Cleveland Clinic, which has been keenly focused on healthcare quantum computing applications in recent years, is partnering with Oxford, Ohio-based Miami University to advance quantum education in the Buckeye State.

WHY IT MATTERS
The collaboration will create Ohio's first specialized degree programs and research experiences in quantum computing, the organizations say, with a focus on cultivating scientific and entrepreneurial talent to "develop companies, elevate businesses and advance organizations" that make use of quantum computing.

The new program will center around creation of specialized degree programs across a spectrum of computing platforms – from classical systems to advanced high-performance and quantum computing techniques – with bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees available, with a focus on practical applications in healthcare and life sciences.

There will be a focus on biomedical research using Cleveland Clinic's IBM Quantum System One. Miami University students will have the opportunity to develop expertise in both computing and biomedical engineering, biochemistry and premed studies.

On the workforce development front, Miami University students will also have access to internships at Cleveland Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic researchers and clinicians may join Miami University in adjunct positions. The university will establish a physical presence adjacent to Cleveland Clinic's main campus, enabling closer coordination for research innovation and job creation.

This aim is to enable students to lead in quantum computing applications and development, say both organizations, equipping students with the "ethical and moral reasoning skills pertinent to the quantum field" and help them drive innovation for this emerging technology.

THE LARGER TREND
Cleveland Clinic is a longtime leader in biomedical research. Since it first launched its quantum computing partnership with IBM in 2021, the health system has gone on to develop and deploy the 127-qbit Quantum System One – the world's first quantum computer fully dedicated to healthcare research – which was unveiled in 2023.

Later that year, Cleveland Clinic and IBM announced an array of healthcare quantum computing projects and pledged to make quantum resources available to startups. This past summer, the health system also announced a new quantum computing and AI fellowship in collaboration with the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

ON THE RECORD
"This new educational collaboration strengthens Cleveland Clinic's position as a leader in healthcare innovation and the emerging quantum computing industry," said Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Tom Mihaljevic in a statement. "By joining forces with Miami University, we are creating a robust ecosystem that will attract, educate and retain top talent, while providing unparalleled opportunities for innovation."

"This synergistic partnership will establish Ohio as a global leader in quantum computing," added Miami President Gregory Crawford "We look forward to working closely with Cleveland Clinic researchers, who are at the forefront of this burgeoning technology. By combining the educational, research, and healthcare excellence of Miami University and Cleveland Clinic, we are accelerating the leading-edge power of quantum computing to shape the future of healthcare and technology."

Mike Miliard is executive editor of Healthcare IT News
Email the writer: mike.miliard@himssmedia.com
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS publication.