A team of researchers from the University of Nottingham have received funding to explore the capabilities of
The new project will demonstrate how this process can harness the combined power of quantum computing and classical simulation methods to tackle the crucial task of drug discovery for myotonic dystrophy.
Myotonic Dystrophy is a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting and often affects the electrical conduction system of the heart, breathing and swallowing muscles, bowels, lens of the eye and brain.
It is the most frequent form of muscular dystrophy in adults worldwide, with an estimated 6,500 people affected in the UK.
Katie Inzani, who holds an EPSRC Quantum Technology Career Development Fellowship and is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemistry , said: “It has been an exciting first year of the project, and we are delighted with the progress that our multi-disciplinary team is making.”
Professor Peter Licence, Head of the School of Chemistry at the University, added: “Quantum computing is an exciting research frontier and it is great to see colleagues from the School of Chemistry spearheading work in this area.”
Phasecraft, the Bristol based quantum algorithms company, is providing a world-leading insight into the mathematical foundation of quantum computing, bringing quantum’s promise into real-world applications.
The quantum computing hardware for the project has been built by QuEra Computing Inc., the leading provider of quantum computers based on neutral atoms.
Based in Boston USA, the company is founded on pioneering research conducted at Harvard University and MIT. QuEra is building the industry’s most scalable quantum computers to tackle useful but classically intractable problems for commercially relevant applications.
