The Identification of Emerging Quantum Technologies in the Healthcare Sector: A Horizon Scanning Study

Oshin Sharma, Ross Fairbairn, Imogen Forsythe, Oleta Williams and Andrew Mkwashi

Futures & Foresight Science, 2025, vol. 7, issue 3

Abstract: Quantum technologies, driven by principles of quantum mechanics like superposition and entanglement, have shown transformative potential in drug discovery, medical diagnosis, precision medicine, and other therapeutic interventions. However, the research on emerging quantum technologies at early to late stages of development for healthcare applications is limited. The main objective of this study was to identify emerging quantum technologies such as quantum computing, diagnostics, and therapeutics, with a focus on specific applications within healthcare, such as drug discovery, diagnosis assistance, precision medicine, and treatment interventions. We conducted a comprehensive review of this landscape by analyzing data from clinical trials, published literature, and soft intelligence sources. The analysis revealed 116 quantum technologies such as computing algorithms, therapeutics, sensors, and imaging applications that are currently in development or already in the market. Diagnosis assistance‐related technologies, including technologies such as magnetoencephalography and quantum dots, constituted the majority of the technologies, while quantum computing‐related machine learning and algorithms were significant in drug discovery and precision medicine applications. The integration of quantum technologies into healthcare faces challenges such as infrastructure demands, regulatory frameworks, and the need for professional training. However, with ongoing advancements, quantum technologies are uniquely positioned to revolutionize diagnostic accuracy, computational capacity for drug design, and precision medicine. This horizon scan highlights the current innovation landscape of emerging quantum technologies in healthcare and the challenges in facilitating the integration of these technologies into healthcare systems.

Date: 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.70025

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