At the recent City Quantum & AI Summit, organized by the Lord Mayor of London, experts discussed the promising convergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) as a solution to some of humanity’s biggest challenges. This collaboration brings with it both significant benefits and notable risks, particularly concerning data security and encryption.
Steve Suarez, founder and CEO of HorizonX, set the tone for the discussion by outlining the dual-edged nature of quantum technology. While quantum computing poses a risk of breaking existing encryption methods, it also presents an opportunity to develop more secure and agile cryptographic techniques.
Suarez warned that many organizations are not prioritizing post-quantum cryptography (PQC), partly because experts estimate only a 3% chance of quantum computers breaking RSA encryption, which is widely used to secure data. He drew parallels to the pandemic risks in 2020, which were similarly underestimated. “The chances of a pandemic in 2020 were only 1.5%, which is why global governments are addressing it urgently,” he remarked.
Highlighting governmental action, Suarez noted that the White House has mandated that any organization seeking to work with the government must comply with PQC standards. Following the recent release of official PQC algorithms by NIST, he urged attendees to familiarize themselves with PQC and quantum key distribution, emphasizing the need to recognize both the risks and opportunities presented by these technologies.
Julia Sutcliffe, Chief Scientific Advisor at the Department of Business and Trade (DBT), emphasized that advancements in science and technology are ready to drive the development of innovative products and services. “The new government has articulated five key missions around economic growth, clean energy, safe streets, opportunity, and a National Health Service (NHS) fit for the future. Quantum can play a significant role in that,” she stated.
Sutcliffe noted the NHS's extensive database, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its potential to leverage AI for improved healthcare solutions. The Q-Biomed hub, a collaboration between University College London and the University of Cambridge, was highlighted as an initiative focused on harnessing quantum technology to enhance early disease diagnosis and treatment.
Ala Alenazi, an investment manager at Kinnevik, discussed the potential for AI and quantum computing to revolutionize drug discovery. By improving operational efficiency, these technologies can accelerate the timeline for bringing safer drugs to market. Alenazi remarked that while AI can process vast amounts of data, it cannot fully comprehend the complexities of biological processes. Quantum computing, however, can simulate these processes at a molecular level, providing deeper insights into drug interactions and aiding in the development of new treatments.
Alenazi proposed the concept of creating digital twins for individuals to optimize treatment strategies based on their unique biological and chemical makeup. “How can we understand ourselves, truly, as humans? We have multiple dimensions and levels of reactions,” she said.
Hans Henrik Knudsen, co-founder and CEO of Kvantify, elaborated on the integration of quantum and classical computing in pharmaceutical research. His company is focused on simulating natural processes to identify new cures. “It’s going to be a partnership between normal computers and quantum computers, and at that intersection, we focus on simulating the effects between drugs and bodies,” he explained. This approach aims to uncover valuable insights into chemical reactions and drug interactions that have yet to be studied.
Knudsen highlighted that while AI can identify patterns in existing data, quantum computing enhances this capability by providing deeper analytical power. For instance, while AI can generate thousands of candidate molecules, quantum technology can evaluate their potential effects on the human body.
