Embracing the Quantum Economy 2024

Quantum communication and security More resilient keys for advanced mobile security (SK Telecom, Samsung Electronics and ID Quantique)83Quantum RNGs can produce truly random numbers, which are crucial for generating secure cryptographic keys. These keys can be used to encrypt transaction data and authenticate users. The unpredictability of QRNGs makes it extremely difficult for fraudsters to break the encryption, thereby enhancing the security of financial transactions. Secure communication channels (China Telecom and QuantumCTek; BT and Toshiba; SPTel and SpeQtral; Boeing)84China Telecom uses QuantumCTek’s QKD technology to secure its communication channels, ensuring data transmitted over its network is protected against eavesdropping and cyberattacks, providing enhanced security for customers. British Telecom is working on a quantum-secured optical fibre network using Toshiba’s QKD technology. SpeQtral is working on space-based QKD with SPTel’s telecom infrastructure. Boeing is working on a quantum networking satellite Q4S based on QKD to be launched in 2026. Use cases covered in pharmaceuticals and healthcare A.1.3Use cases covered in technology and telecommunications (continued) A.1.2 Quantum computing High-throughput ligand interaction simulationQuantum-inspired algorithms on classical computers use principles derived from quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to enhance the simulation of ligand-protein interactions. This method enables the rapid evaluation of chemical compound libraries, identifying potential candidates for therapeutic drugs by predicting binding affinities and specificity with high precision. mRNA secondary structure prediction (Moderna and IBM)85The emergence of mRNA-based therapeutics has effected a paradigm shift in the landscape of medicine. Accurate prediction of mRNA secondary structure is critical in designing RNA-based therapeutics as it dictates various steps of an mRNA life cycle, including transcription, translation and decay. Moderna’s application explores how quantum computers could enable scientists to predict mRNA secondary structures at greater scale, accuracy and efficiency than ever before. Moderna and IBM have examined the feasibility of solving the mRNA secondary structure prediction problem on a utility-scale quantum computer with sequence lengths of up to 60 nucleotides representing problems in the qubit range of 10 to 80. Optimizing clinical trial designsClinical trials are essential for the development of new medical treatments, but they are often costly and time- consuming. By leveraging advanced algorithms and data analytics, the design of clinical trials can be optimized to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This includes selecting the right patient populations, determining optimal dosing strategies and predicting potential outcomes. Optimization techniques can help reduce the duration and cost of trials while increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. Quantum sensing Detection of cardiovascular diseases (SandboxAQ)86Quantum magnetometers can detect extremely subtle changes in magnetic fields caused by heart activity. They are being used by SandboxAQ for early detection of cardiovascular diseases by monitoring anomalies in the heart’s magnetic fields. Research is in progress to develop similar quantum sensors that can be used to detect quantum magnetic fields in the brain (MEG) for Parkison’s disease detection, and to detect arrhythmias (of the heart) in the foetus. High-precision medical imagingHigh-precision medical imaging relies on accurate timing synchronization to produce detailed and reliable images of the human body. Quantum clocks, known for their exceptional accuracy and stability, can be used to synchronize the timing of imaging devices such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography) and PET (positron emission tomography) scanners. This synchronization ensures that the data collected from different sensors and imaging modalities are perfectly aligned, leading to higher-resolution images and more accurate diagnostics. The use of quantum clocks can significantly enhance the performance of medical imaging systems, enabling early detection and better treatment planning for various medical conditions. Quantum-enhanced advanced diagnostic imagingQuantum-enhanced imaging techniques utilize quantum technologies to significantly improve the resolution and sensitivity of devices like MRI and PET scanners. These advancements enable the detection of minute anomalies, facilitating earlier and more accurate diagnoses of conditions such as cancer and vascular diseases. Quantum sensors also enhance multi-modal imaging by precisely synchronizing data, leading to higher-resolution images. This technology holds great promise for improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning in critical medical cases. Remote vital signs monitoringQuantum acoustic sensors detect minute vibrations and sound waves, enabling non-invasive, real-time monitoring of vital signs like heart rate and respiratory rate. These sensors provide unprecedented sensitivity, crucial for telemedicine applications, where continuous monitoring is essential. Their integration into healthcare systems can detect irregularities early, improving outcomes, especially in remote or underserved regions. This technology represents a significant leap for personalized, remote healthcare. Embracing the Quantum Economy: A Pathway for Business Leaders 51