An expert said quantum computing could help address critical issues in the healthcare sector, particularly in clinical manipulation as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more advanced.
Speaking at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development’s (DOST-PCIEERD) 16th anniversary celebration in Makati City on Monday, Nardo Nadal Manaloto Jr., managing partner of Qubits Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that specializes in investing in quantum computing, warned that the rapid evolution of AI has heightened the risk of clinical manipulation through compromised or hijacked AI systems.
Manaloto said malicious actors could tamper with medical processes, research, and even clinical operations, posing serious risks to patient safety and the integrity of healthcare systems.
"The bigger threat is AI hijacking—where there could be clinical manipulation, there could be research manipulation, there could be operational manipulation," Manaloto said.
Quantum technologies, he said, can enhance cybersecurity and data integrity by leveraging quantum random number generation and quantum encryption, both of which are far more secure than traditional methods.
He stressed the importance of integrating quantum computing into healthcare systems, which can help secure data and processes, as the healthcare sector becomes increasingly reliant on data and AI technologies.
Manaloto also delved into the other application of quantum computing, which can revolutionize drug discovery, diagnostics, and medical devices.
He cited examples of companies using quantum biology to analyze vibrational frequencies inside cells, unlocking new biological datasets that can be used to develop next-generation drugs and treatments.
Such datasets could target diseases like cancer and address inflammation at unprecedented levels of precision, he said.
Another example is how quantum sensing—another emerging application—is enabling the creation of precision biosensors that measure oxidative stress within cells. This data can help scientists better understand the root causes of diseases and create targeted therapies to combat them.
To maximize its use in addressing gaps in the healthcare sector, Manaloto called for collaboration among governments, private organizations, and academic institutions.
"Let’s co-build a divergent path through the event history," he said Manaloto outlined a roadmap for integrating quantum technologies into healthcare, starting with near-term goals such as quantum cybersecurity, quantum sensing, and workforce development.
In the medium term, he proposed focusing on semiconductor components and advanced testing, while long-term goals include the establishment of quantum networks and infrastructure.
