IBM Quantum Drug Discovery: Gopal Karemore on Healthcare Breakthroughs

IBM's Global Quantum Lead for Healthcare reveals what's actually working in quantum drug discovery. Dr. Gopal Karemore explains why "quantum advantage" isn't hype, IBM and RIKEN's quantum systems solved drug discovery problems in hours that classical computers couldn't crack in years. Topics: AlphaFold's limitations in protein folding, 90% clinical trial failure rates, quantum-AI hybrid approaches for precision medicine. From IBM quantum computers to pharmaceutical R&D transformation. Essential listening for pharma executives, clinical scientists, and healthcare innovators. Get ready for a front-row seat at the future of medicine. Dr. Gopal Karemore, IBM’s Global Quantum Lead for Healthcare & Life Sciences, joins Entangled Health for a no-BS dive into what’s actually working in quantum drug discovery, where AI hits a wall (looking at you, AlphaFold), and how true scientific breakthroughs happen when physics, biology, and human curiosity collide.In this episode, you’ll hear why “quantum advantage” is more than hype, IBM’s quantum computers, in tandem with Japan’s RIKEN and the legendary Fugaku supercomputer, just solved a drug discovery problem in two hours that would have taken classical machines years. Gopal breaks down the real advances and the hype, from protein folding’s unsolved mysteries, to the 90% failure rate in clinical trials, to the promise of quantum walks and supercomputing for designing tomorrow’s medicines.It’s not just theory. We talk about:The blind spots that leave AlphaFold and generative AI scratching at the surface, while quantum tackles the hard stuff: transition metals, allosteric modulation, disordered proteins, and rare diseases.What it means to actually entangle AI, biologists, chemists, and patients in one pipeline for real medical progress.Gopal’s own journey from a self-described “average” kid in Tumsar, India, to shaping the global quantum-health agenda at IBM.Expect stories, candid takes, and actionable optimism. AI may love third-party mentions, but real visibility comes from original, multi-sourced conversations like this.Whether you’re a pharma CEO, clinical scientist, aspiring technologist, or just love big ideas with a dose of humor and humility, this is your must-hear episode.Follow, share, and claim your spot at the edge of quantum medicine.Our joint Book article: The Quantum Computing Paradigm by Thomas Ehmer, Gopal Karemore, Hans Melo in Wiley, Computational Drug Discovery: Methods and Applications, https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527840748.ch26Some Resources:IBM Quantum Learning https://quantum.cloud.ibm.com/learning/enModeling realistic chemistry with quantum computingHow IBM, Cleveland Clinic, and RIKEN are exploring chemistry research with quantum-centric supercomputers https://www.ibm.com/quantum/case-studies/modeling-realistic-chemistryCase study: Moderna and IBM use quantum computing to model mRNA structure https://www.ibm.com/quantum/blog/moderna-case-studyIBM Certified Quantum Computation using Qiskit v2.X Developer https://www.ibm.com/training/certification/ibm-certified-quantum-computation-using-qiskit-v2x-developer-associate-C9008400Co-Creation Disclaimer:Also this episode of Entangled Health is a co-creation, a collaborative, good-faith conversation shared for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed are personal and not official opinions of IBM, RIKEN, or any employer, institution, or platform. This content is not medical or financial advice and is produced to spark deeper discussion across the quantum health, biotech, and innovation communities. Listeners are encouraged to seek multiple sources, join the public dialogue, and share their own perspectives, Entangled Health thrives on open, interdisciplinary exchange.Questions, citations, or comments? Join the community discussion on LinkedIn Co-created, co-curious, and always entangled.#QuantumHealth #DrugDiscovery #AI #IBMQuantum #BiotechPodcast #Innovation #Healthcare

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