Quantum Computing: Life-sciences applications in practice [Hosted by Quantinuum]

Quantum Leaps in Life Sciences: Revolutionizing Medicine and Research with Advanced Computing

Dr. Ammira Al-Shabeeb Akil, Director/Principal Investigator at Sidra Medicine, highlighted quantum computing’s potential to solve complex biological problems currently beyond conventional medicine. She emphasized a critical shift from merely treating diseases to preventing them, citing challenges like preventing cellular damage and stopping specific antibody actions. This interdisciplinary effort, involving Professor Saif Al-Kuwari of HBKU and Mr. Thomas Soini, R&D Lead at Quantinuum, focuses on identifying precise molecular targets to design preventative interventions.

Regarding the CRitium project, a query about data latency was raised, given quantum computers are US-based. Mr. Thomas Soini clarified these are offline experiments, not real-time throughput systems. Computational problems are defined, processed on the quantum computer, and results are retrieved, ensuring data integrity without immediate latency constraints. Dr. Akil underscored strict data protection, stating sensitive hospital health records must remain within Qatar, ensuring data sovereignty.

Professor Saif Al-Kuwari confirmed plans to establish quantum computing infrastructure in Qatar, including building local machines. This initiative aims to cultivate a robust quantum community, believing that broader access will foster new applications and use cases. Dr. Akil added that localizing quantum computing will build essential capacity, training individuals to conceptualize and develop novel solutions for complex problems uniquely solvable by quantum methods.

On commercial aspects, the exact price of a quantum computer, like Quantinuum’s Helios, remains proprietary. Mr. Thomas Soini explained its bleeding-edge nature, requiring extensive R&D and bespoke component development, contributes to a significant, undisclosed cost. However, access to quantum hardware is available via cloud platforms, directly through Quantinuum or partners like Microsoft Azure, with transparent pricing for “quantum credits” and subscriptions.

Technically, an algorithm utilizing 61 qubits was discussed. Mr. Thomas Soini detailed the current focus on quantum error detection, which is more feasible than full correction. This involves identifying and discarding faulty circuit runs, then compiling statistics from reliable results, optimizing for accuracy in current quantum systems. The discussion also compared quantum capabilities with AlphaFold, suggesting quantum computers might be superior for protein reaction problems, highlighting AlphaFold’s limitations in predicting certain protein structures.

Dr. Ammira Al-Shabeeb Akil proposed Type 1 diabetes as an ideal “playground” for applying quantum computing. This would enable detailed studies into how proteins change configurations during disease processes, further demonstrating quantum computing’s transformative potential in understanding and addressing complex life science challenges.