Organized by the UK National Quantum Computing Center (NQCC) on 14th March 2024, we attended this prestigious workshop held at The Royal Society, London. Topics discussed included the current status of the technologies, examples of early results in quantum chemistry applications, and challenges in algorithm and technology development. A key concept that came out in applying quantum technologies and realizing their benefits in real cases is to think of solving the entirety of a problem rather than trying to demonstrate expected results such as faster computation. Ergo’s COO Ravindra Mutyamsetty and drug discovery expert Sid Sridharan participated in the panel discussion focusing on quantum readiness of companies. They provided the input that both capacity and solutions should be the focus of the services developed by SMEs in the field when working with partners, and that pharma partners should engage with the SMEs heavily. The key challenge highlighted throughout the workshop is lack of and access to enough funding for the SMEs.
