Cleveland Clinic, RIKEN, IBM Named Finalists for Gordon Bell Prize

On September 9, 2026, a groundbreaking achievement in quantum computing was recognized when a multidisciplinary team from Cleveland Clinic, RIKEN, and IBM was named a finalist for the prestigious 2026 ACM Gordon Bell Prize. This recognition stems from their remarkable work in simulating a biologically significant protein composed of 12,635 atoms, marking the largest known simulation conducted with quantum computers. The ACM Gordon Bell Prize is awarded for outstanding accomplishments in high-performance computing and is highly esteemed within the field.

The project showcases the integration of quantum and classical computing methods through a framework referred to as quantum-centric supercomputing. The team’s efforts focus on the challenge of enhancing computation in drug discovery, particularly in modeling atomic movements during biological processes and accurately calculating their energies. Quantum computers, which operate based on the principles of quantum mechanics, are particularly suited for addressing these challenges, making this work significant in advancing the field of life sciences.

Initially published in May 2026, the team's calculations involved analyzing the electronic structure of two large protein complexes using IBM Quantum Heron processors. This work was conducted in collaboration with two of the world’s most powerful supercomputers: Fugaku at RIKEN and Miyabi-G, operated by the University of Tokyo and University of Tsukuba. The quantum computers utilized up to 94 qubits to perform nearly 6,000 quantum operations, which were essential for the accuracy of the simulation. The combination of quantum and classical computing enabled the team to achieve a comprehensive representation of the molecular systems.

Recent updates to their research have demonstrated further advancements, particularly in improving the accuracy of computed binding energies, which are crucial for predicting molecular interactions. The team also validated their workflow on a new supercomputer, the JHPC-quantum GPU supercomputer “ROQUO,” enhancing the efficiency of their research by minimizing manual operations and data transfers. This innovative approach suggests a promising direction for future research, illustrating how classical and quantum computing can collaboratively address complex scientific challenges.

The collaborative efforts of the team, which includes experts from Cleveland Clinic, RIKEN, and IBM, have set a new benchmark in quantum-centric supercomputing. Their work not only pushes the boundaries of what is possible in molecular simulations but also holds potential implications for drug discovery and the understanding of protein interactions. As they continue to refine their techniques, there is optimism about the future of quantum computing in advancing scientific research and its applications in medicine and beyond.