Quantum sensing in healthcare: Key insights from the Q-BIOMED and ABHI webinar
Quantum technologies are rapidly shifting from theoretical exploration to practical application, and in healthcare, quantum sensing is emerging as one of the most promising frontiers. With the potential to significantly enhance how we detect, measure, and understand disease, these technologies could unlock new levels of sensitivity and precision across clinical pathways.
On 25 June, Q-BIOMED hosted a webinar in collaboration with the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) to explore what this shift means for industry. The session focused on the growing role of quantum sensing in medical imaging and in vitro diagnostics. Presentations from Q-BIOMED researchers highlighted how these approaches compare with conventional technologies and where they could enable earlier detection and more accurate diagnosis
Quantum technologies for imaging and diagnostics
Following an introduction by Ravi Chana, Executive Director for Diagnostics at ABHI, who outlined what quantum technologies are and why they could play an important role in future diagnostics, Dr Marie-Therese Rached, Senior Business Development Manager at Q‑BIOMED, introduced the Hub and provided an overview of its structure, clinical engagement activities and key research flagships.
Professor Geoff Parker (UCL) then introduced some of the work taking place as part of Q-BIOMED Flagship 1, which focuses on quantum-enhanced medical imaging. This includes the use of optically pumped magnetometers for brain imaging and cardiac magnetic induction tomography, both of which have the potential to provide new insights into human health through highly sensitive measurements of magnetic fields.
Geoff then discussed his own research into quantum-enhanced MRI. Conventional MRI signals are inherently weak and noisy, often resulting in long scan times to produce high-quality images. This can be uncomfortable for patients and costly for healthcare providers. In addition, MRI systems rely on detector coils positioned close to the area being scanned, limiting signal detection to a relatively small region of the body. Geoff explained how researchers within Q‑BIOMED are working to overcome these challenges through the development of far-field MRI, using novel quantum sensors capable of detecting signals from much greater distances. This approach could ultimately enable faster scans and more flexible imaging systems.
Next, Dr Ben Miller (UCL) introduced nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre diamonds and their applications in biosensing. He highlighted research taking place within Q‑BIOMED's second flagship, which focuses on quantum-enhanced in vitro diagnostics. Ben described how nanodiamond-based technologies can be used to improve the sensitivity of diagnostic tests and shared results from a recent clinical study involving SARS‑CoV‑2. The study demonstrated that nanodiamond-powered tests were able to detect COVID‑19 up to two days earlier than conventional gold nanoparticle lateral flow tests, illustrating the potential of quantum technologies to support earlier diagnosis and intervention.
To conclude the presentations, Marie-Therese outlined the pathway for translating quantum technologies from laboratory research into clinical and commercial success. She discussed the levels of industrial engagement required at each stage of technology maturity and highlighted the role of Q-BIOMED in facilitating partnerships that accelerate development, reduce risk, and unlock routes to market. She also demonstrated the value proposition for industry engagement across the full technology lifecycle, from early-stage research and validation through to commercialisation, market adoption, and clinical implementation.
You can watch a recording of the webinar below:
Turning innovation into impact
As quantum sensing continues to move closer to clinical reality, its potential impact on healthcare is becoming increasingly clear. From enabling earlier disease detection to enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of diagnostic tools, these technologies could help reshape patient pathways and outcomes in the years ahead.
The webinar highlighted not only the scientific advances underway, but also the importance of collaboration in turning promise into practice. Successfully translating quantum sensing into healthcare will depend on strong partnerships between academia, industry and healthcare providers, alongside clear regulatory, commercialisation and adoption pathways.
As these technologies continue to mature, collaborations such as this webinar will play an important role in building awareness, fostering partnerships and accelerating the translation of research breakthroughs into healthcare solutions that benefit patients.