China Launches Institute to Integrate Quantum Computing with Data-Driven Medicine
Insider Brief:
- The Hefei Institute of Quantum Computing and Data Medicine, jointly established by Bengbu Medical University and Origin Quantum, is China’s first institute at the intersection of quantum computing and medicine, focusing on talent development and innovative research.
- The partnership intends to combine domestically produced quantum computing technology with medical datasets to advance fields like data-driven medicine and small-molecule drug development, with early projects including improving breast mammography detection efficiency.
- Since November 2023, the collaboration between the two entities has achieved previous milestones such as hosting China’s first Quantum Computing and Data Medicine Summit Forum and launching a specialized quantum computing module for data medicine students.
- Image Credit: Bengbu Medical University
- Editor’s note: This has been translated from Chinese to English using ChatGPT.
PRESS RELEASE — On the morning of December 8, the Hefei Institute of Quantum Computing and Data Medicine, jointly established by Bengbu Medical University and Origin Quantum Computing Technology (Hefei) Co., Ltd., was officially inaugurated. This marks the establishment of the first institute in China dedicated to the intersection of quantum computing and data medicine. The ceremony was attended by Jiang Jiaping, Secretary of the Party Committee of Anhui Normal University, Zheng Lanrong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Bengbu Medical University, and key representatives from both institutions, including Guo Guoping, Chief Scientist of Origin Quantum, and other university and company leaders.
Jiang Jiaping noted that this collaboration has already achieved initial results, enhancing Bengbu Medical University’s capabilities in “new medicine” and expanding its academic vision. He emphasized that modern medicine must integrate cutting-edge technologies and expressed optimism about the outcomes of this partnership, which aims to advance healthcare and digital development in China.
Guo Guoping highlighted the importance of combining quantum computing with medicine as a future development direction. He described the institute as a platform for collaboration and innovation, facilitating the integration of domestic quantum computing power with China’s extensive medical data to explore new approaches to talent development and medical applications.
Zheng Lanrong congratulated the establishment of the institute and expressed gratitude for Origin Quantum’s support. She emphasized that data medicine is a critical component of China’s “Digital China” and “Healthy China” initiatives. She called for deeper collaboration in cutting-edge quantum computing and data medicine research to achieve breakthrough results and enhance the application of quantum technologies in healthcare.
Liu Hao emphasized the need for innovation in research, noting that medical data urgently requires domestic quantum computing power for advancement. The establishment of the institute is expected to drive research in quantum computing for medical applications and cultivate specialized talent in this emerging field.
Since the strategic collaboration between Bengbu Medical University and Origin Quantum began in November 2023, the partnership has achieved significant milestones. These include hosting China’s first Quantum Computing and Data Medicine Summit Forum, launching the country’s first data medicine (quantum computing) experimental class, and publishing groundbreaking research showing that quantum computing improves the efficiency of breast mammography detection. The university continues to explore quantum computing applications, including accelerating small-molecule drug development using its proprietary superconducting quantum computer, “Benyuan Wukong.”
An appointment ceremony was held to designate Guo Guoping as the honorary dean of the institute, Liu Hao as dean, and other leaders to key positions. On the same day, Zheng Lanrong and her team visited the research institute and Origin Quantum’s facilities to further strengthen ties.