Quantum Technologies in Medical Science
Accelerating discovery, diagnosis, and personalised treatment through quantum innovation
➔ A Healthier Future, Powered by Quantum
Medical science is facing rising pressure, from the high cost of drug development to the need for faster, more accurate diagnosis and personalised care. Quantum technologies offer a new frontier for innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, and healthcare delivery.
From quantum-enhanced imaging to molecular-level drug modelling, the medical applications of quantum are no longer theoretical. They are taking shape today, with real-world research and partnerships leading the way.
Pressing Challenges Quantum Could Help Address
Where quantum promises to unlock medical innovation
Improving Healthcare Access and Portability
Smaller, more sensitive quantum-enabled diagnostic devices could support remote health monitoring, mobile clinics, and broader access in rural and underserved communities.
Slow and Costly Drug Discovery
Developing new treatments, especially for complex diseases like neurological conditions, takes years and billions in R&D investment. Quantum computing has the potential to simulate molecular interactions at scale, accelerating discovery and reducing costs.
Lack of Personalised Treatment Options
Quantum modelling could enable therapies tailored to an individual’s genetics, environment, and lifestyle, making personalised medicine more precise and accessible.
Late Diagnosis and Limited Monitoring Tools
Quantum sensors may detect disease markers in extremely low concentrations, enabling earlier diagnosis and continuous monitoring of disease progression with compact, even wearable, devices.
Relevant Quantum Technologies in Healthcare
Which quantum tools are most relevant — and why?
Quantum Computing & Simulation
Model molecular interactions and drug-target binding
Enable complex quantum chemistry simulations for tailored treatment development
Apply quantum machine learning to patient data for insights and risk prediction
Quantum Sensing and Imaging
Ultra-sensitive sensors to detect minute biomarker changes
Advanced imaging for neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases
Portable and wearable diagnostic tools for real-time health monitoring
Quantum Security (Emerging)
Future potential for quantum-secure data transfer and patient privacy in large-scale medical systems
Many existing technologies, such as MRI, already rely on quantum principles. The next generation of quantum sensing and computing will push these boundaries further, with quantum sensing being the most near-term technology to reach market.
Real-World Projects and Progress
Who’s leading the way in quantum medical innovation
Drug Discovery
Qubigen, QDX Technologies, University of Melbourne, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences – Quantum chemistry modelling
Silicon Quantum Computing & Hunter Institute of Medical Research – Quantum machine learning for drug discovery
Chromos Laboratories, Tessara Therapeutics, University of Melbourne – NV diamond sensing in neurological drug screening
Medical Imaging & Diagnostics
Miniprobes & Diabetes Australia – Fast quantum optical imaging for diabetes assessment
Phasor Innovation, RMIT & Swinburne – Lightweight MEG scanners for portable brain scans
UoW, University of Sydney & Electrogenics Labs – Quantum imaging for cancer radiotherapy
CSIRO & Angel Eyecare – Quantum-enabled eye imaging
Q-CTRL, Quantinuum & UWA – Quantum-enhanced medical imaging capabilities
Quantum Sensing for Diagnosis
FeBI (University of Melbourne) – Quantum-based iron disorder monitoring
UQ & OscillaDx – Quantum terahertz tech detecting invisible melanoma
University of South Australia – Sensors for bleeding management
Use Cases
Barriers to Adoption, and How We Can Help
Navigating the path from proof of concept to patient impact
Connecting Industries
We bridge quantum researchers and medtech/biopharma industries to help translate early-stage tech into practical medical solutions.
Awareness and Capability Building
We also work with the health and pharma sectors to explore where quantum can enhance R&D pipelines, diagnostics, and treatment platforms.
Commercialisation & Regulation
Quantum Australia supports research teams in understanding medical market pathways, compliance requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
Whether you're an early-stage innovator or a medtech leader exploring next-gen technology — we’re here to help align ambition with opportunity.
Connect with our Partnerships Teams
Interested in how quantum technologies could accelerate your R&D or clinical pipeline?
We’ll help you connect with the right experts, explore pilot opportunities, and assess fit-for-purpose quantum solutions in diagnostics, imaging, or therapeutics.
Let’s transform health innovation together.