Twenty years and billions in investment have failed to consistently replicate animal protein functionality in plant-based alternatives, but Pasqal (Nasdaq: PSQL) and True Nexus report a first step toward solving this costly problem. The companies successfully encoded selected protein structures on Pasqal’s neutral-atom quantum computer, focusing on the molecular mechanisms behind gelation, how liquids turn into gels.
This milestone aims to bridge the gap between reading a protein’s sequence and predicting its behavior, a challenge that has long hindered the food and biotech industries. “Encoding real protein structures on our neutral-atom processors shows how quantum computing can address problems relevant to industry and nations,” said Mark Armstrong, CCO EMEA of Pasqal.
Neutral-Atom Quantum Tech Models Protein Gelation Mechanisms
The ability to computationally model protein gelation represents an advance in food technology, as Pasqal and True Nexus have demonstrated by encoding protein structures on a neutral-atom quantum computer. True Nexus and Pasqal are now addressing this longstanding issue by focusing on protein functionality, how proteins gel, bind, foam, and create texture, rather than simply their genetic sequence.
This collaboration successfully encoded selected protein structures relevant to gelation, marking a first step toward computationally accessible protein functionality. This is particularly relevant given that protein demand is projected to approach USD 1 trillion by 2030, with substantial opportunities for plant-based and regionally sourced proteins if their performance can be reliably designed.
The implications extend beyond improving food textures; Dominik Grabinski, Chief Executive Officer of True Nexus, believes this work fundamentally changes the protein economy. “This is the moment protein functionality stops being a mystery and starts becoming designable,” Grabinski said.
“Together with Pasqal, we are bringing the chemistry that governs how proteins behave onto neutral-atom quantum hardware, opening a new path to understand, predict and ultimately design protein functionality.” The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia views this milestone as a demonstration of applied quantum technology with national significance, potentially establishing the nation as a leader in AI and quantum applications for life sciences and biotechnology, in support of Vision 2030.
The computational engine developed through this collaboration could also be applied to sectors including energy, drug discovery, and materials science, under a proposed initiative called the Saudi Quantum DeepTech Foundry, further solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for quantum technology.
Encoding real protein structures on our neutral-atom processors shows how quantum can move from the lab toward the problems that matter to industry and to nations.
Mark Armstrong, CCO EMEA of Pasqal
See today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals.
