Understanding human biology and health at the molecular level is one of science’s greatest challenges. To help tackle this, we’re launching the Research Program at the Intersection of the Life Sciences and Quantum AI (REPLIQA).

REPLIQA is an effort by Google Quantum AI and Google.org to apply advanced quantum science and AI to the life sciences field. Part of this effort is a commitment of $10 million from Google.org to advance research at five leading academic institutions.

The quantum advantage in biology

Biological processes, like how a protein folds or how a cell reacts to a new drug, involve incredibly complex interactions at the atomic level. Classical computers often struggle to accurately simulate these interactions. Quantum technologies, however, operate using the very same quantum mechanics that govern these molecules.

For example, quantum sensors can now observe biological processes with unprecedented precision. Recent experiments even suggest that quantum spin — the way subatomic particles rotate — might play a role in how cells function. Furthermore, quantum computers have the potential to drastically accelerate simulations of complex molecular interactions, like the behavior of the P450 enzyme, which is critical for drug development.

As quantum computing technology continues to mature, we have an opportunity to combine it with AI and biological science to unlock new discoveries in biological sciences and improve human outcomes.

A scientific ecosystem

Tackling problems of this scale requires a shared vision across the scientific community. We are proud to commit funding to Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California San Diego, University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of Arizona, institutions that are already pioneering in this space.

Foundational research for future breakthroughs

We see immense potential in this emerging field. However, REPLIQA is a foundational research effort. We will not see results overnight. Instead, we are working to build the essential tools, such as quantum sensors or quantum-enhanced AI algorithms, needed to make those future breakthroughs possible. By laying this groundwork today, we hope to spark the next generation of discoveries.