Korean researchers are joining a high-profile international collaboration to unlock how quantum computing could change medicine.
The research project, which aims to solve complex medical problems -- such as analyzing cardiovascular blood flow and modeling tumor microcirculation -- using quantum algorithms, has been selected for the Cleveland Clinic’s global research program.
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) said that a joint research team comprising the University of Seoul and the Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital has been selected for the “2026 Quantum Innovation Catalyzer Program.” The program is co-hosted by the Cleveland Clinic and the global investment firm K5 Global.
The program supports early-stage research using quantum computing to address biomedical problems unsolvable by classical methods. Only three teams were selected, with topics ranging from rare disease mechanisms to drug toxicity prediction and cardiovascular risk simulations.
From left, Dr. Ahn Do-yeol (University of Seoul), Dr. Han Kyung-rim (KIST), Professor Youn Jong-chan (Cardiology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital), and Professor Jung Jung-im (Radiology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital). (Courtesy of KIST)
Dr. Ahn Do-yeol, emeritus chair at the University of Seoul, will lead the Korean project, titled "Quantum Algorithm-Based CT-FFR Simulation and Tumor Microcirculation Modeling." Dr. Han Kyung-rim of KIST will manage multiscale quantum–AI hybrid modeling. Professors Youn Jong-chan (pulmonology) and Jung Jung-im (radiology) at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital will handle clinical validation.
The research targets computationally intensive fluid-dynamics problems using quantum computing, aiming to develop a non-invasive diagnostic to evaluate coronary artery stenosis from CT imaging based on the Navier–Stokes equations. The team will also develop a model to analyze drug delivery pathways in tumors.
Researchers have traditionally faced either time-consuming simulations or invasive procedures in these areas, making them ideal candidates for quantum computing applications.
Over the next 12 months, the selected team will conduct research under the guidance of Cleveland Clinic experts, using the IBM Quantum System One installed at the hospital. This system is dedicated to healthcare and life sciences research.
Schematic diagram of an open quantum system used in fluid dynamics simulation models. (Courtesy of KIST)
The project will also receive financial backing, including up to $250,000 (about 368 million won) in investment from K5 Global and an equivalent amount of in-kind support from the Cleveland Clinic.
"The successful completion of the project could significantly transform clinical diagnostics by enabling real-time cardiovascular function assessment using imaging alone—eliminating the need for invasive procedures or hours-long computations," the KIST said. "The research could also contribute to reducing drug development costs and timelines by optimizing drug delivery, one of the most failure-prone stages in pharmaceutical development."
Dr. Han said, “This study addresses two major challenges: non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostics and optimized drug delivery in development. We also aim to strengthen KIST’s quantum-bio convergence research.”
Song Soo-youn
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