Cleveland Clinic and the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) have initiated a three-year academic partnership to advance IT research in the fields of quantum technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and precision medicine.
This collaboration targets early-stage researchers and aims to merge cutting-edge technology with clinical applications. The goal is to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency through quantum sensing and AI-driven analytics, ultimately benefiting patient care and medical research.
The partnership will provide substantial support for 12 researchers over the next three years, offering up to $6.2 million in funding. This financial backing will enable studies in diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.
Dr. Lara Jehi, Cleveland Clinic’s chief research information officer, highlighted that this fellowship is part of a broader effort to support the next generation of biomedical researchers. The aim is to leverage data and technology to foster advancements in patient care and scientific understanding.
A key component of the fellowship is the provision of industrial placements, which will allow researchers to gain practical experience and explore the development of market-ready applications.
During their time at Cleveland Clinic, fellows will also have the opportunity to collaborate with IBM researchers involved in the Discovery Accelerator program, further enhancing their practical and theoretical knowledge.
The collaboration is part of a larger trend of integrating advanced technologies into healthcare. Startups and research programs, such as the Clinic Quantum Innovation Catalyzer Program, are exploring how quantum computing algorithms can address healthcare challenges.
Additionally, AI is increasingly being utilized to transform healthcare delivery and improve outcomes. However, as noted by Dr. Carrie Nelson of Amwell, the use of AI in healthcare presents risks and requires the development of robust data models and experience to fully realize its potential.
Lene Oddershede, senior vice president of NNF, emphasized that the collaboration with Cleveland Clinic aims to utilize quantum technology and AI to advance biomedical research and clinical applications. The partnership is designed to ensure that these innovative technologies contribute to a deeper understanding of disease and enhance patient outcomes.
