Cleveland Clinic has been chosen by Wellcome Leap to lead a quantum computing research project in collaboration with IBM Quantum. The project aims to develop quantum algorithms for predicting protein structures, potentially leading to more effective therapies. A second project, led by Algorithmiq, will explore how quantum computing could assist in the development of photon-activated drugs for cancer. Both projects are part of Wellcome Leap’s Quantum for Bio Challenge, which will award up to $40 million to researchers globally. Earlier this year, the first IBM quantum system dedicated to healthcare research was installed at Cleveland Clinic.
Cleveland Clinic’s Quantum Computing Research Project
Cleveland Clinic, a healthcare research institution, has been chosen by Wellcome Leap, a U.S.-based non-profit organisation, to spearhead a quantum computing research project. This project is part of Wellcome Leap’s Quantum for Bio Challenge, which aims to accelerate the development of quantum computing applications for healthcare. The challenge will provide up to $40 million to 12 researchers worldwide. Cleveland Clinic will also be involved in another project led by Algorithmiq, a technology company, both in collaboration with IBM Quantum.
Protein Conformation Prediction with Quantum Computing
One of the projects that Cleveland Clinic will be working on involves the prediction of protein conformation using quantum computing. In partnership with IBM Quantum, Cleveland Clinic aims to develop quantum algorithms and workflows to explore their potential in creating universal, scalable methods for predicting protein structures more accurately and quickly. This research could lead to new insights into how proteins function and interact with other molecules, which could help in understanding the manifestation of diseases and developing more effective, targeted therapies.
Quantum Computing for Photon-Drug Interactions in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
The second project, in collaboration with IBM Quantum and Algorithmiq, focuses on the development of computational tools to explore how quantum computing could assist in the development of photon-activated drugs for cancer. The project team will utilise Algorithmiq’s drug discovery platform, Aurora, which uses IBM’s quantum hardware, and Cleveland Clinic’s extensive experience in bringing relevant drug applications suitable for demonstrating quantum advantage.
Wellcome Leap’s Supported Challenge Program in Quantum for Bio
Wellcome Leap’s Supported Challenge Program in Quantum for Bio is focused on identifying, developing, and demonstrating biology and healthcare applications that will benefit from the use of quantum computers expected to emerge in the next 3-5 years. Up to $40 million in research funding will be awarded to the selected teams and up to $10 million in challenge prizes will be available at the end of the program for successful proof-of-concept demonstrations on quantum devices with a clear path to scaling to large quantum computers.
Cleveland Clinic and IBM’s Partnership
Earlier this year, the first IBM quantum system dedicated to healthcare research was installed on Cleveland Clinic’s main campus. This marked a significant milestone in the partnership between the two organisations, which was announced in 2021. The partnership is focused on advancing the pace of biomedical research through high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. Since then, researchers have been working together on a robust portfolio of projects with these advanced technologies to progress how they can be used to generate and quickly analyse large amounts of data for a wide-range of disease-focused research. Cleveland Clinic has launched more than 30 projects with IBM in diverse areas of interest spanning drug discovery, predictive modelling, and digital health, aiming to shrink the time to develop new therapies for patients.
Summary
“Cleveland Clinic, in collaboration with IBM Quantum and Algorithmiq, has been chosen to lead two quantum computing research projects aimed at advancing healthcare applications. The projects, funded by Wellcome Leap, will focus on developing quantum algorithms for predicting protein structures and creating computational tools for the development of photon-activated drugs for cancer.”
- Cleveland Clinic has been chosen by Wellcome Leap to lead a quantum computing research project, in collaboration with IBM Quantum. They will also play a significant role in another project led by Algorithmiq.
- The projects are part of Wellcome Leap’s Quantum for Bio Challenge, which will award up to $40 million to 12 global researchers for research on quantum computing applications in healthcare.
- The first project, Protein Conformation Prediction with Quantum Computing, will see Cleveland Clinic and IBM Quantum develop quantum algorithms to predict protein structures more accurately and quickly. This could lead to better understanding of diseases and development of more effective therapies.
- The second project, Quantum Computing for Photon-Drug Interactions in Cancer Prevention and Treatment, involves Algorithmiq, IBM Quantum, and Cleveland Clinic. The team will develop computational tools to explore how quantum computing could assist in the development of photon-activated drugs for cancer.
- Earlier this year, the first IBM quantum system dedicated to healthcare research was installed at Cleveland Clinic. Since then, they have launched more than 30 projects with IBM in diverse areas of interest including drug discovery, predictive modelling, and digital health.
- The new Wellcome Leap projects, including a collaboration with startup, Algorithmiq, are part of the Cleveland Clinic-IBM Discovery Accelerator’s mission to create an innovation ecosystem in Ohio.