25 Mar 2025

The NQCC unveils Insights Paper on the transformative potential of quantum computing in healthcare and pharmaceuticals

In an event hosted by techUK, the NQCC unveiled a new Insights Paper on the transformative potential of quantum computing in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. This report explores the current landscape, near-term opportunities, and future potential of quantum computing to transform the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

Developed through extensive engagement with healthcare stakeholders – and aligned with the UK’s National Quantum Strategy and Quantum Missions – the paper offers actionable insights and recommendations for industry leaders, policymakers, and funders. With 82% of life-science organisations agreeing that quantum computing will have a commercial impact within the next decade, this paper highlights how quantum computing could deliver meaningful benefits for patients, clinicians, and healthcare systems in the years ahead.

Alongside setting out strategic directions to encourage adoption of quantum into healthcare, including funding and public engagement, the paper also covers five key sectoral priorities for the adoption of quantum computing in healthcare and pharmaceuticals:

Focused technology and algorithms development
Advanced quantum literacy
Strengthening collaboration and supporting robust partnerships
Accelerating practical implementation
Ensuring equitable access

Of interest, the paper sets out the need for scalable algorithms and hybrid quantum classical models for ongoing research and development. This hybrid approach showcases how quantum will be one of the technologies available in the toolkit for pharmecutical and healtchare companies in the coming years.

techUK welcomes this work by the NQCC and the Sparq quantum readiness programme. We look forward to seeing future work by the NQCC to incorporate quantum to deliver better patient outcomes and more effective healthcare delivery in the UK.

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.

During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.

Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.

Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.

This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

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Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster

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Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on AI, Semiconductors and Digital ID.

He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.

Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.

Email:: [email protected]
Website:: www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elis-thomas-49a1aa1a1/

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The NQCC unveils Insights Paper on the transformative potential of quantum computing in healthcare and pharmaceuticals

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