QuEra Computing Leads Charge in Quantum Leap for Healthcare Advancements
BOSTON, December 3, 2024 – QuEra Computing, a leader in the field of neutral-atom quantum computing, has achieved a major milestone. Three research projects spearheaded by QuEra have been selected to advance to the second phase of Wellcome Leap’s prestigious Quantum for Bio Challenge. This competitive program aims to harness the unprecedented power of quantum technology to revolutionize healthcare and biological research.
QuEra’s selection is a testament to its standing in the rapidly evolving quantum realm. The company’s neutral-atom quantum computers are recognized as a promising avenue for developing large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum systems capable of solving complex problems currently beyond the reach of classical computers.
"As we move into Phase Two, we are thrilled to continue contributing our neutral-atom quantum computing expertise to these transformative healthcare and biology projects," said Nathan Gemelke, co-founder and Chief Technology Strategist at QuEra Computing.
The Quantum for Bio Challenge is designed to identify, develop, and demonstrate groundbreaking applications in healthcare and biology using quantum computers. The program will award up to $40 million in research funding to high-caliber, multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, up to $10 million in challenge prizes are available for successful proof-of-concept demonstrations using quantum devices with a clear path towards scalability.
The advancement to Phase Two represents a significant achievement for QuEra and the three research projects it’s leading. The first phase focused on developing innovative quantum algorithms. These breakthroughs were rigorously evaluated by Wellcome Leap experts.
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to continue working towards the ambitious goal of developing and utilizing this fast-developing quantum computing technology to help advance the treatment of a dreadful disease,” said Professor Jonathan Hirst, Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies and Professor of Computational Chemistry. “We hope that the project will be an exemplar that paves the way for wider impact across the pharmaceutical sector."
Phase Two is centered around large-scale simulations of the developed algorithms using powerful classical supercomputers. This critical step will involve simulating a quantum algorithm for 30 to 40 qubits and comparing the results with those obtained through traditional approaches.
QuEra stands out as the only public-access neutral-atom platform in the market, offering dynamic qubit manipulation for flexible and efficient quantum computations. Its computers operate at room temperature, seamlessly integrating with existing classical computing infrastructures.
The three promising projects led by QuEra are:
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Quantum Computing for Covalent Inhibitors in Drug Discovery: This project, led by the University of Nottingham, aims to address the immense challenge of drug discovery for myotonic dystrophy, a debilitating genetic disorder.
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Accelerating Drug Discovery Using Programmable Quantum Simulation: This Harvard and MIT-led project seeks to develop and implement scalable quantum simulation algorithms to accelerate the development of pharmaceuticals.
- Quanta-Bind: Demystifying Proteins: This project, spearheaded by qBraid, focuses on understanding the complex interactions between metal ions and proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
With three projects advancing to the next phase, QuEra Computing is demonstrating its leadership in bridging the gap between theoretical quantum research and tangible medical breakthroughs. These projects promise to usher in a new era of faster drug discovery and deeper understanding of complex biological processes.
About QuEra
QuEra Computing is the world leader in commercializing quantum computers using neutral atoms. Based on pioneering research at Harvard University and MIT, QuEra operates the world’s largest publicly accessible quantum computer.
