CASE STUDY 5 Q4Bio – accelerating the application of quantum computing in human health The Wellcome Leap Q4Bio supported challenge programme was launched in September 2023 with $50 million in funding to accelerate quantum applications in biology. The programme is structured as a DARPA-style challenge but with a global mandate, and is designed to move from problem identification to feasibility demonstrations on real hardware within just thirty months. Q4Bio unfolds in three phases. Phase 1 identified health problems most likely to benefit from quantum approaches, starting with twelve initial teams. Phase 2 supported eight teams in simulating and verifying algorithms. Phase 3 now supports six finalists who must demonstrate working solutions on near-term quantum computers. These collaborations bring together multidisciplinary teams from universities, start-ups, technology companies, national labs and healthcare leaders. Each team combines expertise in hardware, software and biology to ensure that algorithms are both scientifically rigorous and clinically relevant. Six finalist teams –Algorithmiq, IBM and Cleveland Clinic –Nottingham, Phasecraft and QuEra –Harvard, MIT and QuEra –Infleqtion, MIT and University of Chicago –Oxford University, Cambridge University and Wellcome Sanger Institute –Stanford University, NASA, Brown University, Virginia Tech, Michigan State University and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab The programme’s goal is not to wait for fully mature machines, but to demonstrate meaningful progress with the quantum computers expected in the next three to five years, while they are still advancing towards technical maturity. By requiring solutions that can be realized in this timeframe, Q4Bio helps close the gap between emerging hardware and pressing health applications. Teams are also required to benchmark their approaches against best-in-class classical algorithms in healthcare, ensuring that progress is measured against the strongest existing standards rather than theoretical baselines. For Q4Bio, success is measured in frameworks that connect biological problems to quantum solutions end to end, creating meaningful scientific results while building confidence for adoption. Teams are already attracting additional funding and partnerships, extending the impact beyond the programme’s initial investment. In a fast-moving and competitive field like health and life sciences, waiting for a clear tipping point is a risky strategy that could leave you outpaced – and once that happens, catching up may prove improbable, if not impossible. The edge will belong to those who act while others hesitate. Shihan Sajeed, Program Director, Q4Bio Quantum Technologies: Strategic Imperatives for Health and Healthcare Leaders 25

Quantum Technologies Strategic Imperatives for Health and Healthcare Leaders 2025