Cleveland Clinic has developed the power of quantum computing in the healthcare industry by launching the Clinic Quantum Innovation Catalyzer Program. This initiative aims to provide early- and growth-stage healthcare innovation companies with access to its new quantum computer, the first of its kind dedicated to healthcare research. The program is a collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic-IBM Discovery Accelerator, which forms the technological foundation of biomedical research in the Cleveland Innovation District. The State of Ohio, JobsOhio, and Cleveland’s healthcare and higher education institutions have come together to form this district, aiming to create jobs, accelerate research, and educate the future workforce.
This program offers great opportunity for startups to work alongside Cleveland Clinic researchers and participate in the Quantum Working Group on Healthcare and Life Sciences established with IBM Quantum. Dr. Lara Jehi, Cleveland Clinic’s chief research information officer, explained the potential of quantum computing to revolutionize various aspects of medicine, including drug discovery, digital health, and biomarker analysis. Selected startups will gain access to the Cleveland Clinic’s IBM quantum computer, and also the chance to engage with clinicians and investigators, benefit from technical seminars, and participate in healthcare programs and quantum education. Cleveland Clinic will host a demo day to showcase these startups to investors and clinical, corporate, and ecosystem partners at the end of the program.
The System One quantum computer, launched as part of a 10-year agreement with IBM, will accelerate biomedical discoveries across various clinical and pharmaceutical domains. Experts in the field, including Frederik Flöther of QuantumBasel, point out that the near-term prospects of quantum computing in healthcare include genomic sequence analysis, virtual drug screening, medical image classification, disease-risk prediction, and adaptive radiotherapy. This development also encourages health system IT leaders to consider quantum-safe solutions for data security, especially with the sensitive nature of medical data.
The Clinic Quantum Innovation Catalyzer Program may become a development hub for companies within biomedical research and advanced computing. The program will select up to four companies to commence work in 2024, focusing on areas such as drug discovery, biomarker discovery, digital health, and AI in medicine. These companies will have access to resources equivalent to $30,000, including the use of Cleveland Clinic’s IBM Quantum System One and space on the Cleveland Clinic campus for an immersive experience. The program also allows for collaboration with Cleveland Clinic investigators and participation in educational programs, offering a positive growth environment for the selected startups.
