Quantum Technologies Strategic Imperatives for Health and Healthcare Leaders 2025

Conclusion Quantum technologies are poised to transform healthcare, advancing drug discovery, diagnostics and treatment, and safeguarding sensitive patient data. The integration of quantum computing, sensing, communication and security opens up new frontiers for life sciences and healthcare. As quantum technologies continue to evolve, opportunities that can benefit the health industry grow exponentially. Major barriers such as hardware limitations and scalability issues persist, however, while significant ethical and regulatory challenges require further attention. Now is the time for life sciences and health leaders to begin to shape our future use of quantum technologies. Finding sponsorship from the executive board to initiate pilot projects is an essential step for testing quantum for health solutions and gathering initial outcomes. Businesses should identify key areas for investment, considering the market potential and the talent required to achieve the desired results. Due to safety risks concerning unknown long-term effects of exposure to quantum devices or materials on human health, a rigorous set of standards and multilayer regulations will be needed to move from clinical trials to actual deployment. Potential bias in quantum-AI systems might also generate a trust crisis, if not developed with a responsible approach. Multidisciplinary teams are needed, therefore, to study the long-term implications of this frontier technology from every possible angle. The World Economic Forum is actively engaged via the Quantum Economy Network and the Digital Healthcare Transformation Initiative in promoting dialogue among creators, deliverers and enablers, helping to prioritize the necessary steps to scale the ecosystem and connect investors with quantum start-ups to promote a culture of innovation. As testament to the Forum’s willingness to contribute to this agenda, UpLink and the Quantum Economy Network launched the Quantum for Society Challenge12 in November 2024 to find impactful, scalable quantum solutions to secure a sustainable and healthy future. Quantum can become a powerful force for a more personalized, patient-centric healthcare system. To accomplish this goal, organizations will need to put in place clear and actionable roadmaps, assessing both the opportunities and risks of action and inertia. Companies and health institutions that do not start their quantum journey soon will be at a significant market disadvantage, unable to match the capabilities of leaders who use quantum technology for cost efficiency and growth. Quantum Technologies: Strategic Imperatives for Health and Healthcare Leaders 30