IBM deploys first quantum computer at private sector site, targets disease discovery

CLEVELAND – Can quantum computing unravel the mystery of Alzheimer’s disease? Or other maladies that have defied conventional research and even supercomputers? Perhaps IBM and Cleveland Clinic will find out.

IBM on Monday unveiled its first quantum computer deployed at a private sector site, picking research-and-development partner Cleveland Clinic.

“With the unveiling of IBM Quantum System One at Cleveland Clinic, their team of world-class researchers can now explore and uncover new scientific advancements in biomedical research,” said Arvind Krishna, IBM’s Chairman and CEO, in the announcement. “By combining the power of quantum computing, artificial intelligence and other next-generation technologies with Cleveland Clinic’s world-renowned leadership in healthcare and life sciences, we hope to ignite a new era of accelerated discovery.”

IBM and Cleveland Clinic are operating under a 10-year “Discovery Accelerator” partnership launched in 2021. One intent is to help the clinic speed up biomedical research and discovery. The new Quantum System One is the first dedicated to healthcare research, according to IBM.

But there’s more. IBM also is deploying high-performance computing through hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence tools.

“This technology holds tremendous promise in revolutionizing healthcare and expediting progress toward new cares, cures and solutions for patients,” said Tom Mihaljevic, M.D., Cleveland Clinic’s CEO. “Quantum and other advanced computing technologies will help researchers tackle historic scientific bottlenecks and potentially find new treatments for patients with diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.”

Project highlights include:

• Development of quantum computing pipelines to screen and optimize drugs targeted to specific proteins;
• Improvement of a quantum-enhanced prediction model for cardiovascular risk following non-cardiac surgery; and
• Application of artificial intelligence to search genome sequencing findings and large drug-target databases to find effective, existing drugs that could help patients with Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

The post IBM deploys first quantum computer at private sector site, targets disease discovery first appeared on WRAL TechWire.

artificial intelligence
healthcare