Remember 2020? When COVID-19 swept the globe and pushed healthcare systems to the breaking point. Vaccines were developed at record speed, but it still took months for them to reach the public.
Now imagine if quantum technology were ready. Researchers could have simulated drug molecules in days instead of months. Infections might have been detected before symptoms appeared. Hospitals could have optimized resources with instant precision.
This wasn’t possible in 2020, but it’s becoming a reality in the not-so-distant future. Early breakthroughs in quantum technology are already promising faster discoveries, more accurate diagnostics, smarter treatments and more efficient systems.
Let’s dive into where quantum is making its mark – and where businesses in health innovation can find new opportunities:
1. Drug discovery
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how critical speed and precision are in drug discovery. Quantum simulation has the potential to model the behaviour of complex molecules with remarkable accuracy, helping researchers predict a drug’s efficacy before moving to costly and time-consuming trials.
This can be particularly useful in areas where traditional methods fall short – such as finding cures for rare diseases and finding new ways to tackle antibiotic resistance. Global tech leaders like IBM and Google are already investing in drug discovery research and applications.
Closer to home, Waterloo’s very own High Q Technologies Inc., is applying quantum tech to accelerate the development of next-generation therapeutics. Their high throughput Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) technology gives researchers a window into molecular behaviour, for faster, safer and more effective drugs.
Meanwhile, researchers from the Transformative Quantum Technologies (TQT) at University of Waterloo have been working on subatomic MRI that can potentially lead to new drugs and treatment options.
2. Precision medicine
Where drug discovery focuses on faster and accurate treatment options, precision medicine makes sure the treatment plan is truly personalized to patients for optimal health outcomes. Traditional precision medicine considers factors like genetics, patient history and lab results, but is often limited by today’s computational tools.
Quantum computing has the potential to sift through enormous amounts of data in richer detail to uncover subtle patterns that go undetected by classical computers. Research has shown that quantum computing could help develop personalized cancer vaccines by simulating the behaviour of tumor cells.
Quantum algorithms and AI together hold the promise of real-time clinical support to clinicians based on patient profile, even in complex cases, for the best possible treatment plans.
3. Diagnostics and medical imaging
Imagine detecting an infection before the symptoms show or spotting cancer cells as they form – this is the future that quantum-based diagnostics could unlock.
Quantum sensing has the potential to detect diseases sooner by enabling accurate imaging at molecular and atomic level. This could also mean non-invasive diagnostic techniques that can reveal disease markers much sooner than what our current diagnostic techniques offer.
In Waterloo, Institute for Quantum Computing and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) are taking the lead in developing next-generation quantum sensing technologies for making early diagnostics a reality. Another promising local startup, Foqus Technologies, is using quantum algorithms and machine learning to reduce MRI times from 45 minutes to just five – enabling faster and smarter scans and helping clinicians detect diseases earlier. Yet another quantum startup, BioGraph Sense Inc., has developed a nanoelectronics technology for improved diagnostics.
4. Healthcare systems optimization
Another area exposed by the pandemic was healthcare systems. As demand surged, the system was pushed to its breaking point. For years, healthcare has struggled to optimally allocate resources, improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
Quantum optimization algorithms can simulate countless scenarios in real-time, enabling shorter wait times, smarter staffing and more efficient use of hospital resources. As quantum hardware continues to improve, this is one of the first areas where quantum can deliver tangible, practical results.
At the same time, quantum cryptography promises unbreakable encryption, securing sensitive patient and health data as systems become more interconnected and data driven. Waterloo-based startups like EvolutionQ and QEYnet are actively creating post quantum cryptography solutions for ultra secure communications for businesses, including healthcare.
What should health tech leaders do today?
You don’t have to wait for the quantum to fully mature before taking action. Start by exploring research collaborations with labs like IQC and PIQuIL, partner with quantum startups and invest in building quantum expertise within your teams. Consider establishing a quantum R&D hub – a small group focused on incorporating quantum technology into your existing products – in a community like Waterloo, where you can find both quantum and tech workers.
Early engagement not only ensures accelerated innovation but also positions your organization to seize the opportunity when the time comes.
Why Waterloo?
It’s easy to see why our community is the right place for health innovation companies to explore quantum.
Our community offers a world-class quantum ecosystem with more than 300 researchers, a flourishing health innovation ecosystem of 100+ companies and a collaborative entrepreneurial culture. We have the talent, resources and ecosystem you need to begin your quantum journey.
Our team can answer your questions.