quantum technologies to areas including climate science, healthcare, and food security.

Partnership Aims to Accelerate Drug Discovery

Universal Quantum’s partnership with the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) signifies a commitment not only to building scalable, fault-tolerant quantum hardware, but also to ensuring responsible governance and deployment of such technology, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As one of few European companies pursuing a fully industrialised path to large-scale ion-trap quantum computing, Universal Quantum is developing systems designed to scale to millions of qubits, prioritising real-world impact and ethical application from the outset.

The company recognises that tackling complex challenges such as endometriosis requires a multi-faceted approach, and that quantum computing alone will not provide a complete solution; therefore, collaboration and the integration of essential domain knowledge are crucial components of the research. Universal Quantum will collaborate with experts in biomedicine, computational chemistry, and women’s health to simulate bio-molecular systems on quantum processors and better integrate these insights into drug discovery workflows, furthering the potential of quantum computing in healthcare applications.

Universal Quantum’s Broader Quantum Strategy

Universal Quantum is building systems designed to scale to millions of qubits, with real-world impact and ethical application in mind from the outset. The company’s membership in the OQI reflects its dual commitment: to developing scalable, fault-tolerant quantum hardware and to ensuring responsible governance and deployment of such technology.

As part of its endometriosis research, Universal Quantum will collaborate with experts in biomedicine, computational chemistry, and women’s health to simulate bio-molecular systems on quantum processors and better integrate these insights into drug discovery workflows. Launched by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) in collaboration with the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU), CERN, and other international bodies, the OQI serves as a neutral platform to explore and support quantum use cases with global public benefit – from climate science to healthcare, food security and beyond.

Universal Quantum joins a growing list of academic, industry, and institutional partners working to ensure that quantum technologies are developed and applied in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr Sebastian Weidt, CEO and co-founder of Universal Quantum, stated that solving complex challenges like endometriosis will not be solved by quantum computing alone, and that collaboration and the integration of domain-specific knowledge are essential.